About BMO Bank of Montreal
BMO InvestorLine is a top-tier brokerage that excels in bridging the gap between independent trading and professional guidance. It offers a highly curated list of over 80 commission-free ETFs, making it highly attractive to portfolio builders. Its standout feature is 'adviceDirect,' an innovative hybrid service that continuously monitors your portfolio and provides active, algorithmic alerts if your asset allocation drifts off track. It is a superb choice for investors who want the autonomy of a discount broker paired with the safety net of institutional oversight.
The Good
- CIRO & CIPF Regulated Dealer
- 80+ Commission-Free ETFs (includes popular Vanguard/iShares)
- Integrated with BMO banking
- Solid "AdviceDirect" upgrade option
The Bad
- Standard stock trades are $9.95
- Interface is functional but not exciting
Fee Structure
Updated 2026| Fee Type | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Stock Trade Commission
|
Standard stock trades are $9.95. Drops to $3.95 for Active Traders (150+ trades/qtr).
|
$9.95 |
|
ETF Buy Commission
|
Standard ETF purchases are $9.95. Offers a promotional list of select Commission-Free Canadian ETFs.
|
$9.95 |
|
ETF Sell Commission
|
Standard ETF sales are $9.95.
|
$9.95 |
|
Options Commission
|
Options are $9.95 base + $1.25/contract (Active Traders: $3.95 base + $1.25/contract).
|
$1.25 |
|
Mutual Fund Commission
|
No commission to buy/sell Mutual Funds. 1% early redemption fee (min $43) if held under 90 days.
|
Free |
|
Inactivity / Low Balance Fee
|
Non-registered accounts: $25/quarter if balance is under $15k.
|
$25.00 |
|
Registered Account Fee (Annual)
|
Registered accounts: $100/year if balance is under $25k ($50/year for RESPs).
|
$100.00 |
|
Transfer Out Fee
|
$150 fee for account transfers out.
|
$150.00 |
|
Withdrawal Fee
|
$50 for RRSP/RRIF deregistration. $25 for LLP/HBP withdrawals.
|
$50.00 |
Key Features
U.S. Dollar (USD) Accounts
Hold US dollars natively in your account to avoid paying punishing currency conversion fees every time you trade US stocks.
Options Trading
Trade options contracts to hedge your portfolio, generate income, or speculate on future price movements.
Mutual Fund Trading
Access thousands of professionally managed mutual funds from leading financial institutions.
Mobile App (iOS & Android)
Manage your portfolio, execute trades, and monitor the markets on the go with a fully-featured mobile application.
CIPF Protected
Your account is safeguarded by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) against the insolvency of the brokerage.
Bank-Owned / Big 6
Backed by the financial stability, security, and integrated banking convenience of one of Canada's major banks.
Best for ETFs
An exceptional platform for building passive ETF portfolios, featuring robust tools or commission-free purchasing.
Free ETF Buy
Purchase Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) with zero commission fees (standard fees may still apply when selling).
Margin Trading
Borrow money against your existing portfolio to increase your buying power and potentially amplify your returns.
CIRO Member
RateBuddy Verdict
undefined stands out for its accessibility to new investors. With competitive pricing and a solid reputation backed by BMO Bank of Montreal, it remains a top contender in the Canadian market.