Unbiased comparison · No affiliate relationships with BMO

Credit Union vs BMO

Canada's oldest chartered bank. Here's what actually changes if you move your banking to a credit union.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO (Bank of Montreal) was founded in 1817, making it Canada's oldest bank. It has a major presence in Quebec and the US Midwest.

Founded 1817 TSX: BMO CDIC member institution

Side-by-Side Comparison

Credit Unions

BMO

Ownership

Member-owned cooperative: you own a share of the institution

Publicly traded company (TSX: BMO), owned by shareholders

Who profits serve

Profits returned to members via better rates, lower fees, or dividends

Profits distributed to outside shareholders

Deposit insurance

Provincial insurer (e.g. CUDIC in BC, CUDGC in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland, FSRA in Ontario): five provinces offer unlimited coverage on eligible deposits, beyond CDIC's limits

CDIC: up to $100,000 per depositor per insured category

Regulation

Provincially regulated (varies by province)

Federally regulated by OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions)

Branch / ATM access

Varies; many credit unions share ATM networks (e.g. THE EXCHANGE® Network) but fewer branches than the Big Five

Thousands of branches and ATMs across Canada

Monthly account fees

Many credit unions offer no-fee or low-fee chequing accounts

Standard chequing accounts typically carry monthly fees unless minimum balance requirements are met

Savings rates

Often competitive: no outside shareholders means more room for member-facing rates

Rates set to balance shareholder returns; HISA rates vary by product

Eligibility to join

Many credit unions are open to all Canadians; some require a community or employer connection

Open to any Canadian resident

Community focus

Legally structured to benefit members and local communities

Community programs exist but primary obligation is to shareholders

When a Credit Union May Be the Better Choice

You want lower or no monthly fees

Many credit unions offer free everyday banking without minimum balance requirements.

You want higher deposit protection

Provincial credit union insurers in several provinces cover deposits beyond the $100,000 CDIC limit; some offer unlimited coverage.

You prioritize community reinvestment

As a member-owner, your deposits stay local and fund lending within your community.

You want a say in governance

Credit union members vote on board directors and major decisions, something bank customers cannot do.

You're looking for competitive savings rates

Without the pressure of shareholder returns, many credit unions consistently offer strong HISA and GIC rates.

You value personalized service

Credit unions are typically known for relationship-based service, particularly for mortgages and small business lending.

When BMO May Still Make More Sense

Frequent international travel

BMO has extensive international banking infrastructure and foreign currency services that most credit unions cannot match.

You need a dense branch network

BMO operates thousands of branches and ATMs across Canada, practical if you regularly need in-person banking outside your city.

Complex cross-border banking

For Canadians working in or relocating to the US, BMO's North American footprint is difficult to replicate at a credit union.

Find a Credit Union Near You

Canada has over 200 credit unions, from large national-scale institutions to small community-focused cooperatives. Use our directory to compare rates, insurance coverage, and eligibility requirements before making a decision.

Browse All Credit Unions How to Switch →

This comparison is for informational purposes only. Rate and fee information changes frequently; always verify directly with the institution. CreditUnionDirectory.ca has no affiliate relationship with BMO Financial Group or any other bank. Read about our independence.