BMO Digital Business Checking vs Novo: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of BMO Digital Business Checking and Novo — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Novo wins on our scorecard (7.6/10 vs 7.3/10).
| Scored on | BMO Digital Business Checking | Novo |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 7 |
| Ease of use | 6 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 9 |
| Customer support | 6 | 6 |
| Features | 7 | 7 |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Free Transactions (Monthly) | 200 | — |
| Domestic Outgoing Wire | Approx. $30 | — |
| Cash Deposit Limit (Free) | Up to $3,000 (varies by region) | — |
| Incoming Wires (Domestic/Intl) | — | $0 |
| ATM Fees | — | Rebated monthly |
| Insufficient Funds Fee | — | $27 |
BMO Digital Business Checking in one paragraph
A reliable, $0-per-month 'real bank' account that is perfect for low-volume service businesses located near a physical branch.
Skip it if: Skip it if you operate a high-volume retail business with over $3,000 in monthly cash deposits or live in a state with no BMO branches.
Novo in one paragraph
Novo is a top-tier fee-free option for digital solopreneurs, provided you don't need to deposit physical cash.
Skip it if: You run a cash-heavy retail business or need a physical bank branch for frequent cashier's checks.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, BMO Digital Business Checking or Novo?
On our five-axis scorecard, Novo scores higher (7.6/10 vs 7.3/10). Novo is a top-tier fee-free option for digital solopreneurs, provided you don't need to deposit physical cash.
Who should skip BMO Digital Business Checking?
Skip it if you operate a high-volume retail business with over $3,000 in monthly cash deposits or live in a state with no BMO branches.
Who should skip Novo?
You run a cash-heavy retail business or need a physical bank branch for frequent cashier's checks.