How to Handle BMO Bank Accounts After a Death: 2026 Guide

Overview

BMO Bank (formerly BMO Harris and Bank of the West) is one of the largest banks in North America, serving millions of customers across the United States. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify BMO Bank and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.

This guide covers BMO's estate services department, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. BMO operates nationally, with a significant presence in the Midwest and West Coast (following the 2023 acquisition of Bank of the West), so state-specific probate requirements will affect your process.

Note for Bank of the West customers: All Bank of the West accounts have been converted to BMO Bank accounts. You should follow the BMO Bank process outlined below.

This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with BMO Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.

Notification Process

How to Notify BMO Bank of a Death

Step 1: Gather Initial Information

Before contacting BMO Bank, have the following ready:

• Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
• Date of death
• Social Security number
• Account numbers (if known)
• Your name and relationship to the decedent
• A certified copy of the death certificate

Step 2: Call the Customer Contact Center

BMO Bank handles initial death notifications through their main customer contact center or local branches. There is no direct public line for a dedicated "Estate Services" team; the general line will route you to the appropriate department or instruct you to visit a branch.

• Phone: (888) 340-2265
• Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 11 PM CT; Sat–Sun, 8 AM – 10 PM CT

What to expect:

Request to speak with the "Deceased Accounts" or "Estate Services" team. The representative will:

1. Verify the decedent's identity
2. Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments and online access
3. Provide a case number or reference number
4. Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
5. Advise if you need to visit a local branch (often required for complex estates)

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

You can typically submit documents at a local BMO branch or via mail. If mailing, send copies (unless originals are specifically requested) to the address provided by the representative.

General Mailing Address:

BMO Bank N.A.

P.O. Box 6201

Carol Stream, IL 60197-6201

Note: Always confirm the specific mailing address with the representative, as it may vary based on the account type (e.g., retail banking vs. wealth management).

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After BMO receives your documents, expect:

• Document review: 5–10 business days
• Account closure/transfer: 2–4 weeks (for simple estates)
• Follow-up: You may receive a letter confirming the account status and any remaining requirements.

Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets

Once all documents are approved:

• Joint accounts: Surviving owner gains full access.
• Beneficiary accounts: Funds are paid out via check or transferred to a new BMO account.
• Estate accounts: Funds are issued to the "Estate of [Decedent]" via check.

Required Documents

Documents BMO Bank Requires

The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate.

Always Required

If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)

If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)

Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)

Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts

Trust Accounts

Account Types

How BMO Bank Handles Different Account Types

Joint Accounts (JTWROS)

The surviving joint owner typically needs only a certified death certificate to have the decedent's name removed. Funds remain accessible to the survivor throughout the process.

Timeline: 1–5 business days

POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts

Named beneficiaries claim funds with a death certificate and ID. No probate is required. BMO will issue a check or transfer funds to a new account in the beneficiary's name.

Timeline: 5–10 business days

Trust Accounts

The successor trustee provides a trust certification, death certificate, and ID. The account is then updated with the new trustee's information.

Timeline: 10–15 business days

Individual Accounts (Probate Required)

Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation require Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from probate court. The executor must open an Estate Account to receive the funds.

Timeline: 3–6+ months (depending on probate)

Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k))

Named beneficiaries must complete a Beneficiary Distribution Request form. Distribution options (lump sum, inherited IRA, etc.) depend on SECURE Act rules and the relationship to the deceased.

Timeline: 10–20 business days

Credit Cards and Loans

Credit card accounts are frozen immediately. The estate is responsible for paying off any outstanding balances. Unsecured debt (like credit cards) is generally not inherited by family members unless they were a co-signer.

Timeline: Settled during estate administration

State Considerations

How Your State Affects the BMO Bank Process

BMO Bank operates nationally, but probate is governed by state law. Your state determines:

• Whether probate is required and how long it takes
• Small estate thresholds — estates below certain values can skip formal probate
• Community property rules — in community property states (like CA, AZ, TX, WI), spouses may have rights to accounts even if not named.

Key State Variations

For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.

Timelines

How Long BMO Bank Takes to Release Funds

Note: Timelines may be longer if documents are missing or if the estate is contested.

Tips & Pitfalls

Common Pitfalls and Tips

Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying BMO

Withdrawing funds via ATM or online banking after the date of death can be considered fraud and may create legal complications for the estate.

Visit a Branch for Faster Service

Because BMO relies heavily on its branch network, visiting a local banker is often faster than mailing documents to the central processing center.

Bank of the West Transition

If the deceased was a Bank of the West customer, their account is now a BMO account. Do not try to contact old Bank of the West numbers; use BMO contact channels.

Keep Records of All Communications

• Save the case number from your initial call
• Send documents via certified mail with return receipt if mailing
• Note the name of every representative you speak with
• Keep copies of all documents submitted

Request Multiple Certified Death Certificates

Order at least 5–10 certified copies — you'll need them for other institutions, the court, and government agencies.

Automatic Payments and Direct Deposits

Once the deceased flag is placed:

• Automatic payments will be declined
• Direct deposits (like Social Security) will be returned to the sender
• Online/mobile banking will be disabled

Notify billers and payers separately to avoid late fees or service interruptions.