BMO Bank of Montreal

In my opinion BMO is one of the best banks in Canada because of very fast online application and response specially for newcomers.

I was in 595 8 Ave. BMO branch today to pay my credit card around 2: 30 pm, and there was not busy but there was only one bank employee who took care of customers' affairs and It can be better easily.

Anyway, I appreciate the bank staff who respectfully fulfilled my request.

I recommend 595 8 Ave. BMO branch, it is big and clean with a positive atmosphere and staff are respectful.

I arrived to BMO to pay my credit card and take out cash. I had left my debit card at home. Not a big deal as I had ID on me.

The teller initially took my ID and walked away with it without telling me why. When I asked her she told me she was going to see the bank manager. I assumed that perhaps this teller didn’t know how to access my account using just my ID. So I asked her why not have her manager come to us. I also stated that she would not be taking my ID out of my sight.

The teller then walked back to her screen and proceeded to pull up my account using my ID. Which made me feel confused. If she knew how to access the account why take off with my ID to see the manager in her office?

The teller told me that she would need to send a code to my phone as an added security measure. This was new to me but I said it was ok.

She then asked me for the address on file (which is not on my ID) and this too was provided. At one point because it was taking a while I offered to provide her my account number to help her, however she said it was her system that was being super slow and she didnt need it.

After, I noticed the teller looking down to look at my ID, she then grab a blank pad and asked me to sign my signature on the pad of paper. At this point I no longer felt comfortable. I have never been asked to place my signature on a blank piece of paper at the bank and I didn’t feel it was appropriate or that her request was warranted at this point.

Because I refused to sign the blank paper she stated that she would not process my request. In other words I was to comply or receive no service, despite providing enough proof earlier of who I was. As well at no point was I asked for more identification or asked any more questions that only the account holder would know pertaining to my account. When denied service I asked for her manager. The assistant manager Sarah came over, and I explained to her that I had already provided my ID, verified my address and provided the security code sent to my phone. There was no reason for asking me to put my signature on a blank piece paper. Sarah said that since her employee didn’t feel comfortable they would not help me with my transaction. At no point did I ever raise my voice, mock anyone behave rudely or inappropriately. I however was disrespected from the moment the teller tried to take my personal information/property (ID) without my permission to her superior without any explanation.

I did make mention to the assistant manager that I have business accounts, personal accounts and have been banking with them for almost 15 years. This meant nothing to either the teller or the assistant manager.

My Identification was confirmed there was no need to discriminate and deny me service. Last I checked this is my money and I pay for the banking services.

There are privacy laws and it would do the staff of this establishment good to learn them. I did nothing for this lady to believe that I am some kind of criminal. As well if the teller feels uncomfortable it is up to her supervisor to guide her and make her feel comfortable with the transaction. The assistant manager Sarah behaved snobbish and was very unhelpful. It’s like she forgot who the client is and what her role is. What should have been an easy transaction ended up being an embarrassing encounter. I was there to do business. I don’t go to the bank to waste my time and have bank employees deny me service on a whim.

Long lineups & waits. Staff is poorly skilled & service is apparently an option when the rude staff 'get's around to it'. Sketchy safety box area where old boxes from the old main branch are just piled haphazardly on the floor of what can loosely be described as a 'vault'. You may need to get on your knees to open your box.if it still exists. A pale shadow of the former main branch Long time customer no more. Won't return. Run from this branch.

It is a well kept and maintained place, the staff are nice mostly minus the odd one that is very opinionated and bias towards certain people that aren't of high class or blue collar though. They really should work on their customer service skills as not everyone who looks like a bad person truly is. Some people have commendable reasons they may have had to spend time in jail and the poor service because of it is why I wouldn't rate more then a three star.

The 8th Avenue telephone business line has been down for two days (Thursday and Friday) and I cant get anyone at BMO 1-800 "customer service" to co-ordinate the simplest of tasks with the branch.

