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BMO vs Santander Bank

BMO is a midwest bank with options for low and high-balance customers. How does it compare to Santander Bank? Read our comparison chart below.

BMO has over 900 branches and is the 8th largest bank in North America by assets. Smart Advantage checking has no fee and no minimum balance if you opt for eStatements. Savings need just $100 to open with easy ways to waive fees. Special Rate CDs require a $5,000 minimum opening deposit.

While Santander Bank has over 600 branches in the Northeast. Offers a range of checking and savings accounts, with simple requirements to waive service fees. High balance customers can earn higher interest. Their CDs offer high a APY with $500 minimum opening deposit.

Compare BMO with Santander Bank, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.

 BMO
Member FDIC
 Visit SiteLearn More
 

BMO

Santander Bank

SPECIAL OFFER
BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account and BMO Smart Money Checking Account - Earn $300 Cash Bonus* - Learn More

Read BMO Review

SPECIAL OFFER
6-Month CD - 4.15% APY - Learn More

Read Santander Bank Review

 

Benefits and Features

Savings0.01% APY. $5 reward every month you save $200 or more, for the first year.0.03% APY. $25 Minimum opening deposit. $1 monthly fee, unless 1) You have a Santander Checking Account, or have 2) $100 average daily balance in your savings account.
CD0.05% - 3.25% APY. Terms of 3 months to 5 years. $1,000 minimum opening deposit.4.15% and 4.00% APY for 6 and 13 months, respectively. Minimum deposit of $500, with Santander Checking Account.
CheckingSmart Advantage, Smart Money, Relationship 
Money Market0.80% APY. $25 minimum opening deposit. $10 monthly fee, waived with a $5,000 minimum daily balance.0.03% - 0.05% APY. Must be Santander Premier Plus Checking Account holder. Minimum deposit of $25. No monthly fee.
ATMs
40,000+ BMO and Allpoint ATMs
Over 2000 ATMs throughout the Northeast, including in many CVS/pharmacy® locations
Customer ServiceMon-Fri: 7am - 10pm (CT); Sat-Sun 8am - 8pmMon-Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (ET) (excluding Christmas Day)
IRA CD0.05% - 1.50% APY. Terms of 3 months to 5 years. $1,000 minimum opening deposit 
IRA Money MarketIRA Premium Savers: $100 minimum opening deposit. No monthly maintenance fee 
Locations
981 branches
405 branches in the US
 

CreditDonkey® Reviews

 BMO
SavingsStarStarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty Star
CDStarStarStarStarEmpty StarStarStarStarStarStar
CheckingStarStarStarStarEmpty StarStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
Money MarketStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty StarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty Star
Mobile AppStarStarStarStarHalf StarStarStarStarStarHalf Star
Customer ServiceStarStarStarHalf StarEmpty StarStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
Pros & ConsPros:
  • Free checking with eStatements
  • Large ATM network
  • Good financial tools
Cons:
  • Limited branches
  • Low savings APY
Pros:
  • Easy to waive monthly fees
  • High APY for CDs
  • Free student checking
Cons:
  • Low interest for Premier Plus Checking
Bottom LineMidwest bank with options for low and high-balance customers... Read full reviewNortheastern bank with low requirements to waive fees... Read full review
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Blank fields may indicate the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the product website for details.

BMO: Pricing information from published website as of 01/18/2025 based on 60603 zip code.

Santander Bank: Pricing information from published website as of 11/22/2024 based on 02109 zip code.

BMO
Member FDIC

BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account and BMO Smart Money Checking Account - Earn $300 Cash Bonus*

$300 Cash Bonus* when you have $4,000 in direct deposits within 90 days of opening between 11/1/24 – 2/3/25. *Conditions Apply. Available in the U.S. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC

Expires 2/3/2025

Which is Better: BMO or Santander Bank?

Still need help deciding which bank reviews & deals is better? Read the in-depth reviews below. You may also be interested in comparing BMO or Chase.

In short: Santander Bank's cd is impressive.


Articles on BMO

BMO Review

BMO offers low fees and a large ATM network. But savings rates are low. However, the strong features can still make it a good bank for you. Read on.

BMO Routing Number

If you have a BMO account, you only need to be aware of one routing number. This number is 071025661. Read on and learn how to use it.

Who Owns BMO

BMO is a publicly-traded company with significant institutional investors. These include several well-known Canadian asset management firms and banks.

Is BMO an Ethical Bank

BMO has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for six consecutive years. How did they earn this award? Find out.

BMO Relationship Minimum Balance

Get more perks when you open a BMO Relationship Checking Account. Find out the balance you need to reach to unlock them.

Is BMO a Good Bank

Is BMO a good choice for your banking needs? Find out here.

Is BMO a Safe Bank

Wondering about the security of your funds with BMO? They have a Financial Crimes Unit backing you up, for one. Read on for more details.

What is BMO

BMO Harris is now BMO. But are they a legit bank? Find out if you should bank with them.

BMO Smart Money vs Smart Advantage

BMO's Smart Advantage has $0 monthly fees. Smart Money has no overdraft fees. Which one is a smarter choice? Read on to find out.

Is BMO a Real Bank

BMO, is a U.S bank, part of the Bank of Montreal. It offers solid basic checking options and a large ATM network. But, is it legit? Read on to find out.

Articles on Santander Bank

Santander Bank Review

If you're in the Northeast, Santander Bank offers solid basic checking and savings options, as well as competitive rates for CDs. Read on to see if it fits your needs.

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