BMO international wire transfer: Fees, limits, and rates

Alexis Konovodoff

You can send money to 50 international locations using your BMO® bank account, including the US, Australia, and Europe.¹

Let’s take a look at exactly how to send and receive a BMO international wire transfer, including BMO’s transfer limits and wire transfer fees.

We’ll also look at Wise – your international transfer alternative. Send and receive money across the globe with just the touch of a button. Let’s dive in!

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Table of contents

Can I make an international wire transfer with BMO?

You can send money to up to 50 countries and regions using BMO Global Money Transfer, including 24/7 international transfers via the BMO mobile app.

You can also access real-time exchange rates for your payment – and you can track your transfer to make sure it reaches your recipient.¹

BMO international wire transfer fee

BMO charges a 5 USD flat fee for each international transfer. However, you won’t pay BMO’s wire transfer fee if you have a Premium, Platinum, or Performance bank plan.

If BMO uses an intermediary provider to complete your transfer, you may pay an extra fee for the transaction. Some financial institutions may also charge your recipient to receive your transfer.¹

BMO exchange rates

You’ll also need to think about BMO’s exchange rate charges for foreign-currency transfers from your account.

All banks use an exchange rate to work out how much it costs to convert into local currency, but many providers add a markup to the standard exchange rate.

Look out for the mid-market exchange rate. This is the fair market rate you might see online, with no added markups or hidden fees.

BMO sets its own exchange rates – and these are subject to change at any time. The provider may also earn a profit margin from something called an exchange rate “spread” on your transaction.

This is the difference between how much BMO buys and sells foreign currencies for – and it can add a hefty markup to any foreign transactions.²

BMO may also use an intermediary bank to support your transaction.² This bank may convert your money into the correct currency for your recipient.

This conversion isn’t typically done at the mid-market rate, so you may end up paying more than expected for your transfer.

Make fast, secure and low cost international transfers with Wise

avoid-big-transfer-costs

Send money to 160+ countries with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees with Wise. Set up a free Wise account online or in the Wise app on iOS and Android, to transfer money fast in 40+ currencies.

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.

Get started with Wise

*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 do you make a BMO international wire transfer?

It’s easy to send money abroad via BMO Bank. Let’s take a look at how to make your international transfer via BMO’s online banking portal.

Step 1. Sign into BMO Online Banking

Step 2. Select “Pay & Transfer”

Step 3. Select “Global Money Transfer” and enter your transaction details

Step 4. Confirm and send your money transfer

You can also transfer money on-the-go from the BMO mobile app. Simply log into your account and follow the above steps to send your transfer.¹

What information do I need to make an international wire transfer?

You may need a few key pieces of information to set up an international wire transfer, including:

  • your name and address
  • your transit and account number
  • your recipient’s name and address
  • your recipient bank’s name and address
  • your recipient’s SWIFT code/BIC
  • your recipient’s account number or IBAN
  • your recipient’s branch or transit number³

You may need to provide a routing number and the reason for your wire. Some countries may also require you to show a valid government ID to complete your transfer.¹

Let’s take a look at the details you’ll need to receive a BMO international wire transfer.

InformationDetails
Bank nameBank of Montreal Canada
Bank addressYour bank branch address and phone number
BMO institution number³001
Swift code (USD payments)BOFMCAM2
Swift code (CAD payments)⁴PNBPUS3NNYC

You may also need BMO’s correspondent bank’s wire transfer details. These are as follows:

InformationDetails
Bank nameWells Fargo Bank® (FKA Wachovia)
Swift BIC codePNBPUS3NNYC
Fedwire ABA routing number026005092
CHIPS® UID³0509

How long does an international wire transfer with BMO take?

BMO international transfers tend to take 2 to 5 business days, but this may depend on your currency, country, and how much you want to send.¹

Speak to your BMO branch for more information about how long your wire transfer will take to reach your recipient.

What is the wire transfer limit for BMO?

You’ll need to send a minimum of 100 CAD to qualify for your BMO Global Money Transfer. The maximum amount you can send will depend on your daily debit card limit.¹

Speak to your local branch for more information about your BMO international wire transfer limit.

BMO contact information

If you want to speak to BMO for advice and support with your international wire transfer, here are the contact details you’ll need:

Phone: 1-877-225-5266

You can also use BMO’s online support tool or locate your local BMO branch for more information about your transaction.⁵

BMO international wire transfer FAQs

Let’s take a look at some frequently-asked questions about BMO international transfers.

What is the Swift code for BMO wire transfer?

BMO’s SWIFT code is BOFMCAM2 for payments in US dollars. You may need this code to receive a BMO wire transfer.

How much does BMO charge for international wire transfers?

BMO global transfers tend to cost 5 USD per transaction. You may also need to pay an exchange rate markup to convert your funds into local currency.

How do I avoid international wire transfer fees?

Many banks charge a transaction fee or exchange rate markup for international transfers. If you want to avoid international wire transfer fees, try using a money transfer platform like Wise.

You can send quick and easy transfers to over 160 countries without exchange rate markups or hidden fees.


Sending a BMO international wire transfer is an easy way to move money overseas. You can transfer money to global locations through online banking or via the BMO mobile app.

However, you’ll need to think about how much it costs to make your payment. BMO may charge a transaction fee – and the provider adds an exchange rate “spread” to foreign-currency transfers.

To explore your low-fee global spending options, check out Wise.

Sources

  1. BMO
  2. BMO - Agreements, bank plans, and fees for everyday banking
  3. Wire Transfer - Bank of Montreal (Canada) wire transfer
  4. BMO - How do I find my BIC and IBAN numbers?
  5. BMO - Contact us
Sources checked 12.10.2024


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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