You can close a BMO account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you have an outstanding balance

BMO offers three main ways to close an account: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if your account type supports it. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or your account statement. Before you start, make sure any automatic payments tied to the account are cancelled or moved to another bank, your balance is zero or positive, and you have your account number ready.

The process itself takes minutes on the phone but may take longer if you need to visit a branch or if there are complications—like a negative balance, pending transactions, or holds on the account. BMO does not charge a fee to close most personal checking or savings accounts, though some specialty accounts may have different rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Call BMO customer service at the number on your card or statement to close most accounts; this is the fastest method and requires only your account number and identity verification.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, bill pay, or direct deposits before closing, or they may fail and create overdraft fees.
  • Bring your account to a zero or positive balance; if you owe money, you must pay it before the account closes.
  • If you have a mortgage, investment account, or credit card with BMO, closing a linked checking account may affect those products and requires a separate conversation.
  • After closing, keep your final statement and confirmation number for your records in case a charge appears later.

What to do before you call or visit

The most common reason a closure gets delayed is an outstanding balance or active automatic payments. Check your account for any pending transactions, scheduled bill payments, or recurring charges. If you have direct deposit set up, contact your employer or benefits provider to redirect future deposits to your new bank account.

If you have a negative balance—meaning you owe BMO money—you must pay it in full before the account closes. You can do this by transferring funds from another account, making a deposit in person, or paying by phone. BMO will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and the longer you wait, the more likely you are to incur additional fees.

Write down your account number, the last four digits of any linked card, and the reason you are closing (you do not have to share it, but it helps if there is a service issue). Have your government-issued ID ready if you plan to visit a branch.

Closing by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. You will be asked to verify your identity—usually by providing your account number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or the card linked to the account. The representative will confirm your balance and ask whether you want any remaining funds mailed to you as a check or transferred to another account.

Tell the representative you want to close the account and ask them to note in your file that you have requested closure. They will provide a confirmation number and may ask when you want the closure to take effect. Some accounts close when ready; others close at the end of the business day or within one to three business days. Ask specifically about the timeline so you know when to stop using the account.

Before you hang up, confirm that no automatic payments are still attached and ask whether any fees will be charged. Request a confirmation email or letter, and write down the representative's name and the date of the call.

Closing in person at a BMO branch

Visit any BMO branch with your government-issued ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and ask how you want any remaining funds handled. If your balance is negative, you will need to pay it before the account closes.

The in-person process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask for a written confirmation of the closure, including the date it takes effect and a confirmation number. If you have checks still in use, bring any unused checkbooks so the teller can note them in the system and prevent fraud.

In-person closure is useful if you have questions about linked accounts, need to discuss a service issue, or want to move money to a new account at the same branch. It also creates a paper trail if there is a dispute later.

Closing online or through the mobile app

Not all BMO account types support online closure. Checking and savings accounts sometimes do, but investment accounts, mortgages, and credit cards typically require a phone call or branch visit. Log into your BMO online banking or mobile app and look for account settings or account management. If a closure option appears, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and select how you want remaining funds handled.

Online closure is the fastest method when it is available, but it does not always provide a confirmation number or written record when ready. After you submit the request, check your email for a confirmation within 24 hours. If you do not receive one, call customer service to confirm the closure went through.

What happens to linked accounts and services

If you have a BMO mortgage, investment account, line of credit, or credit card, closing a linked checking account may affect those products. For example, if your mortgage payment is automatically deducted from the checking account you are closing, that payment will fail unless you update the payment method. Contact BMO before closing to update any automatic payments tied to other accounts.

If you have overdraft protection linked to a savings account or credit card, closing the primary account may disable that protection. Ask the representative whether any other accounts will be affected and what you need to do to prevent service interruptions.

After the account closes

BMO typically sends a final statement within one to two billing cycles. Keep this statement and your confirmation number for at least one year. If a charge appears on another account or a company tries to debit the closed account, you will have proof of the closure date.

If you receive a check for remaining funds, it usually arrives within five to seven business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call customer service with your confirmation number and ask them to trace it.

After closure, do not use the account number for new transactions or bill pay. If a company tries to charge the closed account, contact that company first to update your payment method. If the charge persists, contact BMO with the confirmation number and explain that the account is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must pay the negative balance in full before BMO will close the account. You can transfer funds from another bank, make a deposit in person, or pay by phone. Once the balance reaches zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

How long does it take for a BMO account to close after I request it?

Most accounts close within one to three business days. Some close the same day you request closure. Ask the representative or teller for the exact date so you know when the account will no longer accept transactions. Check your online banking a few days later to confirm it shows as closed.

What if I have checks still in use when I close my account?

Bring any unused checkbooks to the branch or mention them during your phone call. BMO will note them in the system to prevent fraud. Checks written before closure may still clear for a short time after closure, but new checks will be rejected. Do not write new checks once you have requested closure.

Will I be charged a fee to close my BMO account?

BMO does not charge a fee to close most personal checking and savings accounts. Some specialty accounts or accounts with outstanding balances may have different rules. Ask the representative before you close whether any fees explore.

What should I do with my debit card after I close the account?

Cut it up or shred it to prevent misuse. You do not need to return it to BMO unless they specifically ask. Once the account is closed, the card will not work, but destroying it removes the risk of someone finding it and attempting to use the number.