BMO Smart Advantage Checking
Make your money go further with our most popular checking account, with no monthly maintenance fee. Plus, get the flexibility to bank from anywhere with our digital tools and enjoy personalized service in-branch - whenever you need it.
Open an online account in 5 minutes!
- $0
Monthly maintenance fee
- Unlimited
Transactions at 40,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
Get a full breakdown of the account fees, terms and agreements
Get the perks you need to make real financial progress
Access to 40,000+ fee-free ATMs across the U.S., nearly as many as the two largest banks combined
Banking at your fingertips with BMO Digital Banking ā pay bills, transfer money and more
Personalized support through online chat, phone and in branch
Letās take a closer look at fees and how to avoid them
Youāll pay no monthly maintenance fee and thereās no minimum monthly balance footnote 2. But there are some less-common fees we want you to know about.
Feature | Fee |
|---|---|
| Monthly maintenance fee | $0 |
| BMO and AllpointĀ®Ā ATM transactions in the U.S. | $0 |
| Non-BMO ATM Transaction fee footnote 3 | $3 |
| Paper statements footnote 4 | $3 (fee is waived if any individual associated with your account is 65 years or older; you can also go paperless for free statements) |
| Check images footnote 4 | $3 (fee is waived if any individual associated with your account is 65 years or older; you can also go paperless statements for free check images) |
| Overdraft fee footnote 5 | $20Ā each (orĀ get overdraft servicesĀ to avoid fees) |
| Minimum opening deposit | $25 |
Interested in exploring other checking accounts?
Weāve got one that meets your unique needs.
BMO Smart Advantage Checking Frequently Asked Questions
Opening a new account online is quick and easy. All you need is:
- Your phone number, email address and U.S. residential address
- Your date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- U.S. citizenship or status as U.S. Resident Alien
- If neither applies to you, don't worry - you can still apply for an account by visiting aĀ branchĀ or calling us atĀ 1-888-340-2265
- Information to help you deposit money from your other bank, including one of the following:
- The other bank's login credentials
- Their routing and account numbers
You can open an account online in less than five minutes! You can register for online banking right away, and your debit card will arrive in the mail within a few business days.
Avoiding fees is easy ā thereās no monthly maintenance fee for our Smart Advantage account as long as you opt for paperless statements footnote 4.
We make digital banking simple and safeā¶
Bank safely from anywhere with our simple online and mobile banking tools. footnote 1
Transfer money on the go with ZelleĀ® footnote 7
Send, request and receive money from friends and family quickly and easily with ZelleĀ® ā all with no user fees from us.
Bank from anywhere with mobile check deposit footnote 8
Skip the trip to the bank and deposit checks directly from your smartphone with mobile deposits.
Manage all your accounts securely footnote 6
Simplify your banking with BMO Total Look. Manage all your accounts in one place (even if theyāre not with us), create budgets and track expenses.
Choose the right debit card for you
Select the debit card you want when you start your online application.
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Get in on exclusive fan perks for showing your team spirit.
Explore our resources for checking accounts
What is a checkingĀ account?
Checking accounts are used for a wide range of transactions and can help you manage your income and expenses. Find out what you should know.
8 key advantages of checking accounts toĀ know
How can a checking account help meet your financial needs? Let us count the ways.
Checking vs. savings accounts: what you shouldĀ know
Learn more about these products and how they can help you reach your goals.Ā
Ready to get started?
Open an account online in minutes or get in touch if you have any questions.
Call us
Give us a call if you have any questions or youāre ready to open an account.
Apply online
Open an account online in 5 minutes or less!
Visit us
Come in to one of our branches to open your account in person.
Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.
ZelleĀ® and the ZelleĀ® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
Card design and availability is subject to change without notice. The Chicago Bulls identifications are the exclusive property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the Chicago Bulls. Ā© 2026Ā NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The Milwaukee Bucks identifications are the exclusive property ofĀ NBA Properties, Inc. and the Milwaukee Bucks. Ā© 2026 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.Ā
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The Angel City FC identifications are the exclusive property of National Womenās Soccer League, LLC and Angel City FC, LLC. All rights reserved.
Footnote 1 detailsMessage and data rates may apply. Contact your wireless carrier for details.
Footnote 2 detailsAccounts with zero balance may be closed.
Footnote 3 detailsNon-BMO ATM Transaction fees will apply at all Non-BMO ATMs and AllpointĀ® Participating ATMs outside the United States; this fee will be charged for each transaction, except balance inquiry. Foreign Transaction Fees will also apply to all ATMs outside of the United States (i.e. Non-BMO ATMs, Bank of Montreal branded Participating ATMs and AllpointĀ® Participating ATMs).
Footnote 4 detailsThe monthly fee for paper statements is automatically waived if you opt to go paperless through your BMO Digital Banking preferences or if any individual associated with your account is 65 years or older. The monthly fee for check images will be automatically waived if any individual associated with your Account is 65 years or older, or if you opt to go paperless through your BMO Digital Banking preferences.
Footnote 5 detailsThere are instances we will not charge an Overdraft Fee; please review the Deposit Account DisclosureĀ for details. Footnote 6 detailsVisitĀ bmo.com/en-us/security for details.
Footnote 7 detailsMust have a bank account in the U.S. to use ZelleĀ®. Transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipientās email address orĀ U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle. For details see the BMO Digital Banking Agreement found at bmo.com/en-us/legal.
Footnote 8 detailsMobile Deposit is available using the BMO Digital Banking app. This service may not function on older devices. Users must be a BMO Digital Banking customer with a BMO account opened for more than 5 calendar days. Deposits are not immediately available for withdrawal. For details, please see the BMO Digital Banking Agreement found at bmo.com/en-us/legal.