Went there as it's my home branch, rude staff that blurt out your business loud enough to hear across the entire building.

Elizabeth was extremely condescending and rude. I explained that I have learning disabilities and someone helps me with my finances, and she was laughing at the fact I didn't know what overdraft protection was. I then got pretty frustrated and she continued to provide poor customer service, by speaking in a rude and condescending tone, as well as never even making eye contact or showing an ounce of care.

Did appointment to this bank branch because rest of the BMO was busy, came to downtown from SE, spend 1 hour for driving and a lot of money for parking and gas just to came here and don’t have anything. The worker late for 5 minutes, when we started telling him what we need he was rude and don’t even try to help us. The worth of it he even didn’t try do do anything. All he said that BMO is very conservative bank and for everything needs a lot of time. We were at other different banks and they try to help us as they can. This guy even doesn’t try to help or find some solutions.
Don’t recommend this bank and BMO at all. Will change BMO as soon as I can.

Worse of the worse. Especially this location. When I say the worse I mean it.they are all evil but go to a different bank. Seriously.

I called the branch seeking to refinance my existing mortgage with BMO. I had a meeting with an associate (Chineme Efana-Okon) on a Wednesday and was told that I would receive documents and a response back by end of Thursday. I did not ever hear from Chineme. I gave her another day to respond but still nothing. So I tried calling her numerous times and sent her emails on Friday but still nothing. Same thing all the way until Tuesday the following week - where she FINALLY answered my call and had no explanation other than, 'I forgot, but it's on my screen now. I will send you the documents by end of day'. And of course, she did not.
So after ANOTHER 4 days of zero communication and accountability, I came into the branch and restarted the process with a different associate. Chineme didn't even have the courage to speak to me when I walked by her desk that day.

I understand there are staffing shortages and some of the associates are overworked during this crazy market. My only expectation was that Chineme clearly communicate time commitments and actually be accountable to them. If I was told that the process would take two weeks, I would have not submitted this poor review. Committing to a response within 2 days but ghosting a client for 9 days is NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Embarrassing behavior to be frank. I wonder if this is how she treats all her existing clients that BMO has 'in their pocket' already.

The associate I worked with after was lovely and the only reason I didn't give a one star review. And go figure she had my request done within 2 hours! Miraculous hey! Thank you.

Sasha helped make my girlfriends experience a lot better than another Branch. When customer service matters, you treat your customers like humans. Thanks.

Worst bank ever, asked three time to add my partner as company business and he still cant access the account on the phone.
The account is blocked online for no reason, I have been to the bank myself so they tell me everything is fine but the account is still locked online.

Always problem like this with bmo, worst company ever in Canada.

For business banking, recently consulted with Mr. Daniel Merson, really happy with his suggestions, solution, and support! Upmost thanks to him!

Terrible people and service. Went to get my cash which I placed order for 3 days in advance. And managed as well as employee did not give me my cash.
That kept arguing and asked me to leave.
Worst bank service ever.

Had an excellent experience today at this location. Jessie & Zach provided outstanding customer service. Was delighted to have knowledgable, efficient, and friendly service.

Lazy workers I tell I been told to wait a sec and end up waiting ten mins for them to tell me they can't do nothing.they took my money and now won't refund me.

Terrible management!

Went there today at 4: 40 to get a money draft since i was purchasing a vehicle out of town today. Sasha and shirley were very rude and refused to do their job! They kept saying the branch is closed and asked me to leave. They were asking me regarding a cheque that was deposited and spent 2 weeks ago! Even though that cheque was from the company ive been dealing with for years now and i have received over 50 cheques from the same company but they still refused to call the company and verify which takes 1 minute. The manager kept telling me (dont tell me how to do my job) and was acting very unprofessional. I will definitely move my business to a different bank that appreciates my business not treat us like trash.

DO NOT RECOMMEND! Stay away specially from that branch!

Shame on you SASHA AND SHIRLEY!