BMO (Bank of Montreal) is one of the Big Five Canadian banks and a popular choice for everyday banking thanks to its straightforward account plans and fee structure. If you send or receive money through Interac e-Transfer with BMO, it is important to understand the specific limits, fees, and quirks that apply to your account.
BMO structures its e-Transfer limits across four tiers: per-transaction, daily, weekly, and monthly. This layered approach means you could have room for individual transfers but still hit a cap at the weekly or monthly level. Here is what you need to know.
In this guide
BMO Interac e-Transfer Limits
BMO sets a $3,000 per-transaction limit for personal accounts, which is consistent with most Canadian banks. However, BMO also enforces $3,000 daily, $10,000 weekly, and $20,000 monthly caps. These rolling limits mean that even if you stay under the per-transaction cap, cumulative transfers throughout the week or month can block further sends.
Some BMO account holders may see a $2,500 default limit instead of $3,000. This typically depends on your debit card type and account history. If your limit shows as $2,500, you can request an increase through BMO's online banking or by calling their support line.
| Limit Type | Personal | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Per Transfer | $3,000 | $25,000 |
| Daily | $3,000 | $25,000 |
| Weekly (7 days) | $10,000 | — |
| Monthly (30 days) | $20,000 | — |
| Receiving (per transfer) | $25,000 | |
Limits shown are defaults for standard accounts and may vary by account type. Dash (—) means the bank does not publish a separate limit for that period. Last verified March 2026.
Watch your weekly and monthly caps
BMO is one of the few Big Five banks that enforces all four limit tiers. Even if each individual transfer is well under $3,000, you will be blocked once you hit the $10,000 weekly or $20,000 monthly ceiling. Plan larger payment cycles accordingly.
BMO e-Transfer Fees
This is where BMO stands out. All BMO Everyday Bank Plans include free unlimited Interac e-Transfers. That covers the vast majority of BMO personal chequing account holders, including those on the Premium Plan, Plus Plan, and Practical Plan.
If you are on an older pay-per-use account that is not part of an Everyday Bank Plan, BMO charges $1.00 per outgoing e-Transfer. Receiving e-Transfers is always free, regardless of account type.
For most BMO customers, the free unlimited sending is a meaningful advantage. Some competing banks still charge $1.00 to $1.50 per transfer on their basic accounts -- for example, Scotiabank charges $1.00 and CIBC charges $1.50 -- so if you send e-Transfers frequently, BMO's plan structure can save you money over the course of a year.
Tip for freelancers and self-employed Canadians
If you receive client payments by e-Transfer, turn on Autodeposit so funds land in your account automatically. This removes the risk of expired transfers and means clients do not need to remember a security question. Be mindful of common e-Transfer scams when receiving payments from new contacts.
How to Increase Your BMO e-Transfer Limit
If the standard $3,000 per-transaction limit is not enough, here are the ways to raise it:
- Adjust your limit in BMO Online Banking. Log in, go to your profile settings, and look for the Interac e-Transfer limit section. BMO allows some customers to increase their per-transaction and daily limits directly online, unlike banks that require a phone call.
- Call BMO at 1-800-363-9992. If the online option does not show a higher limit, a phone advisor can review your account and raise it. Have your account details ready.
- Upgrade to a BMO business account. Business accounts support significantly higher per-transaction limits (up to $25,000) and are the best path for anyone regularly sending or receiving large payments.
Keep in mind that even if your per-transaction limit is raised, the weekly ($10,000) and monthly ($20,000) caps still apply unless you are on a business account. For high-volume senders, this is the most important constraint to plan around.
BMO Interac e-Transfer Not Working
If your BMO e-Transfer is failing or stuck, check these common issues:
- You have reached a cumulative limit. Remember that BMO enforces daily, weekly, and monthly caps. You might have room for a single transfer but have already used up your weekly or monthly allowance.
- Your debit card limit is set to $2,500. Some BMO debit cards default to a lower e-Transfer limit. Check your card settings in online banking or the BMO app.
- The recipient's email or phone number is incorrect. A small typo will prevent delivery. Verify the contact information and try again.
- Autodeposit routing conflict. If the recipient has registered Autodeposit with a different email or at a different bank, the funds may go somewhere unexpected.
