How to Schedule and Prepare for a BMO Bank Appointment

What to expect when you book a BMO appointment

BMO (Bank of Montreal) lets you book appointments at most branches through their website, phone line, or by walking in. You can schedule time with a banker to open an account, discuss loans, set up investments, or handle other banking needs. Most appointments are 15 to 30 minutes, though complex matters like mortgage applications may take longer.

When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk or with a greeter. The banker will meet you in a private or semi-private space. If you're opening an account or applying for credit, bring the documents listed below — having them ready means the appointment moves faster and you're more likely to leave with a decision that day.

BMO branches vary in size and staffing. Smaller branches may have fewer bankers available, so booking ahead is more important than at larger locations. If your branch doesn't have availability within a few days, you can ask to be added to a waitlist or try a nearby branch.

Key Takeaways

• Book BMO appointments online through their website, by calling 1-800-363-9992, or in person at your local branch.
• Bring a government-issued ID, proof of address (utility bill or lease), and your Social Insurance Number for any account opening or credit application.
• Most routine appointments take 15 to 30 minutes, but mortgage or investment consultations may run longer — ask when you book.
• If your preferred branch is fully booked, ask about waitlist options or check availability at a nearby location.
• Cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance through the same channel you used to book.

How to book your BMO appointment online or by phone

The fastest way to book is through BMO's website. Go to bmo.com, select "Appointments" from the menu, enter your postal code or branch name, and choose a date and time that works for you. You'll need to say what you want to discuss — opening an account, mortgage consultation, investment review, or another service — so the system can estimate how long you'll need and route you to the right banker.

If you prefer to book by phone, call 1-800-363-9992 during business hours. A representative will ask the same questions and confirm your appointment. You'll receive a confirmation email or text, depending on what you provided.

You can also walk into any BMO branch and ask to book an appointment on the spot. This works if you need something urgently or prefer to speak to someone in person. The greeter will check availability and may be able to fit you in the same day if a banker has an opening.

Documents to bring for account opening or credit applications

For a new chequing or savings account, bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card) and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or recent mortgage statement all work for proof of address — it should be dated within the last 90 days.

If you're applying for a credit card, line of credit, or loan, also bring your Social Insurance Number (or have it memorized) and recent pay stubs or tax returns showing your income. For a mortgage, you'll need two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, proof of down payment funds, and details about the property you're buying or refinancing.

For investment or RRSP consultations, bring any existing account statements you have, information about your employer's pension plan if you have one, and a rough idea of how much you want to invest. The banker will ask about your goals and timeline, so thinking through those beforehand saves time.

What happens during your appointment

The banker will start by confirming what you need and asking questions about your situation. For account opening, they'll verify your identity, confirm your address, and ask about your banking habits — how often you use branches, whether you need online banking, and what features matter to you. They'll then walk you through the account options and help you choose.

For loans or credit applications, the banker will review your income, employment, and credit situation, then explain what products you may have access to for and what the terms are. They may not give you a final decision on the spot — some applications go to an underwriting team — but they'll tell you when to expect an answer and how you'll be contacted.

If you're discussing investments or RRSPs, the banker will ask about your financial goals, how long you plan to invest, and how comfortable you are with risk. They'll then suggest products and explain the fees. This conversation often leads to follow-up appointments if you want to move forward.

Preparing for your appointment in advance

Write down what you want to accomplish before you go. If you're comparing account types, jot down which features matter most — no monthly fees, high interest on savings, good mobile app, or something else. If you're applying for a loan, write down the amount you need and what it's for. This keeps the conversation focused and helps the banker give you relevant options.

If you have questions about BMO's products or rates, check their website before your appointment. You'll get more out of the meeting if you already know the basics and can ask about specifics that matter to you.

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. This gives you time to check in and settle in before the appointment starts. If you're running late, call the branch directly to let them know — most bankers will wait a few minutes, but calling ahead is courteous and prevents the appointment from being cancelled.

Cancelling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to cancel or move your appointment, do it through the same channel you used to book. If you booked online, log back in and cancel from your account. If you booked by phone, call 1-800-363-9992. If you booked in person, call the branch directly.

Try to cancel at least 24 hours in advance. This gives BMO time to offer the slot to another customer. If you cancel with less notice, the banker may still have time blocked off and won't be able to see someone else.

If you need to reschedule rather than cancel, ask about availability when you call. The representative can often move you to a different time slot in the same conversation.

What to do if you can't reach your branch or need help

If the branch you want isn't showing availability online, try calling 1-800-363-9992. The phone line sometimes has access to different time slots, or a representative can add you to a waitlist and call you when something opens up.

If you're trying to book for a specific service that your local branch doesn't offer — for example, some smaller branches don't have mortgage specialists — ask whether you can book at a larger nearby branch or whether the specialist can meet you by phone or video.

For urgent matters like a lost card or a problem with your account, don't wait for an appointment. Call the customer service number on the back of your card or go to the branch in person and explain the situation to the greeter. They can often help immediately or connect you to someone who can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do my banking appointment over the phone or video instead of in person?

Some services can be handled by phone or video, especially account reviews and investment consultations. When you book, ask whether your appointment type can be done remotely. For account opening or credit applications, BMO may require you to come in person to verify your identity, though this varies by service.

What if I don't have all my documents when I arrive?

Tell the banker what you're missing. For some services, they can take your information and follow up by email or phone. For others, like account opening, you may need to reschedule once you have everything. It's better to call ahead if you know something is missing — the banker can tell you whether it's worth coming in.

How long does it take to get approved for a loan or credit card after my appointment?

This varies. Some credit card decisions come through the same day or within a few business days. Loans and mortgages typically take longer — anywhere from a few days to a few weeks — because they go through underwriting. The banker will give you a timeline when you apply.

Can I book an appointment for someone else, like a parent or spouse?

You can book an appointment and mention that another person will attend, but BMO may ask that person to confirm their identity when they arrive. If you're booking on behalf of someone else who can't call or go online, call the branch directly and explain the situation — they can often help you set it up.

What if I arrive late to my appointment?

Call the branch as soon as you know you'll be late. Most bankers will wait 10 to 15 minutes, but if you're significantly delayed, they may need to reschedule you to another time. Calling ahead prevents the appointment from being cancelled and shows respect for the banker's schedule.