Documents and information BMO requires to open an account

BMO requires a government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number to open a personal checking or savings account. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of address, BMO accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days.

You'll also need to provide your date of birth and contact information. If you're opening an account online or by phone, BMO may ask additional questions to verify your identity, such as details about previous addresses or financial accounts. If you're opening an account in person at a branch, bring the original documents — BMO staff will review them before you complete the account setup.

Non-U.S. citizens can open accounts, but the process differs slightly. You'll need a valid passport or travel document, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security number, and proof of address. Some branches may require additional documentation depending on your visa status or residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of address from the last 90 days, and your Social Security number to open a BMO account.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it must show your current address.
  • Opening an account online takes about 10 minutes, while in-person appointments at a branch may take 15 to 30 minutes.
  • BMO offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts, each with different minimum balance requirements and monthly fees.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, though some account types may have restrictions.

Opening an account online versus in person

BMO lets you open most personal accounts online through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The online process takes about 10 minutes: you upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your personal information, choose your account type, and set up online banking access. BMO verifies your identity electronically and funds can be available the same day or within one business day.

Opening an account in person at a BMO branch takes longer but may be easier if you have questions or need help. Bring your original documents, and a banker will walk you through the process, which usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. In-person accounts are fully active immediately, and you can deposit money and receive a debit card on the spot if you request one.

Some account types, such as business accounts or accounts for minors, require in-person verification or additional steps. Check BMO's website or call your local branch at the number listed on their site to confirm whether the account you want can be opened online.

Minimum balance requirements and monthly fees

BMO's checking and savings accounts have different minimum balance requirements depending on the account type. Some accounts have no minimum balance requirement, while others require you to maintain $500 to $2,500 to avoid a monthly maintenance fee. The fee typically ranges from $6 to $15 per month if your balance falls below the minimum.

You can waive the monthly fee on many accounts by setting up direct deposit, maintaining a certain balance, or linking multiple accounts. BMO also offers ways to reduce or eliminate fees — for example, some accounts waive the fee if you have a BMO credit card or mortgage with them. Review the specific account's fee schedule on BMO's website before opening, as terms vary by account type and location.

Student accounts and accounts for customers under 25 often have lower or no monthly fees. If you're unsure which account fits your situation, BMO's website has a comparison tool, or you can speak with a banker in person or by phone.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, BMO will issue you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days if you opened online. If you opened in person, you may receive a card immediately or within a few days. You can set up online banking and mobile banking right away to transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance.

Your account number and routing number are available immediately in your online banking portal or mobile app. You'll need these to set up direct deposit with your employer or to receive wire transfers. If you need a physical checkbook, you can order one through online banking or ask for one at a branch — there may be a small fee depending on the type of checks you order.

BMO provides FDIC insurance on your deposits up to $250,000 per account type, per depositor. This means your money is protected if BMO fails. If you have multiple account types at BMO (such as a checking account and a savings account), each is insured separately up to $250,000.

Age requirements and accounts for minors

You must be at least 18 years old to open a personal account in your name alone. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must open a custodial account with you, which gives them access to the account and the ability to manage it on your behalf.

For a custodial account, both the minor and the parent or guardian must be present in person at a BMO branch. You'll need the minor's birth certificate or passport, the adult's government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and both Social Security numbers. The adult has full control of the account until the minor reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state), at which point the account can be converted to a standard personal account.

Some BMO branches offer student checking accounts designed for customers under 25, which may have lower fees or no minimum balance. These accounts can often be opened online if the student is at least 18.

Special situations: No Social Security number or address

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but don't have a Social Security number. BMO will accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for account opening.

If you don't have a permanent address, opening an account is more difficult but not impossible. Some BMO branches may accept a temporary address, such as a shelter, a friend's address, or a mail forwarding service. Call your local BMO branch to ask whether they can work with your situation — policies vary by location, and some branches are more flexible than others.

If you're experiencing homelessness or housing instability, community organizations in your area may help you gather the documents you need or connect you with banks that have more flexible requirements. The 211 helpline (dial 211 or visit 211.org) can direct you to local resources.

What to do if your account application is declined

BMO may decline your account application if you have a history of overdrafts, unpaid fees, or fraud at other banks. BMO uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to check your record. If you're declined, ask BMO which reason led to the decision — they're required to tell you.

You can request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com. If there's an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If the decline is based on your banking history, some banks and credit unions offer second-chance checking accounts designed for people with past banking problems. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits, but they can help you rebuild your banking history.

If you were declined due to identity verification issues, bring additional documents to a BMO branch in person. A banker may be able to verify your identity on the spot and open your account. If you were declined for other reasons, wait at least 30 days before reapplying, as BMO may review your situation differently after that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a BMO account without a Social Security number?

Yes, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and works the same way as a Social Security number for banking purposes. You'll need to provide your ITIN, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of address, just as you would with a Social Security number.

How long does it take to open a BMO account online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You upload your ID and proof of address, enter your personal information, and choose your account type. BMO verifies your identity electronically, and your account is usually active the same day or within one business day. You can start using your account immediately through online banking.

What if I don't have a recent utility bill for proof of address?

BMO accepts several forms of proof of address dated within the last 90 days: a lease agreement, mortgage statement, government mail, insurance statement, or bank statement. If none of these are available, ask your BMO branch whether they can accept an alternative, such as a letter from a landlord or a mail forwarding service confirmation.

Do I need to deposit money when I open my account?

No initial deposit is required to open most BMO accounts, though some account types have minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly fees. You can open an account with zero dollars and deposit money later. Check the specific account's terms on BMO's website to see whether a minimum balance applies to the account you're opening.

Can I open a BMO account if I've been declined before?

Yes, you can reapply after at least 30 days have passed. If you were declined due to ChexSystems information, request your free report at www.chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If the decline was due to identity verification, bring additional documents to a branch in person. Some BMO branches may be able to open your account with extra verification steps.