Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO) Thursday launched BMO Bank by Appointment, an easy-to-use, real-time online appointment booking tool that will allow existing and prospective customers to book a BMO branch appointment at their convenience.

Now available at bmo.com/appointment, BMO says it is the first major financial institution to offer a real-time online appointment booking capability. Earlier this year, bmo.com received top marks among Canadian financial institutions for overall customer experience, according to Keynote Systems, a global authority on mobile and internet performance.

“Canadians are looking for easier and less time-consuming ways to bank, including added convenience and the option to self-manage based on their busy schedule,” says Andrew Irvine, senior vice president, BMO Bank of Montreal. “With more than half of our personal banking customers using online banking, BMO’s online appointment booking tool will make it easier for our customers to schedule one-on-one meetings with one of our financial professionals – which is an important step in successfully planning for and achieving financial goals.”

Irvine added that 1.5 million appointments are booked each year, either face-to-face in branches or by phone. The new online appointment booking capability will allow current and prospective customers to self-book appointments quickly and conveniently.