BMO transfer limit – US guide [2025]

Want to send money using your BMO account? Like most institutions, BMO has different limits based on the type of transaction you’re completing. For example, the BMO wire transfer limit is much higher than the Zelle cap.

Our guide outlines everything you need to know about making international wire transfers, using Zelle, and setting up an account-to-account transfer with BMO.

We'll also introduce Wise — your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to over 140 countries - all at the standard mid-market exchange rate.

Learn more 🔎

BMO transfer limits overview

BMO sets per-transaction, per-day, pending, and per-month (rolling 30-day period) transfer limits for account-to-account transfers. If you’re a private bank client, you’re subject to BMO’s high limit transfer thresholds.

Here’s a look at the BMO external transfer limits for inbound and outbound transfers¹:

If you need to send a payment that exceeds the standard account limits but you aren’t eligible for a private client account, there are other options.

Sending a wire transfer with BMO is one way to avoid these limits. While wires take longer than normal account-to-account transfers, they’re also secure and reliable.

Learn more about Wise

What is the BMO Zelle limit?

Like many institutions, BMO partners with Zelle to offer account holders instant transfer options. The money is available in minutes for domestic transfers.

If you take advantage of the Zelle integration, you can send up to 750 USD per day or up to 5,000 USD per rolling 30-day period.¹

Before sending money with Zelle, verify that the recipient has enrolled. If they haven’t, they’ll receive a text or email notifying them that they need to sign up to receive their funds.

If your recipient banks with BMO or another institution that offers Zelle integration, they may be able to avoid or minimize fees. On the other hand, if they’re transferring the money directly from their Zelle account, they’ll have to pay a small debit card transaction fee.

BMO international transfer limits

To send money internationally, you’ll need to set up an international wire transfer.

There is no BMO global money transfer limit, but BMO does note that you may face limits and fees based on your account type.²

You’ll also need to check with the other institution to find out if they place limits on transfer amounts or require an additional waiting period.²

🚨 Note that BMO doesn’t make any delivery guarantees when it comes to international transfers.

The institution states that it typically processes and releases international wires the same business day if the request is received in time. However, the delivery process will normally take several business days to complete. With that in mind, you should initiate the wire as soon as possible.

Send high amount, low cost international transfers with Wise

A smart option if you’re sending money overseas: meet Wise.

Over 50% of Wise payments arrive instantly* — and all Wise transfers are deposited directly into your recipient's bank account for convenience.

No ongoing fees, no hidden charges and no hassle — just fast, transparent international transfers that can beat the banks.

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*Transaction speed claimed depends on funds availability, approval by Wise’s proprietary verification system and systems availability of our partners’ banking system, and may not be available for all transactions.

How can you check your BMO transfer limits?

To check your account limits, you can select “Limits” on your digital banking account.¹

Most accounts are subject to the standard limits outlined above. However, if your account is subject to lower or higher limits, that information will be visible on this screen.

If you have questions about your limits, contact BMO directly. A company representative can provide insights about your daily and 30-day rolling caps.

Can you increase your transfer limits at BMO?

Yes, you can increase your BMO transfer limits by becoming a private bank client. However, BMO doesn’t outline what those transfer limits are — they vary based on your minimum balance and other factors.

Typically, financial institutions require you to hold a minimum balance in your savings account or sign up for specialty product offerings in order to access higher limits. Alternatively, you can set up a domestic or international transfer, which isn’t subject to the same limitations.

Note that transfers that exceed 10,000 USD are subject to IRS reporting requirements. This is due to international wire regulations.

What are BMO transfer fees and charges?

BMO doesn’t charge fees on external transfers or Zelle transfers.² However, if a transaction overdrafts your account, you could be charged an overdraft or transfer fee.

For wire transfers, the fee depends on whether it’s an international or domestic transfer²:

When sending money internationally, you’ll also have to pay an exchange rate.

Some institutions charge the mid-market rate plus an additional flat fee or percentage. It’s important to keep in mind that this fee can vary based on where you’re wiring the money and the current market rates. As such, it could impact the total cost of the transaction.

Things to keep in mind when transferring high amounts

The BMO Zelle transfer limit is capped at a modest 750 USD, and the daily external account transfer fee is limited to 2,000 USD.

If you need to transfer a larger sum from your BMO account, you’ll need to set up a wire transfer. While the flat fee is relatively low, the additional charges involved with international transfers can make this option expensive.

Before initiating your transfer, make a point of exploring all of your options and comparing the fees you’ll pay.

With Wise, you can send secure and trackable large amount transfers to 140+ countries worldwide with transparent fees and the fair mid-market exchange rate.

Have a look at the main benefits for using Wise to send large transfers:

• Dedicated support for large transfers
• Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork
• Upfront, transparent fees
• Fully trackable transfers
• Fast transfer times
• Two-factor authentication and real-time notifications

Sources

1. BMO - BMO Account Transfer Limits
2. BMO - Wire Transfer FAQs