The BMO International Student Chequing Account lets you set up Canadian banking before you arrive in Canada. You can apply online from your home country, wire funds to your account in advance, and activate it in person at any BMO branch when you land. This guide walks you through the application step by step.
Note: This program is currently available to international students from the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
Why choose the BMO International Student Chequing Account
BMO is Canada's first and oldest bank. The ApplyBoard partnership gives you access to a dedicated pre-arrival banking program built specifically for international students.
Instant processing
Apply for a chequing account and a student GIC (if required) in one online application and receive your account details in minutes. Send up to CAD $75,000, obtain proof of funds, and access your money on arrival.
No-fee banking for students
Upon arrival, enjoy no monthly fee banking for the duration of your studies and up to one year after graduation.
Nationwide presence
BMO has more than 850 branches and over 3,250 ATMs across Canada, so you can access your account wherever you study.
Multi-lingual customer support
BMO's team includes multi-lingual staff who can support you in your language and help you feel at home in Canada.
Step 1: Access the application on the BMO website
- Go to the BMO pre-arrival banking page.
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Scroll down and select Open Chequing Account. This will take you to the application form.
Tip! If you have trouble accessing the BMO link, email gic@applyboard.com and the ApplyBoard team will help.
Step 2: Fill out the application
Work through the form carefully and answer every question accurately. You can refer to BMO's step-by-step guide for help completing each section.
There are two important questions on page 2 of the form:
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When asked "Were you referred by a partner?", select Yes.
- In the field "Please indicate the name of the partner", enter your recruitment partner's ID if you are working with a recruitment partner through ApplyBoard. If you are applying directly through ApplyBoard without a recruitment partner, enter ApplyBoard.
- Complete the rest of the form.
Step 3: Finalise the application
- Review the final summary page carefully to make sure all your information is correct.
- Check the disclaimers at the bottom of the page, then select Confirm & Apply.
After you apply, BMO will contact you by email with next steps. For some countries, account details are sent immediately. For others, BMO may need more information and will follow up through secure email.
Note: Once your account is open, you can wire a minimum of CAD $500 and up to CAD $75,000 to your new BMO account before arriving in Canada. When you arrive, visit any BMO branch in person with your passport, immigration documents, and your BMO welcome letter to activate your account. No appointment is needed.
Step 4: Follow up on your application
Keep a record of every application you submit so you can track when account details are issued and when payments are received by the bank. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the ApplyBoard team at gic@applyboard.com.
Have questions?
The ApplyBoard team is here to help. Reach out at gic@applyboard.com or through Live Chat.
Ready to open your BMO student account?
Learn more about the program or go straight to the BMO application.