BMO Harris Bank Announces Relief Measures for Covid-19

BMO Harris Bank today announced new measures to help consumers, small businesses, commercial clients, communities and team members experiencing financial pressures as a result of COVID-19.

“Our collective charge at BMO is to keep our employees safe so we can support our clients who are keeping commerce flowing during this unprecedented time,” said David Casper, U.S. CEO, BMO Financial Group.

Consumers and Small Businesses

For those who qualify, BMO’s hardship program for consumer and small business customers may include payment deferrals on credit cards, mortgages, home equity, auto, personal and small business loans for up to three months; fee waivers for checking and savings accounts for up to two months; and removing penalties associated with early CD withdrawal. The bank has paused foreclosure and repossession actions for consumers with COVID-19 related circumstances. This pause also applies to loans secured by real estate made by BMO’s small business team. Customers who are taking advantage of relief options offered by the bank for loans and credit cards will not have their credit negatively reported as a result.

Customers can contact the bank through one of several channels to seek hardship assistance, including BMOHarris.com, where the bank has created an online relief form to request assistance. Customers can also access BMO Digital Banking and BMO’s more than 40,000 ATMs to access funds and conduct transactions. These tools are easy to use and provide complete access 24/7.

Corporate Clients

BMO is working with commercial and capital markets clients on a one-on-one basis, and has introduced tailored relief programs, which may include payment deferrals on loans, lines of credit and access to additional working capital. BMO, which has a strong liquidity position and is committed to continuing to provide access to capital, continues to offer clients one-on-one advice on business plans and options to overcome liquidity concerns. BMO’s Transportation Finance business, the largest bank financier of trucks and trailers in North America, also continues to address the specific issues of this critical part of the economy with a focus on keeping trucks on the road and commerce flowing.

SBA Guidance

As a preferred lender with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), BMO will continue to help its small business, commercial and transportation finance clients navigate the SBA programs available, including those in the federal relief package. Details about how the loan program will work will be announced by the SBA soon, and BMO will start accepting applications from existing clients shortly thereafter.

Wealth Management

BMO’s wealth management professionals are working with clients remotely, providing advice related to their planning, banking, investment and estate and trust administration needs. Furthermore, the team’s investment strategists are providing clients with ongoing updates through teleconferences and written publications, keeping them apprised of developments and providing guidance on market impact, as well as perspectives on cash deployment strategies in a rapidly-changing market environment.

Communities

BMO Harris has pledged up to $500,000 to support crisis relief efforts in areas of immediate community need as a result of COVID-19. This commitment includes:

• $250,000 to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund
• $100,000 to United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund
• $50,000 to United Way of Dane County’s COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund
• Additional support for non-profits and community groups

These donations are on top of the $10 million donation BMO announced last fall through the United Way of Metro Chicago’s Neighborhood Network to support Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s INVEST South/West Program, which was created to tackle economic disparity in the city.

Team Members

As our team members continue to serve our customers and communities, we recognize the exceptional work they are doing to provide a core service. We will sustain onsite staffing for critical operations in ways that strive to keep everyone safe. All bank sites are practicing social distancing, along with precautions to ensure frequent hand washing. We are providing access to medical information through virtual apps for employees and Q&A with medical advisors.

BMO is also providing a stipend of $50 per day to certain employees working onsite to help them manage additional expenses. We continue to pay employees that are at home, in quarantine, or working from home, or if their branch is closed.