BMO’s standard ATM cash withdrawal limit is $1,000 per day — consistent with RBC, TD, and Scotiabank. The limit applies to cash dispensed from ATMs and resets at midnight Eastern Time daily. For amounts above the ATM limit, a branch teller withdrawal is the most straightforward alternative.
A notable BMO advantage: Canadian BMO clients can access BMO Harris Bank ATMs in the United States without the standard $2–$5 foreign ATM fee that applies at other US machines — useful for clients who travel to or live in the US Midwest.
ATM Withdrawal Limits by Account Type
| Account | Daily ATM Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Practical | $1,000 | Standard limit |
| Plus | $1,000 | Standard limit |
| Performance / Premium | $1,000 | May qualify for higher limit on request |
| Student Account | $500–$1,000 | May be lower for new accounts |
The $1,000/day limit applies only to ATM cash withdrawals. It does not affect your Interac debit purchase limit ($5,000/day for most accounts) or your ability to make transfers or bill payments through BMO Online Banking. Practical account holders (12 transactions/month) also pay $1.25 per additional transaction beyond the monthly allowance, which includes non-BMO ATM withdrawals.
BMO ATM Network in Canada
BMO operates 3,300+ ATMs across Canada. ATMs are located at:
- All BMO branch locations
- Selected grocery stores and shopping centres
- Major airports and transit hubs across Canada
Use the BMO branch and ATM locator at bmo.com or in the BMO mobile app to find the nearest machine. The app’s GPS-based locator shows ATM-only locations separate from full-service branches.
BMO Harris ATMs in the United States
Through BMO Harris Bank, Canadian BMO clients have access to ATMs across:
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Arizona
Canadian BMO debit cards work at BMO Harris ATMs without the $2 foreign ATM fee that typically applies when using a Canadian debit card at a non-Canadian institution. Currency conversion still applies — USD withdrawals are converted at BMO’s daily exchange rate.
This cross-border ATM access is a genuine differentiator from Scotiabank, RBC, and CIBC, which do not offer equivalent fee-free US ATM access. TD’s comparable advantage is through the TD Bank USA network, which covers the eastern US seaboard.
Fees for Non-BMO ATMs
| Transaction Type | BMO Fee | Operator Surcharge | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-BMO ATM (Canada) | $2.00 | $2.00–$3.00 | $4.00–$5.00 |
| BMO Harris ATM (US) | $0 | None (BMO Harris) | Currency conversion only |
| Non-BMO ATM (US/international) | $2.00 + 2.5% FX | Operator surcharge | Varies |
Performance Plan clients also pay $1.25 per additional transaction beyond the 12-transaction monthly allowance, which includes non-BMO ATM withdrawals.
How to Increase Your BMO ATM Limit
Temporary Increase (Same-Day)
Call 1-877-225-5266 before the day you need the higher limit. Agents can arrange a temporary 24-hour increase for situations like a large cash purchase or travel cash needs.
Permanent Increase
- Call 1-877-225-5266 or visit a BMO branch with government-issued photo ID
- Request a permanent ATM limit increase
- BMO will review your account type and history — most requests for modest increases are approved for established clients
Alternatives to ATM Withdrawals for Large Cash Needs
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Branch teller withdrawal | Unlimited; ID required; branch hours apply |
| Bank draft | Free with Premium Plan; $7.50 otherwise |
| Wire transfer | Sends funds to another account; ~$25 domestic |
| Interac debit purchase + cash back | Many retailers offer cash back on debit purchases (up to $200) |