OREANDA-NEWS. BMO Bank of Montreal today announced a partnership with Shell Canada to install more than 400 ATMs at Shell locations across Canada. The arrangement expands upon the existing partnership between BMO and Shell and significantly increases BMO's ATM footprint.

"We are pleased to be able to build upon our long-standing relationship with Shell Canada to offer added access to funds and convenience for our customers," said Connie Stefankiewicz, Head of North American Channel Strategy and Solutions, BMO Financial Group. "This partnership increases our out-of-branch ATM network by almost 40 per cent and expands access to cash for customers to nearly 2,500 locations."

Ms. Stefankiewicz added that the enhanced relationship, which already features the BMO Shell MasterCard suite of products, brings added value as both BMO and Shell Canada are also sponsors of the AIR MILES Reward Program. "This announcement further reflects how our strategic partnerships are an extension of our brand - chosen with the customer in mind and designed to deliver on BMO's vision to define great customer experience."

The announcement is a part of BMO's broader strategy to expand and enhance the channels through which customers connect with the bank. In November, BMO announced plans to enhance its network of 2,200 full-service ATMs, providing customers with intelligent-deposit touch screens, enabling multi-deposit transactions, and allowing scanned cheques and cash (bank notes) to be viewed on screen and printed on transaction receipts.

BMO will begin rolling out cash ATMs in Shell locations in Spring 2015, with completion planned for early Summer.