- Temporary hold or fraud review. BMO may flag unusual transfer patterns. If your transfer is pending for more than a few hours, contact BMO at 1-800-363-9992.
How Long Does a BMO e-Transfer Take?
When the recipient has Autodeposit enabled, BMO e-Transfers typically arrive within minutes. Without Autodeposit, the recipient must accept the transfer by answering a security question, and the funds are held for up to 30 days before the transfer expires.
Delays can occur during system maintenance or if BMO's fraud detection flags the transaction for review. If a transfer has been pending for several hours, call BMO at 1-800-363-9992 for status.
Stay on top of your e-Transfer income
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Get Started FreeHow to Cancel a BMO e-Transfer
You can cancel a pending e-Transfer as long as the recipient has not deposited the funds:
- Log in to BMO Online Banking or the BMO Mobile Banking app.
- Go to Transfers and find the pending e-Transfer.
- Select Cancel.
Once the recipient has deposited the money (or if Autodeposit is enabled on their end), the transfer cannot be reversed by BMO. You will need to contact the recipient directly to arrange a return. Be cautious of situations where someone claims a transfer did not arrive after you have confirmed it was deposited -- this is a common pattern in e-Transfer scams.
BMO Business e-Transfer Limits
BMO business accounts offer substantially higher limits than personal accounts, with per-transaction caps of up to $25,000 and higher daily, weekly, and monthly allowances. If you are a freelancer, contractor, or micro-business owner who regularly processes payments above $3,000, upgrading to a BMO business account removes the most common bottleneck.
How BMO Compares to Other Banks
BMO's $3,000 per-transaction limit is standard among the Big Five. Where BMO differs is in its layered weekly and monthly caps, and its generous fee structure. Free unlimited e-Transfers on all Everyday Bank Plans is a strong selling point compared to banks that only offer free transfers on premium accounts. However, the $10,000 weekly cap is tighter than some competitors like TD, which may matter if you send high volumes. Digital banks like EQ Bank and Tangerine also offer free e-Transfers with competitive limits.
| Bank | Per Transfer | Daily | Monthly | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBC | $3,000 | $10,000 | — | Free |
| TD | $3,000 | $3,000 | $20,000 | Free |
| Scotiabank | $3,000 | $3,000 | — | $1.00 |
| BMO (this page) | $3,000 | $3,000 | $20,000 | Free |
| CIBC | $3,000 | $3,000 | $30,000 | $1.50 |
| Tangerine | $3,000 | $3,000 | $20,000 | Free |
| Simplii Financial | $3,000 | $3,000 | $30,000 | Free |
| EQ Bank | $5,000 | $5,000 | $50,000 | Free |
| Wealthsimple | $5,000 | $5,000 | $30,000 | Free |
| National Bank | $4,000 | $4,000 | — | $1.25 |
| Desjardins | $5,000 | $5,000 | — | Varies |
| ATB Financial | $5,000 | $5,000 | $150,000 | Free |
Limits shown are defaults for standard personal accounts. See our complete bank comparison for full details. Last verified March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BMO Interac e-Transfer limit?
BMO allows up to $3,000 per transfer with a daily limit of $3,000, a weekly limit of $10,000, and a monthly limit of $20,000. Some accounts may have a $2,500 default depending on the debit card type.
Are BMO e-Transfers free?
Yes. BMO includes free unlimited e-Transfers on all Everyday Bank Plans, which covers most account holders. Older pay-per-use accounts may be charged $1.00 per transfer.
How do I increase my BMO e-Transfer limit?
Call BMO at 1-800-363-9992 or visit a branch. You may also qualify for higher limits by upgrading your bank plan.
How long does a BMO e-Transfer take?
With Autodeposit enabled, transfers arrive within minutes. Standard transfers typically complete within 30 minutes.
Can I cancel a BMO e-Transfer?
Yes, you can cancel a pending transfer through BMO Online Banking or the BMO app, provided the recipient has not yet deposited it.
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The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. While we strive to keep this content accurate and up to date, we make no guarantees about its completeness or reliability. Always consult your bank, a qualified professional, or the relevant authority for advice specific to your situation. Last updated March 2026.