
BMO Investorline offers a range of investment products, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and segregated funds.
Their investment products have a minimum investment requirement of $100, allowing users to start investing with a relatively low amount of money.
BMO Investorline provides a user-friendly online platform for managing investments, including the ability to buy, sell, and transfer securities online.
Their platform is available 24/7, making it easy to access and manage investments at any time.
Here's an interesting read: Is Bmo Online Banking down Today
What is BMO InvestorLine?
BMO InvestorLine is a self-directed online brokerage service that offers a wide range of investment products, including stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and mutual funds.
It's also a low-cost option, with no minimum balance requirements and no fees for trading, transferring, or holding accounts.
BMO InvestorLine is designed for investors who want to manage their own portfolios, and it provides a user-friendly platform for doing so.
What Is Investment Line?
Investment Line is a platform offered by BMO InvestorLine that allows you to manage your own investment portfolios through stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. This is done through the BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed service.
You can choose from a variety of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. This flexibility allows you to tailor your investment portfolio to your individual needs and goals.
BMO InvestorLine offers three main services: Self-Directed, adviceDirect, and Smartfolio. Each service caters to different types of investors and investment needs.
If you're looking for assistance with your investments, the adviceDirect service may be a good option. It requires a minimum deposit of $50,000 and charges a percentage of your account.
Investors who prefer a more hands-off approach may be interested in the Smartfolio service. This robo-advisor invests your portfolio automatically using cheap ETFs, with an annual management charge.
See what others are reading: Bmo Etfs
Introduction
BMO InvestorLine is an online trading platform designed for self-directed investors who want to manage their own investment portfolios. It's a straightforward platform to use if you're comfortable purchasing and selling stocks and other investment products.
The platform's ease of use is one of its key attributes. You can sign up, conduct your research, trade, and monitor the performance of your portfolio with relative ease.
Investors who are cost-conscious will notice that BMO InvestorLine's trade commissions are above average, which may lead them to explore other broker options to reduce their costs.
You can transfer assets from another institution to BMO InvestorLine, and I began my experience with the platform in this manner.
Features and Tools
With BMO InvestorLine, you can trade a wide range of securities, including stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, ETFs, GICs, and IPOs.
You can trade 95+ ETFs for free, but otherwise, you'll pay $9.95 per stock/ETF trade, with a discounted rate of $3.95 for active traders. If you don't hold a minimum balance, you'll pay an annual fee of $100 (non-registered accounts) or $25 (most registered accounts).
The BMO Invest app gets decent ratings from users, but some have complained that recent updates haven't improved it. You can also get help via phone, email, and live chat, or visit a BMO branch for in-person service.
Research and analysis tools are available, including in-house and third-party research and recommendations, as well as a range of tools for performance benchmarking and fundamental analysis. Experienced traders can access advanced tools, including Level 1 & 2 data, through BMO Active Trader.
Some users have reported recent issues with the mobile app, which may affect reliability.
Features

BMO InvestorLine's fees are reasonable, with free trades for 95+ ETFs and just $9.95 per stock/ETF trade ($3.95 for active traders). If you don't hold $15,000+ in a non-registered account or $25,000+ in a registered account, you'll pay a yearly fee of $100.
You can trade a wide range of securities, including stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, ETFs, GICs, and IPOs.
Customer support is available through phone, email, and live chat five days a week, or you can visit a BMO branch for in-person service.
The BMO Invest app gets decent ratings from most users, although some have complained that recent updates haven't improved it.
BMO InvestorLine offers in-house and third-party research and recommendations, as well as a range of tools for performance benchmarking and fundamental analysis. Experienced traders can access advanced tools, including Level 1 & 2 data, through BMO Active Trader.
Some users have reported recent issues with the mobile app, which may be a concern for reliability.
Desktop Tools
The desktop tools available at BMO InvestorLine are incredibly helpful for making informed investment decisions. Industry research provides consolidated analysis and technical insight about the investments you're interested in.
With real-time market data, you can make more informed decisions about when to buy and sell your investments. This data is essential for staying on top of market trends and making smart investment choices.
Screeners allow you to screen hundreds of investments based on specific criteria, such as industry, market value, or dividend yield. This feature helps you find the investment that best matches your unique needs and goals.
Charting tools enable you to quickly identify and chart the performance of any Canadian or US stock or mutual fund. This feature is perfect for developing your investing strategies and tracking the performance of your investments over time.
Here are some of the key features of BMO InvestorLine's desktop tools:
- Industry research
- Market data
- Screeners
- Charting tools
Fees and Costs
You can open a BMO InvestorLine account with a minimum deposit of $0, which is great for those just starting out.
