Payments

UC Berkeley selects BMO as official bank

Photo: Adobe Stock

September 17, 2025

UC Berkeley has named BMO as its official bank.

Through this partnership, BMO will provide financial wellness programs and other initiatives for students, faculty, staff, alumni and others, according to a press release.

BMO will offer Smart Money Checking as an affordable banking option for students, along with its SmartProgress seminars for faculty and staff. It will also provide ATMs on campus and access to the Allpoint ATM network.

"Our partnership with BMO builds on UC Berkeley's tradition of innovation while meeting today's needs for accessible, forward-thinking financial services," Kelly Sparks, vice chancellor for finance and chief financial officer at UC Berkeley, said in the release. "BMO is a purpose-led bank, and this relationship is about more than providing banking services — it's about empowering our students, faculty, staff and alumni with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions and fostering a financially confident campus community."

"BMO is proud to be the Official Bank of UC Berkeley, and we look forward to partnering to create meaningful, lasting impact across the campus and the broader community. We're excited to help students and young professionals make real financial progress by meeting them where they are and making financial education relevant to their current stage of life," Halé Behzadi, vice chair, California, BMO, said in the release. "BMO's purpose is to boldly grow the good in business and life, and working with UC Berkeley demonstrates our belief that progress happens when we invest in people, education, and opportunity."