How to Buy Bitcoin & Crypto with BMO Harris Bank

Looking to buy crypto with BMO Harris Bank? You’re in the right place. While BMO doesn’t directly sell digital currencies, it allows customers to use their debit or credit cards to purchase crypto on regulated exchanges like CEX.IO. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to buy Bitcoin quickly, compare payment methods such as ACH transfers and card payments, and help you choose the most convenient way to enter the crypto market with BMO Harris Bank.

What is BMO Harris Bank?

BMO Harris Bank is a major U.S. financial institution headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and a subsidiary of the Bank of Montreal (BMO), one of Canada’s largest and oldest banks. It provides a full range of banking services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment solutions for individuals and businesses. 

While BMO Harris Bank does not directly support cryptocurrency trading, it allows customers to use their BMO Harris Bank Debit Card or credit card to purchase digital assets on regulated exchanges like CEX.IO, providing safe, compliant access to the crypto economy.

How to buy crypto with BMO Harris Bank on CEX.IO?

If you want to buy Bitcoin with BMO Harris Bank, CEX.IO makes it simple and secure. By linking your BMO Harris Bank card to your verified CEX.IO account, you can purchase BTC in just a few clicks using Instant Buy. Here’s how to get started.

1. Create CEX.IO Account

CEX.IO operates under strict regulatory standards, so all users must verify their identity before buying crypto.

To create your account:

1. Visit CEX.IO.com or download the CEX.IO App.
2. Select Create your account, then enter your email, password, and country of residence.
3. Confirm your email through the link sent to your inbox.
4. Upload your ID and selfie to complete KYC verification.

CEX.IO uses automated checks to verify most accounts within five minutes, granting you secure access to the crypto market with full transparency.

2. Access Instant Buy

With your account verified, you can now use CEX.IO’s Instant Buy tool, which is the fastest way to buy Bitcoin with BMO Harris Bank. Log in and access the Buy Cryptocurrency section.

Next:

1. Select USD as your payment currency.
2. Decide how much you’d like to spend.
3. Choose Bitcoin (BTC) from the dropdown or find it via the search bar.
4. Click Buy Crypto Instantly to continue.

You’ll be redirected to the Add Funds page to review your order and proceed with a secure checkout.

3. Add a Payment Method

On the Add Funds page, ensure the amount matches your purchase plan. You can change it by entering a new number or selecting a preset value.

Go to Select Payment Method and pick Credit/Debit Card. Enter your BMO Harris Bank debit card number, expiration date, and CVV, then click Add Card to store it for future payments. 

Review your purchase details carefully, and confirm to process your order securely through CEX.IO’s encrypted system.

4. Receive BTC in Your Wallet

Your BTC will appear in your CEX.IO Wallet within moments of completing the order. Check it under Wallet → Cryptocurrency to confirm your balance. 

From there, you can decide whether to store it securely, convert it to another token, or trade it right away using CEX.IO’s instant tools.

Popular Ways to Deposit from BMO to Crypto Exchanges

When funding crypto purchases with BMO Harris Bank, users typically use ACH transfers and wire payments. These methods are common across many exchanges, allowing customers to move funds directly from their bank to a trading platform. ACH transfers are often chosen for everyday transactions, offering low fees but slower processing times, usually taking a few business days. Wire payments clear faster but often include additional bank fees and manual processing steps.

However, CEX.IO offers a faster, more convenient alternative for U.S.-based users. Unlike many platforms, CEX.IO does not support ACH or wire deposits. Instead, customers can buy digital assets instantly using a BMO Harris Bank Debit Card or credit card.

Using your BMO Harris Bank Debit Card on CEX.IO offers several advantages over ACH and wire methods available elsewhere:

• Instant processing – digital assets appear in your wallet moments after checkout.
• No transfer delays – no need to wait for external payments to clear.
• Simplified process – purchase directly from your card through a secure gateway.
• Greater flexibility – ideal for both small and occasional purchases.

This streamlined approach makes CEX.IO one of the most accessible choices for BMO Harris Bank customers who want a quick, reliable way to enter the crypto market.

What payment methods are available at CEX.IO?

If you don’t want to use your card for any reason, it’s good to know that CEX.IO offers plenty of alternatives you may find convenient. 

Mobile-first users can buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay or buy crypto with Google Pay if Android is their first choice. However, it’s good to know that this payment method is also available on our web-based platform so that desktop users won’t be short of choices. 

U.S.-based users can also buy Bitcoin with PayPal, an exclusive feature for customers in this region. At the same time, those outside the U.S. can choose from other supported payment methods, such as international cards or e-wallets, depending on their country of residence.

Still, if you prefer cards but don’t want to share details online, CEX.IO enables you to buy Bitcoin with a prepaid card. We don’t recommend this gateway generally, as many of our customers reported transaction confirmation issues; still, it’s good to know there’s an alternative available when other payment methods aren’t suitable. Just ensure your prepaid card supports international online transactions to avoid declined payments.

Best Alternative Exchanges for BMO Harris Bank

When searching for the best crypto exchange to use with BMO Harris Bank, focus on regulated platforms that accept USD payments and maintain clear fee structures. Compare how different providers handle deposits and withdrawals, and whether they support familiar payment gateways like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal. 

Exchanges such as CEX.IO stand out for offering secure card payments, verified account protection, and a user-friendly interface. Before choosing, review customer feedback, check licensing information, and confirm that the exchange provides transparent crypto-to-fiat services to manage your funds safely and efficiently.