You can close a BMO checking account by phone, in person, or online, depending on your account type and what BMO calls it

The fastest way to close a BMO checking account is to call BMO customer service at 1-800-363-2265. Tell them you want to close the account, and they will walk you through it on the call. If you have money in the account, they will ask how you want it sent — usually by check mailed to your address, or transferred to another bank account you provide. If you owe money (overdraft or fees), they will tell you what you owe before closing.

You can also close the account in person at any BMO branch. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number. The teller will process the closure and handle your remaining balance the same way — by check or transfer. If you prefer to avoid a phone call or a trip, some BMO account types allow you to close online through your BMO Digital Banking login, though this option is not available for all account types.

Before you close, make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to the account. If you forget and a payment tries to go through after closure, it will be rejected, and you may face late fees from whoever was supposed to receive the money.

Key Takeaways

  • Call BMO at 1-800-363-2265 to close your account; they will handle the balance and ask how you want any remaining money sent to you.
  • You can also close in person at a BMO branch with your ID, or online through BMO Digital Banking if your account type supports it.
  • Cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account before closing, or they will be rejected and may trigger late fees.
  • If you have an overdraft or unpaid fees, BMO will tell you what you owe before the account closes.
  • A check for your remaining balance usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days if you choose that option instead of a transfer.

What happens to money still in the account

When you close the account, BMO will not keep any money you have left. You choose what happens to it during the closure call or visit. The two most common options are a mailed check or a transfer to another bank account.

If you ask for a check, BMO will mail it to the address on file. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days. If you ask for a transfer, you provide the routing number and account number of the bank where you want the money to go, and it typically arrives within 1 to 3 business days. A transfer is faster and safer than waiting for a check, so it is the better choice if you have another account ready.

If the account has a negative balance (you owe BMO money), you will have to pay that before or at the time of closure. BMO will tell you the exact amount owed.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits first

Before you close the account, go through your recent statements and look for any recurring charges — subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance, loan payments, anything that comes out automatically. You need to stop these or move them to a different account before the closure is final.

The same goes for direct deposits. If your paycheck, benefits, or other regular income goes into this BMO account, you need to change the deposit instructions with your employer or the organization sending the money. Contact them and provide your new account details, or ask them to pause deposits until you have set up a new account elsewhere.

If you close the account while payments are still attached, those payments will bounce. The merchant or creditor will see the rejection and may charge you a returned-payment fee, and you could end up late on a bill. It takes only a few minutes to update these, and it saves you from that headache.

Closing the account by phone

Call 1-800-363-2265 during BMO's customer service hours. Have your account number and ID ready. When you reach someone, tell them you want to close your checking account.

They will confirm your identity, ask why you are closing (you do not have to give a detailed reason), and check for any outstanding balance or fees. If there is money in the account, they will ask whether you want it mailed as a check or transferred to another bank. If you choose transfer, have the routing and account number of your destination bank ready to give them.

Once you confirm the details, the account will be closed. You will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or ask them to email it to you. The closure is usually final within 24 hours, though any remaining balance may take longer to reach you.

Closing the account in person at a branch

Find your nearest BMO branch using the branch locator on BMO's website. Go in during business hours with your government-issued ID and your debit card or account number.

Tell the teller you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account, confirm your identity, and show you the current balance. If there are any fees or overdrafts, they will tell you then. You will choose how to receive your remaining balance — check or transfer — and provide any information needed (like a routing number if you choose transfer).

The teller will process the closure and give you a receipt or confirmation. Keep this in case you need proof later that the account was closed.

Closing online through BMO Digital Banking

Not all BMO checking accounts can be closed online. If yours can, you will see a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option in your BMO Digital Banking login under account settings.

Log in, navigate to the account you want to close, and look for the closure option. You will be asked to confirm your identity and choose what to do with any remaining balance. Some online closures require you to have zero balance before you can proceed, so you may need to transfer money out first or request a check.

If you do not see a closure option online, your account type does not support online closure. In that case, use the phone or in-person method instead.

What to do if the account has an overdraft

An overdraft means you owe BMO money because you spent more than was in the account. BMO will not close the account until you pay what you owe.

When you call or visit to close, they will tell you the exact amount. You can pay it right then — by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer, depending on the method — or you can ask about a payment plan if the amount is large. Once you pay, the closure can proceed.

If you do not pay the overdraft, the account will stay open and BMO may continue to charge overdraft fees. It is better to settle it and close cleanly than to leave it hanging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

The account is usually closed within 24 hours of your request. However, if you are waiting for a check or transfer of your remaining balance, that can take 5 to 10 business days for a check or 1 to 3 days for a transfer. The account closure itself is fast; the money movement takes longer.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

You can open a new BMO checking account at any time, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. If you think you might need the account again soon, consider pausing it instead of closing it, or contact BMO to ask about their options.

What if I forgot to cancel a subscription before closing?

The payment will be rejected when it tries to go through after the account closes. Contact the merchant or subscription company right away, give them your new account information, and ask them to resubmit the charge. You may also need to pay a returned-payment fee they charged, so reach out quickly.

Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing?

Yes, cut it up or shred it so it cannot be used. Once the account is closed, the card will not work anyway, but destroying it is a good security habit. Do not just throw it in the trash.

Will closing the account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history. A checking account is not a credit product, so closing it has no impact on your credit.