Credit Card, BMO Rewards & Airmiles FAQ

What can I do to file a claim for a stolen or lost card?

For credit card accounts, report immediately by taking a few easy steps.

  • Log into Online Banking and go to My Accounts..

  • Select the card that's missing or stolen.

  • Select the the Manage Card from the options available and follow the steps.

You can also swiftly be able to report the theft of your credit card as being stolen via Mobile Banking.

For debit cards, please call us right away at 1-800-361-3361..

Also Details: https://cardsactivation.com/

Change PIN

Do I have to alter my pin? What do I need to do?

You can alter your credit card's PIN in the BMO Bank in Montreal(r) ATM. We recommend you pick one that is not easily guessable by anyone else. Change your PIN regularly to ensure security.

If you've forgotten your pin, contact BMO by calling 800-263-2263 or go to any local BMO office.

Also Details: https://cardsactivation.com/bmo-activation-www-bmo-com-activate/

BMO Alerts

What are the benefits of BMO Credit Card Alerts?

BMO Credit Card Alerts makes it easy to keep track of your credit card account activity and to monitor your account for suspicious transactions.

How are BMO Credit Card Alerts delivered?

BMO Credit Card Alerts are delivered to you through email or text message.

What credit card alerts are available?

Minimum Payment Due

Receive an alert, based on your preference, 1 to 10 days before your minimum payment is due if you have a balance owing, or if you have not made your minimum payment yet.

Posted Payment

Receive an alert when a payment is posted on your account.

Approaching Credit Limit

Set an amount below your credit limit and receive an alert any time your available credit approaches this threshold.

Authorized Transaction

Receive an alert when a transaction is made for a specific threshold amount. (e.g. I want to receive an alert anytime a purchase over $75 is made on my BMO credit card)

Security Alerts

Get notified of any suspicious activity on your Credit Card account, and either verify the transaction or immediately report it as fraudulent.

How do I enroll or modify my credit card Alerts?

It’s easy. Simply sign into BMO Online Banking using your BMO debit card or credit card. Click the “My Alerts” link under the “My Profile & eDocuments tab”.

  • In “My Alerts” select “Alert Preferences” to choose your alert delivery method (i.e. email, text or both).

  • On the same screen you may also configure your alert settings such as a “do not disturb” window, language or to temporarily suspend your alerts. Once completed you can return to the “My Alerts” page and select the alerts you wish to enable.

  • In “My Alerts”, select the alerts, threshold and delivery method for the alerts you wish to receive.

Once you have set-up your preferences you can change them at any time.

How much does BMO Credit Card Alerts cost?

BMO credit card alerts is a complimentary service for our valued customers. Refer to your wireless service plan to determine if any charges from your mobile carrier apply when receiving text messages.

What happens if I change my email address or mobile phone number?

Sign into BMO Online Banking using your BMO credit card. Click the “My Alerts” link under the “My Profile & eDocuments tab” and simply update your new contact details.

Are my alert messages secure?

Once I make changes to my alert preferences, how quickly will those changes take effect?

Alert type changes will take effect immediately. If you make changes to your mobile phone number, you’ll need to reply “YES” to the verification text message BMO sends shortly after the update.

I enrolled in Alerts. Why am I not receiving them?

First, be sure to confirm your alert preferences in Online Banking. If you’re still not getting your alerts, try doing the following:

  • Confirm that all your contact method information is accurate. If you’re selected email, make sure the alerts aren’t going to your junk mail folder.

  • Ensure that your alerts have not been “turned off” or “suspended” in your Manage Preferences page.

  • If the contact method is SMS/ text, ensure your mobile device is capable of receiving text messages and the settings on your device are set appropriately.

If you’re still having trouble receiving alerts, you can always contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Balance protection

Is there coverage available to protect my card balance?

Protect yourself and your family in case of unexpected events by protecting the balance on your BMO credit card (up to $15,000*) with BMO Credit Card Balance Protection**. This coverage also helps maintain your credit rating. Costs $0.94 per $100 (plus applicable taxes) of your total average daily balance.

Manage my credit card

Change limitation

What can I do to change the limit of my credit card on my card?

When you're the cardholder who is primary You can request an upgrade or decrease in the credit limit of BMO credit card. To request an increase or decrease to the limit on your BMO credit card. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Log into BMO online banking.

2. Choose the credit card you want to use.

3. Follow the steps from the toolbar's top menu choice "Credit Limit Change"

Find out how your credit limit is determined

What is a credit limit?

Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can charge to your credit card . For example, imagine you have a credit card limit of $6,000. You shouldn’t hold more than $6,000 in purchases (i.e. your balance) at any given time.

Tip: To help improve your credit score, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada recommends using less than 35 per cent of your credit limit. So if you have a credit limit of $6,000, you may want to keep your balance under $2,000 at any given time.

How is my credit limit determined for my credit card?

Your credit limit is generally based on three things: your income, your existing debt, and your credit history.

If you have a good credit history, you’re more likely to receive a higher credit limit. That’s why it’s important to pay down debt, pay your bills on time, and always keep your balance under the approved limit.

Can I go over my credit card limit?

You may make purchases and cash advances up to your credit card's pre-set credit limit.

If you go over your limit, a penalty may apply. It’s also important to remember that exceeding your limit can affect your credit score. If you require a higher credit limit, you may want to request a credit limit increase.

Note: As you use your card, you are continually borrowing against your credit limit and packing it back. So on any given day, your available credit will change depending on your current outstanding balance.

How do I request a credit limit increase?

If you’re looking for a credit limit increase or decrease, you may request one online if you are a primary account holder. Simply:

  1. Sign in to BMO Online Banking

  2. Select your credit card account

  3. Choose "Credit Limit Change" and follow the prompts

If you prefer to chat, you can give us a ring at 1-800-263-2263. In either case, you may be asked to provide details on your income, assets and/or credit obligations, depending on your request.

Why wasn’t I approved for a higher credit limit?

Your credit limit will depend on your income, existing debt and credit history.

  • If you have a high credit score, you’re more likely to be approved for a higher credit limit.

  • If you have a low credit score, you might be approved for a credit card, but since you pose a bit more risk, you’ll start with a lower credit limit.

Simply being approved for a credit card may help you start to strengthen you credit history, as long as you use your credit responsibly. Creditors will see you’ve been approved, are making regular payments, and are able to pay back what you’ve borrowed. Over time, this can help you improve your credit score and, in turn, make it possible to request a credit limit increase in the future.

I’m starting to build up my credit history. Which card is right for me?

You may want to apply for a student credit card, a low-fee credit card, or a card that offers rewards that are important to you (whether that’s CashBack in your account, AIR MILES Reward Miles, or other perks).

Try using our compare credit cards tool to save time and make it easy to see what’s available.

Applying for a card and using it regularly will help you build your credit history. Keep in mind that it’s important to always use your card responsibly:

  1. Pay your credit card bill on time

  2. Pay your credit card bill in full

  3. Keep well within your credit limit

  4. Request a free credit report to see how you’re doing

Pay your bills

Can I pay bills automatically with my card?

You can pay bills automatically with your BMO credit card. It's safe, secure and a great way to earn rewards on payments you're making anyway. Visit bmo.com/mastercard-pay-my-bills .

Transactions in the process

What is the difference between pending and posted transactions?

Pending transactions are transactions made on your credit card that have not been authorized or posted to your account. You will not be able to dispute a pending transaction until it is posted. The value of these transactions is adjusted against your available credit, but will not be reflected in your current balance until these transactions are posted to your account.

Posted transactions are completed transactions that appear on your account and are reflected in your current balance.