Call BMO or visit a branch to close your account

The fastest way to close a BMO bank account is to call BMO customer service at 1-800-363-9992 (for BMO Harris Bank in the US) or visit your local branch in person. You will need your account number and a form of ID. The bank can walk you through the process on the phone, or a teller can handle it face-to-face. Either method takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you have a BMO online banking account, you cannot close it through the app or website — you must call or visit a branch. This is standard for most banks because they need to verify your identity and confirm you have no outstanding holds or pending transactions on the account.

Before you call or go in, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you owe money, the bank will not close the account until the debt is settled. If you have a negative balance, the bank may apply it against any remaining funds or refer it to collections.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-363-9992 or visit a BMO branch to close your account; online closure is not available.
  • Bring your account number and ID, and make sure your account balance is zero or positive before you contact the bank.
  • Stop using the account and transfer or withdraw all funds at least one week before closure to avoid overdraft fees.
  • Ask BMO for written confirmation of closure and keep it for your records in case the account appears on your credit report later.
  • If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits set up, change them to your new account before closing.

Move money out and redirect automatic payments first

Before you close the account, transfer or withdraw all remaining funds. Log into your BMO online banking or mobile app and move money to another account, or visit a branch and withdraw cash. Leave the account empty for at least one week before you call to close it. This prevents the bank from charging overdraft fees if a pending transaction clears after you request closure.

Check for any automatic bill payments or recurring charges tied to the account. Log into your biller accounts (utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan servicers) and update the payment method to your new bank account or credit card. If you miss this step, payments may fail and you could face late fees or service interruptions.

If you receive direct deposits (paycheck, benefits, tax refunds), contact your employer or the benefit administrator and provide your new account number. Direct deposit changes usually take one to two pay periods to take effect, so make the change at least two weeks before you close the old account.

What happens to checks and pending transactions

If you have checks outstanding that have not cleared yet, they will bounce after the account closes. Contact anyone you wrote a check to and ask them to wait for a new check from your new account, or arrange payment another way. Bounced checks can trigger overdraft fees and may damage your banking history.

Pending transactions — charges that have been authorized but not yet posted — may still clear after closure. The bank will attempt to process them against the closed account, which usually results in a returned payment and a fee to the merchant. This is why it is important to wait at least a week after transferring all funds before you request closure.

If a transaction does post after closure and creates a negative balance, BMO may charge you a fee or send the debt to collections. Ask the bank what happens to any post-closure activity when you call to close the account.

Closing a joint account requires both account holders

If the account is held jointly with another person, both of you must agree to close it. BMO will not close a joint account on the request of one person alone. Both account holders should call together or visit the branch together with their IDs. If you cannot both be present, one person can call with authorization from the other, though BMO may require a signed letter or power of attorney.

Before closure, make sure both account holders agree on what happens to any remaining balance. If there is money in the account, the bank will not close it until you both decide how to split or distribute the funds. If there is a negative balance, both account holders are responsible for the debt.

Request written confirmation of closure

After the bank closes your account, ask for written confirmation. This can be a letter, an email, or a note in your account history. Keep this document for your records. If the account appears on your credit report later, or if a merchant tries to charge the closed account, you will have proof that you closed it on a specific date.

Some banks take 7 to 10 business days to fully process closure and remove the account from their system. During this time, do not attempt to use the account. If you try to make a transaction and the account is still showing as active, call BMO again to confirm the closure was completed.

Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to make sure the account is marked as closed by the account holder, not closed due to inactivity or default. You can view your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com.

What to do if you cannot close the account by phone or in person

If you live far from a BMO branch and cannot call during business hours, you have a few options. You can mail a written request to close the account to your local BMO branch, including your account number, name, and signature. Include a copy of your ID. The branch will process the request, though this method takes longer — usually two to three weeks.

If you have a power of attorney or are acting on behalf of someone else, bring the power of attorney document to the branch or include a certified copy with your mailed request. BMO will verify the document before closing the account.

If you are closing the account because of fraud or unauthorized activity, tell the bank immediately. BMO has a fraud department that can freeze the account right away and investigate. This is faster than a standard closure and protects you from further unauthorized charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my BMO account hurt my credit score?

Closing an account does not directly lower your credit score, but it can affect your credit utilization ratio if you close a credit card. For a checking or savings account, closure has no impact on your credit report. However, if the account has a negative balance that goes to collections, that will hurt your score.

What if I have a BMO credit card linked to the bank account?

Closing your checking or savings account does not close your credit card. You must close the credit card separately by calling the credit card customer service line. Make sure any automatic payments for the card are set up with your new bank account before you close the old one.

Can I reopen a BMO account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new BMO account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, BMO may require you to pay the debt or wait a certain period before opening a new account. Ask the bank about their policy when you close the account.

How long does it take for BMO to fully close my account?

Most closures are complete within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, the account may still appear in your online banking, but you will not be able to use it. After 10 business days, contact BMO if the account is still showing as active.

What if I owe BMO money when I try to close the account?

BMO will not close the account until the debt is paid. You can pay the balance over the phone, at a branch, or through online banking. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure. If you do not pay, the bank may close the account and send the debt to collections.