You can close a BMO checking account online through the mobile app or website, but you'll need to handle the final steps by phone or in person

BMO does not offer a complete online account closure process. You can initiate the closure and move your money out through their digital channels, but you must call BMO customer service or visit a branch to finalize it. The reason: BMO needs to verify your identity and confirm you have no outstanding transactions or holds before they can officially close the account.

The process takes about 5 to 10 business days after you complete the phone or in-person step. During that time, BMO will process any pending transactions and confirm the account balance is zero.

Key Takeaways

  • You must call BMO at 1-800-363-2265 or visit a branch in person to close your account; the online app and website do not have a closure button.
  • Before calling or visiting, move all your money out of the account by transferring it to another bank or withdrawing it in cash.
  • Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready when you contact BMO.
  • The account closes within 5 to 10 business days after you complete the phone or in-person request.
  • If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits set up, change those to your new account before closing.

Steps to close your account by phone

Call BMO customer service at 1-800-363-2265. Have your account number and the phone number or email address associated with your account ready. Tell the representative you want to close your checking account.

The representative will ask you to confirm your identity, usually by providing your Social Security number or date of birth. They will also ask whether you have any outstanding checks, pending transfers, or automatic payments linked to the account. If you do, they will tell you to cancel or redirect those before the closure can proceed.

Once you confirm the account balance is zero and there are no pending transactions, the representative will submit the closure request. They will give you a confirmation number. Write it down—you may need it if you have questions during the 5 to 10 business day waiting period.

Steps to close your account in person

Visit any BMO branch with a government-issued photo ID and your account number. Tell a teller you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity and ask the same questions a phone representative would: whether you have pending transactions, automatic payments, or outstanding checks.

If your account has a balance, the teller can withdraw the money in cash or transfer it to another account you own. If you want the money sent to a different bank, provide the routing number and account number for that bank, and the teller can initiate an electronic transfer.

The teller will give you a receipt or confirmation number. Keep it. The account will close within 5 to 10 business days.

What to do before you call or visit

Move all your money out of the account first. Log into your BMO account online or through the mobile app, and transfer your balance to another bank account you own, or schedule a withdrawal. If the balance is small, you can also withdraw it as cash at a BMO ATM or teller window.

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. This step is critical—if a payment tries to post to a closed account, it will fail and may trigger late fees.

Do the same for direct deposits. If your employer or a government agency (Social Security, tax refunds) deposits money into this account, update your banking information with them before you close the account.

What happens after you submit the closure request

BMO will process any transactions that are still pending. If a check you wrote has not cleared, BMO will wait for it to clear before closing the account. If a transfer is in progress, they will let it complete. This is why the closure takes 5 to 10 business days rather than happening immediately.

Once all transactions have settled and the balance is zero, BMO will send you a final statement showing the account is closed. You will no longer be able to use the debit card or access the account online.

If you need to reopen the account within a short time, contact BMO directly—some banks will reopen a recently closed account without requiring a new application, though policies vary.

If you have a linked savings account or credit card

Closing a checking account does not automatically close a linked savings account or credit card. If you want to close those too, you will need to make separate requests for each one. A savings account closure follows the same process as a checking account. Credit card closure is different and requires a separate call or visit.

If you have overdraft protection linked to a savings account, closing the checking account will remove that protection. Make sure you understand what will happen to any remaining balance in the linked savings account before you proceed.

What to do if you cannot reach BMO by phone

If you are having trouble reaching customer service by phone, you can start the process through the BMO mobile app or website by sending a secure message to your account. Explain that you want to close your account and ask for a callback. A representative will contact you within one business day.

You can also visit a BMO branch in person—this is often faster than calling, especially during busy hours. Bring your ID and account number, and a teller can process the closure on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my BMO checking account without going to a branch or calling?

No. BMO requires you to call 1-800-363-2265 or visit a branch in person. The app and website do not have a closure option. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized account closures.

What if I have a negative balance or outstanding fees?

You must pay any negative balance or fees before BMO will close the account. If you owe money, the representative will tell you the amount. You can pay it over the phone by debit card or by visiting a branch.

How long does it take for my debit card to stop working after I close the account?

Your debit card will stop working immediately after the closure is finalized, which is 5 to 10 business days after you submit the request. During that waiting period, the card may still work if there are pending transactions processing. Destroy the card once the account is closed.

Will closing my BMO checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history (loans, credit cards, payment history), not on deposit accounts. Closing a checking account is a routine banking action.

What if I closed my account but money is still being deposited into it?

Contact BMO immediately. If a direct deposit or transfer posts to a closed account, BMO will hold the money and eventually return it to the sender. The sooner you notify BMO, the faster they can redirect the deposit to your new account or return it to the sender without delay.