★ BMO INVESTORLINE · REVIEW · 2026

Two brokers in one account.

BMO InvestorLine is the only Big-Six broker that bundles BOTH a self-directed platform AND a semi-managed "adviceDirect" service in the same login. Switch modes anytime. Free trades on 80+ BMO ETFs make the math work even at $9.95 per equity trade.

★ THE SPLIT-PERSONALITY ★

Same login. Two different modes.

★ SELF-DIRECTED

You drive.

Pick your own stocks, ETFs, mutual funds. Standard $9.95 commission. Free trades on 80+ BMO ETFs. Active-trader pricing kicks in at $3.95 after 150 trades/qtr.

EQUITY TRADE$9.95
ACTIVE TIER$3.95 (150+/qtr)
BMO ETFs80+ BMO ETFs at $0
MIN$5,000 (waived for registered)
★ adviceDirect

BMO co-pilots.

BMO's algorithm tracks your portfolio against a target allocation. You still execute trades — but BMO emails when you drift, suggests rebalances, and connects you to an advisor by appointment if needed.

QUARTERLY FEE0.0825%
ANNUAL0.33%
MIN$50,000
YOU CONTROLExecution
The bridge play: use Self-Directed for free BMO ETFs, switch to adviceDirect when your portfolio gets complex. No other broker lets you do both.
★ 80+ FREE BMO ETFs ★

Why InvestorLine math works at $9.95

Every BMO-branded ETF trades commission-free on InvestorLine. The 80+ list includes the lowest-MER S&P 500 ETF in Canada (ZSP at 0.08%) and the most popular one-ticket portfolios. A buy-and-hold investor using BMO ETFs pays $0 lifetime.

ZCNTSX 60 Index0.05% MER
ZSPS&P 500 Index0.08% MER
ZEAEAFE ex-NA0.20% MER
ZBALBalanced 60/40 one-ticket0.20% MER
ZGROGrowth 80/20 one-ticket0.20% MER
ZEQTEquity 100 one-ticket0.20% MER
ZAGAggregate bond0.09% MER
ZWBCdn bank covered-call0.71% MER
★ 10-YEAR ALL-IN COST ★

$100K portfolio, monthly $500 contribution

WS TRADE
$0

Free trades + free MER (none from broker)

BMO (BMO ETFs only)
$0

$0 trades on BMO ETFs · $0 maintenance for $25K+

TD Direct ($9.99/trade)
$1,199

120 monthly trades × $9.99 = $1,199 over 10 yrs

If you stick to BMO ETFs only, InvestorLine is functionally as cheap as Wealthsimple Trade — with a full Big-Six platform + adviceDirect option underneath.
8.2/10
FINAL VERDICT

BMO's underrated trick: free ETFs + an upgrade path.

Most Canadians never realize that BMO InvestorLine + BMO ETFs is functionally free. Add the adviceDirect option for when life gets complex (inheritance, retirement runway), and you have a broker that grows with you. The only Big-Six that doesn't force you to switch accounts as your needs change.