BMO Interac e-Transfer limits are $3,000 per transaction, $10,000 per day, and $30,000 per rolling 30-day period — the same standard limits set by Interac that apply across the Big Five banks. Free e-Transfers are included with the Plus Plan, Premium Plan, and Student Account. Performance Plan clients who exceed the 12-transaction monthly allowance pay $1.25 per e-Transfer.
E-Transfer Limits at a Glance
| Limit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Per transaction (outgoing) | $3,000 |
| Daily (outgoing) | $10,000 |
| 30-day rolling period (outgoing) | $30,000 |
| Per transaction (incoming) | No limit |
| Daily (incoming) | No limit |
E-Transfer Fees by Account
| Account | Outgoing e-Transfer Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Plan | $1.25 after 12 transactions | First 12 transactions/month included |
| Plus Plan | $0 | Unlimited transactions included |
| Premium Plan | $0 | Unlimited transactions included |
| Student Account | $0 | Unlimited transactions included |
Performance Plan clients who send more than 12 total transactions per month — including e-Transfers — are charged $1.25 per additional transaction. A client sending 10+ e-Transfers per month on the Performance Plan would save money by upgrading to the Plus Plan at $15.95 (or free with $3,000 balance).
How BMO E-Transfers Work
Sending an E-Transfer
- Log in to BMO Online Banking or the BMO app
- Navigate to Transfers → Interac e-Transfer → Send
- Select the account to send from
- Enter the recipient’s email address or Canadian mobile number
- Enter the amount (up to $3,000)
- Set a security question and answer (unless the recipient has Autodeposit)
- Confirm and send
Receiving an E-Transfer
Incoming e-Transfers are delivered by email or SMS. With Autodeposit registered, funds are deposited automatically. Without Autodeposit, click the link in the notification, select your BMO account, answer the security question, and accept. Receiving is always free.
Autodeposit
Register through BMO Online Banking or the BMO app under Interac e-Transfer → Autodeposit. Link your email or phone number to your chosen BMO account. Once set up, senders who send to that email or phone number will have the funds deposited automatically — no action required on your end and no security question needed.
Requesting a Higher E-Transfer Limit
Call BMO at 1-877-225-5266 to discuss a limit increase. Business accounts and Premium Plan holders with strong account history are most likely to receive higher limits. For amounts that consistently exceed the $3,000 per-transaction limit, BMO wire transfer is the practical alternative.
| Alternative | Max Amount | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interac e-Transfer | $3,000/transaction | $0 (Plus/Premium) | Domestic transfers under $3,000 |
| BMO Online wire | ~$50,000/day | ~$25 domestic | Larger domestic transfers |
| Bank draft | Any amount | Free (Premium) / $7.50 | Guaranteed funds |
E-Transfer Security Tips
Interac e-Transfers are generally secure, but fraud involving e-Transfers has increased. BMO recommends:
- Never share your security question and answer with anyone, including the recipient — the question is used to verify the recipient only
- Use Autodeposit where possible — it eliminates the security question step and reduces interception risk
- Verify recipient contact details before sending — once accepted, transfers cannot be reversed
- Be alert to spoofed e-Transfer notifications — BMO and Interac will never ask you to provide banking credentials through an e-Transfer email link
- Report suspicious transfers immediately to BMO at 1-877-225-5266
If you mistakenly sent money to the wrong person, contact BMO immediately. If the transfer has been accepted, recovery depends on the recipient’s cooperation — BMO can facilitate a trace but cannot force a reversal.
BMO E-Transfer vs Other Big 5 Banks
All Big 5 banks use the same Interac network and share the same standard limits set by Interac Corporation. The main differences between banks are fee structures and account plan requirements.
| Bank | Limit Per Transaction | Daily Limit | Free With |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMO | $3,000 | $10,000 | Plus/Premium Plan |
| RBC | $3,000 | $10,000 | Signature No Limit / Digital Choice |
| TD | $3,000 | $10,000 | Unlimited Chequing plans |
| Scotiabank | $3,000 | $10,000 | Preferred/Ultimate Package |
| CIBC | $3,000 | $10,000 | Smart Plus/Smart Unlimited |
For unlimited free e-Transfers at BMO, the Plus Plan ($15.95/month, or free with $3,000 daily balance) is typically the right choice for customers sending more than 12 transactions per month.
BMO Business E-Transfer Limits
Business account holders at BMO may be eligible for higher e-Transfer limits than personal accounts. Business limits vary based on account type and customer relationship. Contact your BMO business banking advisor or call BMO at 1-877-225-5266 to inquire about business e-Transfer limits tailored to your transaction volume.