You can close your BMO checking account online through their website or mobile app, but only if your account is in good standing and has a zero balance
BMO allows you to start the closure process online, but the final step usually happens over the phone with a representative. The reason for this is that BMO wants to confirm you are the account holder, check for any pending transactions, and make sure you have moved your direct deposits and automatic payments elsewhere. If your account has a negative balance or outstanding checks, you will need to settle those before closing.
The exact steps depend on whether you use BMO's website or their mobile app, and the process takes a few minutes once you have logged in. After you request closure online, a representative will call you to verify your identity and complete the closure. Your account will typically close within one to three business days after that final confirmation call.
Key Takeaways
- You can request to close your BMO checking account through their website or mobile app, but a representative must complete the closure over the phone.
- Your account must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before BMO will close it.
- You should move any direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and recurring transfers to another account before you request closure.
- The entire process from your online request to final closure usually takes one to three business days.
Steps to close your account through BMO's website
Log into your BMO online banking account using your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for the account settings or account management section — this is usually found in a menu labeled "Settings," "Preferences," or "My Accounts." Click on the checking account you want to close.
Look for an option that says "Close Account," "Account Closure," or "Close This Account." Click it, and BMO will show you a summary of your account and ask you to confirm that your balance is zero. If your balance is not zero, you will not be able to proceed online — you will need to make a deposit or withdrawal to bring it to zero first. After you confirm, BMO will ask for a reason for closure (this is optional) and then schedule a callback from a representative.
A BMO representative will call you within one business day to verify your identity and confirm the closure. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready for this call. The representative will ask a few security questions and then process the closure. Your account will be closed by the end of that business day or the next business day.
Steps to close your account through the BMO mobile app
Open the BMO mobile app and log in with your credentials. Tap on the checking account you want to close to open the account details page. Look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or three dots) at the top or bottom of the screen.
Tap "Account Settings" or "Manage Account" from that menu. Scroll down until you see "Close Account" or "Account Closure." Tap it, and the app will confirm that your balance is zero and ask you to verify your identity using your PIN or biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition). After you confirm, the app will schedule a callback from a BMO representative, just as the website does.
What you need to do before you close your account
Before you request closure, move any money that is still in the account. This includes transferring your balance to another bank account or withdrawing it in cash. Even a balance of one cent will prevent BMO from closing the account online, so make sure the account shows exactly zero.
Check for any automatic payments or recurring transfers that are set to come out of this account. Log into any services that charge you regularly — utilities, subscriptions, insurance, loan payments — and update them to pull from your new account instead. This usually takes a few minutes per service. If you miss one, that payment will fail and you may face a late fee from the service provider.
If you receive direct deposits into this account (paychecks, government benefits, transfers from another account), contact your employer, benefits office, or the other account holder and ask them to change the deposit account. This can take one to two pay periods to take effect, so do this well before you close the account.
What happens if your account has a negative balance
If your account is overdrawn — meaning you owe BMO money — you cannot close it online. You will need to call BMO directly at the number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. A representative will tell you how much you owe and accept payment over the phone using a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
Once your balance is paid in full and shows as zero, you can then request closure through the website or app using the steps above. If you do not pay the negative balance, BMO may send your account to a collection agency, which will damage your credit and may result in legal action.
What to do if you cannot close your account online
If the online closure option does not appear or you get an error message, your account may have a hold on it, pending transactions, or other issues that prevent online closure. Call BMO at the number on your debit card or statement and explain that you want to close your checking account. A representative can tell you what is blocking the closure and help you resolve it.
You can also visit a BMO branch in person with a government-issued ID and ask a representative to close the account for you. Bring your debit card and any checks you have left. This is often faster than calling if you have a branch near you, and the representative can answer questions about your account on the spot.
What happens after your account closes
Once your account is closed, you will no longer be able to use your debit card, write checks, or access the account through online banking. BMO will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks. Keep this letter for your records.
If a payment or deposit comes in after the account is closed, BMO will return it to the sender. This is why it is important to update all your automatic payments and direct deposits before you close. If you realize you need to reopen the account or access old statements, contact BMO — they can usually retrieve statements for closed accounts for up to seven years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my BMO checking account if I still have checks outstanding?
No. You must wait until all checks have cleared before closing the account. If you have written checks that have not yet been cashed, contact the recipients and ask them to cash them before you close the account, or wait until you are certain they have cleared. BMO will not close an account with pending checks.
Will closing my BMO checking account hurt my credit?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history — not on checking or savings accounts. You can close a checking account without any impact on your credit.
How long does it take for my BMO account to fully close after I request it online?
The process usually takes one to three business days from the time you request closure online. A representative will call you within one business day to confirm, and the account will be closed by the end of that day or the next business day. Weekends and holidays may add extra time.
What if I change my mind after I request closure?
If you change your mind before the representative calls you to confirm, you can cancel the closure request through the website or app. If the representative has already called and confirmed the closure, contact BMO when ready to ask if the closure can be reversed. The sooner you call, the better your chances of stopping it.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance from overdraft fees?
No. You must pay the negative balance in full before closing. Call BMO to pay the amount owed, and then you can request closure online once your balance is zero. If you do not pay, the account will remain open and BMO may pursue collection action.