A quarterly administration fee of $25 is charged on unregistered accounts with balances below $15,000, or an annual administration fee of $100 on registered accounts with balances below $25,000.
To avoid these fees, you can make 2+ commissionable trades in 6 months, or have a minimum of $15,000 in assets, or $25,000 for an RRSP.
Stock and ETF trade fees range from $3.95 to $9.95, but some well-liked ETFs in Canada can be bought and sold without paying any commission.
Here's a breakdown of the fees:
Note that some fees, like the annual administration fee, can be waived under certain conditions.
Security and Safety
BMO InvestorLine takes the security of your money and personal data very seriously. They maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect you.
These safeguards include encryption, two-step verification when necessary, and automatic account timeouts. This means your personal information and investment history are strongly protected against unauthorized access.
You'll be 100% reimbursed for any direct losses in your InvestorLine account due to unauthorized transactions, provided you've met certain responsibilities. This is guaranteed by BMO's Online Security Guarantee.
BMO InvestorLine is also a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIFP), which covers client funds up to CA$1,000,000. This protection is in addition to the online security guarantee.
Here are some key security measures BMO InvestorLine has in place:
- Encryption
- Two-step verification when necessary
- Automatic account timeouts
- 100% reimbursement for direct losses due to unauthorized transactions
- Membership in the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIFP)
By using these measures, BMO InvestorLine provides a high level of security and protection for your investments.
Pros and Cons
If you're considering BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. One of the significant advantages is that you can trade 80+ ETFs at no cost. This means you can buy and sell popular ETFs in Canada without paying any commissions.
Another perk is that there's no minimum balance requirement to open an account, making it accessible to investors of all levels. Additionally, BMO banking customers can enjoy seamless linking for their accounts.
However, there are some fees to be aware of. For example, trades in stocks and some ETFs cost $9.95. Also, accounts with registered balances under $25,000 must pay a $100 account fee, while non-registered accounts with a value under $15,000 come with a $25 quarterly fee.
Pros and Cons of Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed learning offers a lot of flexibility and control over your educational path.
Having a self-directed approach means you can learn at your own pace, which is great for people who have busy schedules or prefer to work independently.
Some programs, like BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed, can be a good option for investors who want to take charge of their financial decisions.
These programs can offer low fees and a wide range of investment options, which can be beneficial for those who are self-directed.
However, self-directed learning also has its downsides, such as the lack of structure and support, which can be overwhelming for some individuals.

This lack of structure can lead to procrastination and poor time management, which can hinder progress and success.
In contrast, some self-directed programs, like BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed, provide access to a wide range of investment options and tools, which can be a major advantage for self-directed learners.
Ultimately, whether self-directed learning is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Pros of Self-Directed
With BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed, you can trade over 80 ETFs at no cost, making it a great option for those who want to save on commissions. No minimum balance is required to open an account, giving you the freedom to start investing without any hurdles.
You'll have access to a comprehensive investing platform, allowing you to manage all your account types and investment products in one place. This is especially useful for those who have multiple accounts and need to keep track of their investments.
One of the standout features of BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed is the ability to hold USD in registered accounts for trading stocks and ETFs listed on U.S. exchanges. This is a game-changer for investors who want to trade in the US.
You'll also get access to superior research tools and performance reporting, helping you make informed investment decisions. And, if you're a BMO banking customer, you can enjoy seamless linking for easy account management.
The 5 Star Program is available for experienced traders, providing additional features and support. However, if you're a novice investor, you might want to consider a free or low-cost online broker like Questrade or Wealthsimple Trade, especially if you plan to make regular contributions to your investment accounts.
Here are some of the key benefits of BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed:
- Trade 80+ ETFs at no cost
- No minimum balance required to open an account
- Access to all account types and investment products
- USD registered accounts for trading stocks and ETFs listed on U.S. exchanges
- Superior research tools and performance reporting
- Seamless linking for BMO banking customers
- 5 Star Program for experienced traders
Cons
Trade fees are higher than some discount brokerages, making it a less attractive option for those looking for the lowest costs.
BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed charges $9.95 for trades in stocks and a number of ETFs, which can add up quickly for frequent traders.
There are account fees if your balance falls below $15,000 (non-registered accounts) or $25,000 (registered accounts), which can be a burden for those with smaller portfolios.

You'll be charged a $100 account fee if you have a registered balance under $25,000, or a $25 quarterly fee if you have a non-registered account with a value under $15,000.
There is no demo account to try out the platform without using real funds, which can be a risk for new investors.
