Direct investing with BMO
Whether you’d like to make your own investment choices, invest with advice, or have your portfolio managed for you, there’s an online option to help you make progress toward your investing goals.
Platforms that meet your evolving needs – so your strategy can grow with you
Access to world-class research, tools, accounts and investments
In-branch support if and when you need it – so you’re never investing alone
Direct investing solutions for every investor
Investing online doesn’t have to mean investing alone. You can have as much — or as little — control and support as you want. Compare our direct investing services and decide what works best for you.
A great choice if: You want to be in control of the entire online trading and investment process, have access to research, tools, IPOs or margin trading.
Invest in: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, GICs, CDRs, options.
Pricing: $9.95 per trade and $0 per trade on select ETFs.
$10,000 minimum account size
A great choice if: You want to trade online yourself with advisor support, tools, research, and built-in trade recommendations backed by expert analysis to help you decide what to do (including trade recommendations).
Invest in: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and GICs.
Pricing: Advisory fees as low as 0.10% of billable assets for portfolios $5MM or greater.
Compare platforms
Find the perfect match based on your investing preferences.
BMO InvestorLine Self-DirectedOnline Trading | BMO InvestorLine adviceDirectOnline trading with advice footnote star, star | BMOSmartFolioOnline portfolio management | |
|---|---|---|---|
Trade on-the-go with the BMO Invest App | available | available | not available |
Indicators and alerts | available | available | not available |
Responsible investing with tools, research and ESG Insights | available | available | not available |
Trading on margin | available | available | not available |
Access to Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) | available | available | not available |
Access to BMO Active Trader | available | not available | not available |
Options trading | available | not available | not available |
Trade recommendations and personalized advice | not available | available | not available |
ETF portfolios matched to your risk tolerance | not available | not available | available |
Professionally managed portfolios | not available | not available | available |
footnote star, starInvesting more than $500k? Check out adviceDirect Premium
Why invest online with BMO?
Platforms that meet your evolving needsBMO's investing services grow with you. We’re constantly improving our platforms so you can rest easy knowing there’s always a way for you to invest using your evolving investing strategy.
World-class research and toolsDive into a wealth of research withBMO’s team of economic experts. Stay on top of all the economic trends, with access to tools and research, to ensure you’re always on the right path to success.
Support when you need itAccess dedicated support teams for each investing platform when you need them—available in person, online or over the phone.
24/7 account accessNo matter which platform you choose, access your portfolio online or using our BMO Invest App, anytime. Check your performance or make changes to your portfolio on your terms.
Help me choose
Direct investing FAQs
Yes. You can visit a branch to discuss your investing goals or discuss a financial plan with an in-branch investment professional. You can contact a platform-specific support member virtually or visit a branch to speak more broadly about your direct investing options.
Yes. You can visit a branch to discuss your investing goals or discuss a financial plan with an in-branch investment professional. You can contact a platform-specific support member virtually or visit a branch to speak more broadly about your direct investing options.
- No, you can open an account online. Below are links for each investing platform.
Yes! We have direct investing options for every investor, regardless of portfolio size. There’s no minimum balance for opening a Self-Directed account.* Opening a SmartFolio account will require a minimum of $1,000, while opening an adviceDirect account will require a minimum of $10,000.
Of course. Just follow the three-step process below to transfer an individual account from another institution to InvestorLine Self-Directed or adviceDirect.
Step 1: Open an direct investing account with either Self-Directed, adviceDirect or SmartFolio.
Step 2: For Self-Directed and adviceDirect account, log in to your account and click on Account Services, Move Money, then the Transfer Accounts tab. For SmartFolio accounts, log in to your account and access the Add Funds section.
Step 3: Follow the prompts and instructions to complete your account transfer.
Still not sure if Direct investing is for you?
Check out BMO Smartfolio, our online low-fee professional ETF portfolio management platform that saves you time and money.
Dedicated portfolio managers manage your portfolio of ETFs
Low advisory fees from 0.4 to 0.7%
Total transparency about your performance, fees and progress
Have questions? That’s what we’re here for.
Chat with us
Connect with a Specialist from Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).
Call us
Connect with an Investment Specialist from Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET).
1-888-776-6886 North America (Toll-free)
1-416-355-8366 International (Collect call)
Let us contact you
Have one of our Specialists contact you to discuss your needs.