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InvestorLine Self-Directed

Our easy-to-use online trading platform lets you invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and more! We provide research, tips and tools so you can make every trade with confidence.

  • Commission free trading on some of Canada's most popular ETF's footnote dagger 

  • Elevate your trading strategy with our new BMO Active Trader platform

  • Advanced tools and capabilities like multi-leg options, screeners, strategy builders with margin trades evaluated using real time buying power calculations

  • Benchmark, Customize and Track your performance with our easy-to-use analysis tools

  • Build a more sustainable portfolio with environmental, social and governance insights

Screenshot of Investorline self directed accounts page

Special offer:

Get up to $3,500 cash back.*

Screenshot of Investorline self directed accounts page

How Self-Directed works for you

Trade smarter

Real-time research and alerts, performance tracking, and margin that adjust throughout the day.

Support when you need it

We’re here to help with trading and answering any questions.

$9.95 fee per trade

Pay one low flat-rate fee per trade.

Save on ETF commissions

Buy and sell a selection of Canada’s most popular Exchange traded fundswithout paying commissions.

BMO InvestorLine Self-Directed is made for investors like you

Level up your investing game with our dynamic online trading platform that lets you execute trades and track your performance with ease and precision. Create personalized watch lists, get a customizable view into your holdings, industry leading research, professional level tools and access key ESG insights.

What Self-Directed costs

Self-Directed gives you everything you need to make informed investments with no surprise fees or additional charges. Simply pay one low flat-rate fee for each online trade you make.

  • $9.95 flat fee for each trade you make online
  • + $1.25 per options contract
  • $0.00 commissions for a selection of Canada’s most popularExchange traded funds
Note: There is no minimum balance required to open a Self-Directed account.

4 types of investment accounts available with Self-Directed

  • These accounts are registered with the federal government and offer you certain tax incentives. Registered accounts can help with retirement investing, saving for education or a large purchase, and more.

    Great for: Investing in the future while getting tax incentives.

    Accounts offered: TFSA, RRSP, RESP, RRIF

Investment types available with Self-Directed

  •  Stocks

    Stocks are easily tradeable units of ownership in a publicly traded company. Get access to stock trading on the major North American exchanges, including the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ

  •  Options

    Options are contracts that give you the right to buy or sell stock at a set price by a certain date. A great way to broaden your opportunities and help to reduce risk.

  •  CDRs

    Canadian Depositary Receipts allow investors to invest in global companies that are listed on foreign exchanges. CDRs are listed on a Canadian exchange and priced in Canadian dollars.

  •  ETFs

    Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are a combination of equities, fixed income and other assets. They can be traded just like stocks, and come with typically low management fees. We offer a selection of ETFs, commission-free.

  •  GICs

    A guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) is a secure investment that guarantee 100% of your principal, meaning your initial investment is safe, no matter what the market does.

  • Mutual Funds

    A mutual fund pools your money with other investors to buy a portfolio of investments overseen by a portfolio manager. They are easy to purchase with low investment amounts.

  •  Bonds

    Bonds are fixed-income contracts that function like loan agreements between investors and borrowers.

Experienced trader? Elevate your trading with BMO’s 5-Star Program

Tailored for seasoned traders, our program offers exclusive tools, and dedicated support for those with 15+ trades per quarter or over $250,000 in investments.

  • Preferred rates and pricing
  • Professional-level tools, like BMO Active Trader
  • Industry-leading research
  • Dedicated 5-star support

Invest on the go with the new BMO Invest App

  • Log-in to your Self-Directed accounts wherever you are and start trading now

  • Buy and sell some of Canada’s most popular Exchange traded fundsfor free

  • Trade across the major North American exchanges with confidence and ease

Note: The BMO Invest app is designed for mobile phones. For the best BMO InvestorLine experience on tablets please use the latest version of your web browser. Supported browsers include Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.

Not sure if Self-Directed is right for you?

We’ve got other investing options

  • InvestorLine Self-Directed

    Online trading

    You’ve got this! Take control of your investments, from research and trading to tracking your portfolio’s progress.

  • InvestorLine adviceDirect

    Online trading with advice

    You’re in charge of trading. We’ll provide personalized support from registered investment advisors, but you make the decisions.

  • BMO SmartFolio

    Online portfolio management

    Get matched with a portfolio based on your goals and we’ll take care of the day-to-day investment management.

Want to learn more about online investing?

What is a Canadian Depositary Receipt (CDR)?

Learn how a CDR can help you invest in global companies to assist with investment goals.

Are you ready for online investing?

Here’s how to know if you’re ready to start investing online.

How much control do you want over your online investments?

Do you want to chart your own course or fly on autopilot?

Still curious about investing?

InvestorLine Self-DirectedFrequently asked questions

  • Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, Self-Directed gives you the control to manage your own investments. If you’re an active trader, you might want to consider the 5 Star Program.

Have questions? That’s what we’re here for.

  • Call us

    Connect with an Investment Specialist from Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET).

    1-888-776-6886 North America (Toll-free) 

    1-416-355-8366 International (Collect call)

  • Let us contact you

    Have one of our Specialists contact you to discuss your needs.