Here are some of the specific fees you can expect:
Trading and Investing
You can trade a variety of assets with BMO InvestorLine, including stocks, stock options, ETFs, fixed-income securities, and mutual funds. The platform offers a screener for stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, as well as a quick picks tool for fixed-income securities and options chains for stock options.
One thing to note is that BMO InvestorLine does not offer forex trading, commodities, or precious metals. However, you may be able to access these markets through ETFs.
The BMO InvestorLine app allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and more on the go. You can also view your account balances, transfer funds, and create watchlists to track securities you're interested in.
For your interest: Bmo Stock Quote Canada
App
The BMO InvestorLine app is a convenient way to manage your investments on the go. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play.
The app allows you to view your account balances, transfer funds, and create watchlists to track securities you're interested in. You can also trade stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and more directly through the app.
One of the best features of the BMO InvestorLine app is its support for biometric access, allowing you to log in with your fingerprint ID for added security.
The app is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Here are the ratings from the app store reviews:
Active Traders
As an active trader, you need to be prepared to make quick decisions in fast-changing markets.
Active traders typically hold onto positions for a shorter period, often just a few days or even hours.
The goal is to capitalize on short-term price movements and fluctuations.
In fact, a study found that 75% of active traders close out their positions within a week.
To succeed, you need to stay focused and avoid emotional decisions based on fear or greed.
By keeping a level head and sticking to your strategy, you can navigate even the most turbulent markets.
Active traders often use technical analysis to identify trends and patterns in the market.
This involves analyzing charts and graphs to spot potential buy and sell signals.
For example, a moving average crossover can signal a trend reversal.
Tradable Asset Classes
BMO InvestorLine's Tradable Asset Classes are limited to stocks and stock options on U.S. and Canadian exchanges.
You can access a screener for stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, making it easy to find the right investments.
A quick picks tool is available for fixed-income securities, allowing you to quickly find the best options.
Options chains are also available for stock options, giving you a detailed view of the market.
Forex trading, commodities, and precious metals are not available through BMO InvestorLine, but you can access these markets via ETFs.
If you plan on trading forex, you may want to consider checking out other Canadian forex brokers.
Related reading: Bmo Stock Quote
Self-Directed
BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed is a powerful trading platform that allows you to manage your own investment portfolio using stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. It's ideal for investors who prefer to take control of their investments.
You can open various types of accounts, including registered and non-registered ones, such as Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), and non-registered accounts for businesses and estates.
To open an account, you don't need to meet any minimum balance requirements, but be aware that some account types may incur annual administration fees if the balance falls below a certain threshold.
The platform offers a wide range of securities, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and options.
Here are some of the benefits of using BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed:
- Trade 80+ ETFs at no cost
- No minimum balance is necessary to open an account
- Superior research tools and performance reporting
- Seamless linking for BMO banking customers
- 5 Star Program for experienced traders
Keep in mind that while you won't pay commissions on some ETFs, you may still incur fees on certain trades, such as options.
Research Offerings
BMO InvestorLine provides excellent in-house and 3rd-party research resources, including top research lists for U.S. and Canadian equities.
You can access a daily Thompson Reuters newsletter with top picks, stocks to watch and overall market themes, as well as daily ETF and equity newsletters.
The broker's proprietary research is complemented by excellent 3rd-party research from Morningstar and S&P Global Ratings.
With BMO's research offerings, you can filter stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and fixed income securities using a screener function on the broker's website.
The screener function allows you to find and compare investments, making it easier to make informed decisions.
You can also access an analyst ratings page to see how 3rd-party analysts rate securities, and a value analyzer to help you find undervalued stocks.
In addition, BMO offers an advanced technical analysis tool so you can do your own technical assessments on stocks.
You can even express your interest and get details of deals on the term sheet for IPOs, Treasuries and secondary offerings of common and preferred shares.
Account and Investment Options
BMO InvestorLine offers a variety of accounts for investors to open, including registered and non-registered ones.
You can choose from a range of registered trading accounts, such as Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA), Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP), and Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP).
One of the notable features of BMO InvestorLine is the flexibility it offers in terms of securities you can keep in your account. You can hold stocks, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Mutual Funds, Fixed Income Assets, and even Options.
Here's a breakdown of the registered trading accounts available:
- Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
- Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
- Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)
- Locked-in Retirement Accounts (LIRA, LIF, LRIF, LRSP)
In addition to these accounts, BMO InvestorLine also offers non-registered trading accounts, including cash, margin, business, and estate accounts.
Options
Options trading with this broker comes with a minimum commission of CA$43.
The commission for options trades is tiered based on the option price. For example, if the option price falls within the $0 – $2 range, the commission is CA$35 + $1.50 per contract.
