How to close a BMO checking account

You can close a BMO checking account by calling BMO customer service, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if the option is available in your account settings. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or your account statement. BMO will ask you to confirm your identity, verify that you have no pending transactions, and confirm what you want done with any remaining balance.

Before you close the account, make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits tied to that account have been redirected or cancelled. Any money left in the account will be sent to you by check or transferred to another account you specify. The account typically closes within a few business days after you make the request, though some holds or pending transactions can delay that.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on your debit card or statement, visit a BMO branch, or log into online banking to start the closure process.
  • Cancel or redirect all automatic bill payments, subscriptions, and direct deposits before closing to avoid failed transactions.
  • Tell BMO how to handle your remaining balance—by check, transfer to another account, or another method.
  • The account closes within a few business days, but pending transactions or holds can extend that timeline.
  • Keep your account number and final statement for your records in case questions arise later.

Stop automatic payments and direct deposits first

Any recurring payment set to pull from this account—utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions—will fail once the account closes. You need to update each one before you close. Log into each service's website or app and change the payment method to a different account, or cancel the service if you no longer need it. This includes payroll direct deposits; contact your employer's payroll department or HR to redirect your pay to a different account.

Do not assume BMO will notify the companies pulling from your account. That is your responsibility. A failed payment can trigger late fees, service interruptions, or damage to your credit if it is a loan or credit card payment. Give yourself at least a week to make these changes and confirm they have taken effect before you close the account.

Gather what you need before you call or visit

Have your account number ready—it appears on your debit card, checks, or online banking login. You will also need a form of government-issued ID to verify your identity, whether you are calling or visiting in person. If you have questions about pending transactions or recent activity, pull up your last few statements so you can reference them during the conversation.

If you are closing the account because of fraud or unauthorized activity, mention that when you contact BMO. They may freeze the account immediately and investigate before processing the closure. If you are moving money to another account at a different bank, have that account number and routing number ready so you can give it to BMO directly.

Close by phone, in person, or online

By phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. You will be routed to an account specialist who will verify your identity, confirm the account has no pending transactions, and ask how you want your remaining balance handled. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

In person: Visit any BMO branch with your ID and debit card. A teller can close the account on the spot and handle your remaining balance immediately—by check, cash, or transfer. This is the fastest way to walk away with proof that the account is closed. Bring your account number even if you have your debit card.

Online: Some BMO accounts allow you to close through online banking. Log in, look for account settings or account management, and see if a closure option appears. Not all account types support this, so if you do not see it, use phone or in-person closure instead.

What happens to your remaining balance

BMO will not close the account if there is money in it—you have to tell them what to do with it. Your options are usually a check mailed to your address on file, a transfer to another BMO account you own, or a transfer to an external account at a different bank. If you choose a check, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you choose a transfer, it can take 1 to 3 business days depending on whether it is going to another BMO account or an outside bank.

If the account has a negative balance—meaning you owe BMO money—you will need to pay that before closure. BMO will not close an account with an outstanding balance. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or transfer from another account.

Confirm the account is closed and keep your records

After you close the account, BMO will give you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Request a final statement showing the closure date and the disposition of your balance. This protects you if a payment tries to process after closure or if you need proof later that the account no longer exists.

Keep this documentation for at least a year. If a company continues to try to charge the closed account, you can show BMO and the company that the account was closed on a specific date. If there are any disputes about the final balance or unclaimed funds, BMO can look up the closure record using your confirmation number.

What to do if you cannot close the account

If BMO tells you the account cannot be closed because of pending transactions, fraud investigation, or an outstanding balance, ask what specifically is blocking closure and when it will be resolved. Pending transactions usually clear within 5 to 10 business days. Fraud investigations can take longer—sometimes 30 days or more—but you can still close the account once the investigation is complete.

If there is a dispute about the balance or a hold on the account, ask BMO in writing (email or certified mail) to explain the reason and the timeline for resolution. Keep copies of all correspondence. If you believe BMO is wrongfully refusing to close the account, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's banking regulator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my BMO account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must pay the negative balance first. Contact BMO to find out the exact amount owed, then pay it by debit card, credit card, or transfer from another account. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can close the account.

What if I close my account and then a payment tries to process?

The payment will be rejected and the company will receive a notice that the account no longer exists. Contact the company immediately to update your payment method. If they charged you a fee for the failed transaction, ask them to reverse it and explain that the account was closed.

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

The account usually closes within 3 to 5 business days after you request closure, assuming there are no pending transactions or holds. If there are pending items, closure can take longer. Ask BMO for an expected closure date when you make the request.

Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing the account?

Yes. Cut it up or shred it so it cannot be used. The card will stop working once the account closes, but destroying it prevents someone from finding it and attempting to use it.

Can I reopen a BMO checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new account at any time. However, if the account was closed due to fraud, excessive overdrafts, or other violations of BMO's terms, BMO may decline to open a new account for you. Ask BMO whether there are any restrictions on your profile before you try to open a new account.