Setting up a direct deposit with your employer or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) ensures you receive your funds quickly and securely. To facilitate this transfer, you must provide your Bank of Montreal (BMO) direct deposit information, which consists of your 5-digit branch transit number, the 3-digit financial institution number, and your 7-digit account number.
Rather than searching your desk for a physical chequebook, you can easily generate a digital direct deposit form—also known as a void cheque—through BMO’s digital banking platforms. This pre-filled PDF document contains all the exact routing details required by payroll departments to set up automatic payments into your chequing or savings account.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Access Platforms | BMO Online Banking and BMO Mobile App. |
| Required Details | Transit (5 digits), Institution (004), Account (7 digits). |
| Document Format | Downloadable PDF Direct Deposit / Void Cheque Form. |
| BMO Institution Number | 004 (Standard for all Canadian BMO accounts). |
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Direct Deposit Form
- Log In: Open the BMO Mobile Banking app or sign in to BMO Online Banking on your desktop.
- Select Your Account: From your dashboard, tap or click on the specific chequing or savings account where you want the funds deposited.
- Access Account Details: In the mobile app, tap Account info then select Direct deposit/void cheque info. On a desktop browser, look for the Void cheque or Direct deposit form (PDF) link under your account overview.
- Download the Form: Tap View details and then Direct deposit/payroll form (or simply select Download on desktop) to save the pre-filled PDF document to your device.
Pro-Tip: Once you download the PDF form, you do not need to print it out if you are emailing your employer. The digital document is fully authenticated by BMO and serves as a direct replacement for scanning a paper void cheque.
Troubleshooting Common Access Pain Points
- MFA Delays: If you are logging in to download your form and do not receive the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) passcode via SMS, check if your phone has an active cellular signal. If SMS fails, choose the option to have the code sent to your registered email address instead.
- Browser Errors: Pop-up blockers frequently prevent the PDF form from opening on desktop browsers. If nothing happens when you click the download link, disable your pop-up blocker for the bmo.com domain and try again.
- Locked User ID: Entering your password incorrectly multiple times will lock your digital banking profile. If your ID is locked, you cannot access your direct deposit info online and must call customer support at 1-877-225-5266 to reset your credentials.
Efficiency Hack for CRA Payments
If you are looking for your direct deposit information specifically to receive tax refunds or benefits from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you can skip the PDF download entirely. Use the CRA Direct Deposit feature directly within the BMO Mobile App (under the "Pay & Transfer" menu) to link your account to the government securely in three clicks, avoiding manual forms completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up direct deposit without a void cheque?
Yes, many payroll systems only require the raw numbers. You can simply provide your 5-digit transit number, the 3-digit institution number (004 for BMO), and your 7-digit account number without attaching the actual void cheque document.
How long does it take for a direct deposit to start?
Once you provide your BMO direct deposit information to your employer or HR department, it generally takes one to two pay cycles for the automatic deposits to begin.