Here's a breakdown of the commission rates:
Options trades also incur regular stock commissions for exercises and assignments.
Smartfolio
Smartfolio is a great option for those looking for a low-cost investment solution. BMO's robo-advisor service, SmartFolio, offers hands-free investing and automatic rebalancing.
The annual management fee for SmartFolio is 0.40% to 0.70%, which is lower than traditional wealth management fees that can range up to 2% or higher.
You can also consider rival robo-advisors like Wealthsimple Invest and Questwealth, which charge fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.50%.
Accounts & Investments
BMO InvestorLine offers a variety of accounts to suit different needs and goals. You can open a registered or non-registered account, or a combination of both.
One of the registered trading accounts offered is the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), which allows you to save and invest money without paying taxes on the gains. This is a great option for those who want to save for the future without worrying about taxes.
BMO InvestorLine also offers a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), which allows you to save for retirement while reducing your taxable income. This is a great way to build a nest egg for your golden years.
Another type of account offered is the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), which helps you save for your child's education expenses. This is a great way to give your child a head start on their education.
You can also open a non-registered account, which is suitable for short-term savings or investments. This type of account offers more flexibility, but you'll have to pay taxes on the gains.
In terms of securities, BMO InvestorLine offers a wide range of options, including stocks, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Mutual Funds, and Fixed Income Assets. You can also trade options, which can be a great way to diversify your portfolio.
Here's a summary of the registered trading accounts offered by BMO InvestorLine:
With so many options available, it's essential to choose the account that best suits your needs and goals. Be sure to review the eligibility criteria and fees associated with each account before making a decision.
App Store Reviews
BMO InvestorLine's app store reviews speak for themselves. The Google Play app reviews give the app a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 1.03K reviews.
The Apple App Store app reviews are even more impressive, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 3K reviews. This suggests that users are generally very satisfied with the app.
Here's a quick comparison of the two:
Comparison and Upgrade
The BMO InvestorLine 2.0 is a significant upgrade from the legacy site. It was created based on client feedback to provide a better trading experience.
One of the top features of the new platform is a Portfolio view that aggregates your holdings and performance from all your InvestorLine accounts. This was a top ask from clients.
The simplified trading experience on BMO InvestorLine 2.0 is a major improvement. You no longer need a trading password for equity and option orders.
A faster way to fund your account is now available with real-time cash transfers between your BMO chequing accounts and BMO InvestorLine accounts. This is a huge time-saver.
The new platform also makes it easier to do research with tools like a corporate calendar, a dividend income calculator, and an ETF Hub. This hub contains quick screens, an advanced screener, and comparison tools.
Your buying power is updated every 5 minutes, giving you a more accurate view of your available funds.
Here are the key benefits of BMO InvestorLine 2.0:
- A Portfolio view with aggregated holdings and performance
- A simplified trading experience with no trading password required
- Faster account funding with real-time cash transfers
- Easier research with new tools like a corporate calendar and ETF Hub
- More accurate buying power updates every 5 minutes
Conclusion and Verdict
BMO InvestorLine is a solid option for active traders and self-directed investors who can meet the minimum balance requirements to avoid account maintenance fees.
It's not the cheapest option, but it strikes a nice balance between features and cost.
Active traders and high-balance investors can score some nice discounts, but low-fee or no-fee trading is not its strong suit.
You can rest assured that your investments are strongly protected against loss, thanks to the backing of a major Canadian bank.
BMO InvestorLine is best for those who can meet the balance requirements and prioritize its unique features over ultra-low fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact BMO InvestorLine?
To contact BMO InvestorLine, call 1-888-776-6886 (1-888-777-6686) during business hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (ET).
What is the annual administration fee for BMO InvestorLine?
For RESP accounts under $25,000, the annual administration fee is $50, while all other registered accounts under $25,000 incur a $100 fee. Fees may vary depending on your account type and balance.
Is BMO a good bank to invest in?
BMO is a good bank to consider investing in, with a strong dividend portfolio and a history of adapting to economic changes. Its ability to navigate challenges such as higher interest rates and a slowing economy makes it a promising option for investors.
Sources
- https://www.finder.com/ca/stock-trading/bmo-investorline-review
- https://www.benzinga.com/money/bmo-investorline-review
- https://www.tipranks.com/news/bmo-investorline-improves-self-directed-advicedirect-trading-platforms
- https://adamfayed.com/review-articles/bmo-investorline-review/
- https://www.bmoinvestorline.com/wealth/journeys/content/standalone/news_and_events4.html
Featured Images: pexels.com