You can close a BMO checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have an outstanding balance
BMO offers three ways to close a checking account: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using their online banking platform if your account is in good standing. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card, where a representative can walk you through the closure and answer questions about your balance or pending transactions. If you have a negative balance, outstanding checks, or automatic payments still linked to the account, you'll need to resolve those before closure is complete.
Before you close, make sure you've redirected any direct deposits or automatic bill payments to another account. BMO will not automatically transfer these, and missing a payment because it went to a closed account can damage your credit or result in late fees from the biller. If you have a safety deposit box, you'll need to empty and close that separately, usually at the same branch where you close the account.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your debit card, visit a BMO branch, or use online banking to request closure, but phone is fastest for getting immediate confirmation.
- Redirect all direct deposits and automatic bill payments to another account before closing, because BMO will not transfer these automatically.
- If your account has a negative balance or pending checks, you must settle those before the account can close.
- If you hold a safety deposit box, empty it and close that separately at your branch.
- After closure, keep your final statement and any records of transactions for at least one year in case disputes arise.
Closing by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your BMO debit card or check. Have your account number and a form of identification ready—the representative will verify your identity before proceeding. Tell them you want to close the account and ask them to confirm the current balance and whether there are any pending transactions or automatic payments still active on the account.
The representative will walk you through the closure process and may ask why you're closing (this is optional to answer). They'll confirm your mailing address so BMO can send your final statement. Ask them to note in the account record that you've requested closure and get the date and time of the call for your records. Some accounts close immediately; others may take a few business days if there are pending items.
Closing in person at a branch
Visit any BMO branch with a valid government-issued ID and your debit card or account number. A banker will review your account balance, check for pending transactions, and confirm that no automatic payments are still linked. If you have a safety deposit box, this is the time to empty it and close that box as well.
The banker will print a closure confirmation and may offer to open a new account with a different product if you're switching for a specific reason. Ask for a copy of your final statement on the spot if possible, or confirm the mailing address where it will be sent. If your account has a positive balance, ask how you'd like to receive it—some branches can issue a check or transfer it to another account on the same day.
Closing through online banking
Log into your BMO online banking account and look for account settings or account management options. Some BMO accounts allow you to request closure directly through the platform, though not all account types support this. If the option appears, select it and follow the prompts to confirm your identity and review your account balance.
Online closure requests typically take two to five business days to process. You'll receive a confirmation email once the request is submitted, and another when the closure is complete. If online closure is not available for your account type, you'll see a message directing you to call or visit a branch instead.
What happens to your balance and pending transactions
If your account has a positive balance, BMO will issue a check to your mailing address or transfer the funds to another account you specify. This usually takes five to seven business days after the account officially closes. If your account has a negative balance (you owe money), you must pay that amount before closure can be completed.
Checks you've written that haven't cleared yet will still be processed after the account closes, so the funds must remain available until those checks arrive at the bank. If you're concerned about pending checks, ask the representative how long BMO typically holds funds for uncashed checks—this varies but is usually 180 days. Automatic payments scheduled after the closure date will be rejected, which is why redirecting them beforehand is critical.
Redirecting direct deposits and automatic payments
Before you close the account, log into each service that sends you money (your employer, Social Security, a pension provider) and update your direct deposit information with your new bank account details. This typically takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so make the change at least two weeks before your account closes if possible.
For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website or call them directly and update your payment method. Don't rely on BMO to notify them—you're responsible for ensuring payments go to the right place. If you miss updating a payment and it bounces, the biller may charge a returned-payment fee and report it as late, even though the account is closed.
After your account is closed
Once BMO confirms the account is closed, you won't be able to use the debit card or access the account online. Keep your final statement and any transaction records for at least one year. If a dispute arises—for example, if a check clears after closure or a merchant tries to charge the card—you'll need proof of the closure date and your final balance.
If you notice unauthorized transactions on the account after closure, contact BMO immediately. You have a limited window to report fraud, and the bank's ability to investigate depends on how long the account has been closed. If you closed the account because of fraud or security concerns, ask BMO whether they recommend closing any linked accounts or credit products as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my BMO account if I still have pending checks?
You can request closure, but BMO won't finalize it until pending checks clear or the hold period expires. Ask the representative how long they hold funds for uncashed checks—usually 180 days. If you're in a hurry, consider keeping the account open until you're certain all checks have cleared.
What if I have automatic payments set up and I forget to redirect them?
Payments scheduled after your closure date will be rejected, and the biller will likely charge a returned-payment fee and report it as late. You're responsible for updating each biller before closure. If this happens, contact the biller immediately to explain and ask them to reprocess the payment to your new account.
How long does it take to receive my final balance after closing?
If your account has a positive balance, BMO typically issues a check or processes a transfer within five to seven business days after closure. If you requested a transfer to another account, confirm the receiving bank received it before assuming it's lost.
Can I reopen a BMO checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new BMO checking account at any time. However, if your account was closed due to fraud, overdrafts, or violations of BMO's account agreement, the bank may review your history before approving a new account.
What should I do if I closed my account and then received a bill for a charge I didn't authorize?
Contact BMO immediately and provide the date you closed the account and your final statement. Report the unauthorized charge as fraud. The bank will investigate, but your ability to dispute depends on how long the account has been closed and whether the charge occurred before or after closure.