Menu
Expat.com

Opening a bank account in Mexico

Post new topic

Julien

Hi all,

is it difficult for expats to open a bank account in Mexico ?

Which documents are required to open a bank account in Mexico ?

How long does it take to open it ?

Is there any restriction for expats regarding the services (loans for instance)  ?

Which bank would you recommend ?

Thanks in advance for your participation,

Julien

joaquinx

It is not difficult to open a bank account at a Mexican bank. Generally, you will need your passport, your FM3/No Inmigrate or FM2/Inmigrate card, some proof of address such as an electric bill, and an initial deposit. Some banks will open an account with a tourist visa (FMM). It took me about 20 minutes to open the account. Loans may require you to have a FM2 type visa, especially for mortgages. It's best to visit the bank and ask about the requirements.

Armand

Hi joaquinx!

Thanks a lot fot your help ;)

Armand

MexicanAtHeart

I was able to sign up for my checking account with a fake address.. I was with a friend (as my translator) and I didn't have any bills with me with my address, but he did.. and the lady asked for his information instead.

I learned you cannot open a credit card, however if you have a mexican friend who would like to add you to their account, they can do that!

It took me about 30 minutes with Banamex. Online banking is a pain in the butt in Mexico, and they make you register like 100 different passwords.

Goodluck!

joaquinx

Thanks for reminding me of the on-line access. Getting the account at HSBC was easy, but the passwords. I swear that I had to have passwords for passwords. They finally sent me one of those "one time password" doggles and with the list of passwords, I got on-line access to my account.

At one time, I needed to withdraw 16,000 pesos for a car payment and had to fill out 2 or 3 forms, take them to the cashier who wrote a check for the amount which I then endorsed. Only then was I given the cash. The twist came when I got my statement where they charged me 100 pesos for the check!!!

MexicanAtHeart

Passwords for Passwords, for sure.. It's crazy.

I also just thought of something, check with your local bank at home to see if they have any partnerships with any banks here.

For example HSBC has international locations, CitiBank is connected with Banamex and I THINK Santandar is with Bank of America (or something like that).. Im sure its the same with banks all around the world.. this could save you some trouble for juggling different currencies and accounts.

Cotton farmer1

Io
I am very interested in banking Mexico

wayns

We hear that bank accounts in Mexico are taxed. Some rumors say anything over $10,000 pesos is taxed and others that over $1,500 is taxed. Is there any truth the these stories?

joaquinx

Large cash deposits are taxed. Bank transfers and checks are not.

wayns

Out of curiosity how large are the deposits that are taxed and at what rate?

joaquinx

wayns wrote:

Out of curiosity how large are the deposits that are taxed and at what rate?


Banking stuff

Articles to help you in your expat project in Mexico

  • Banking in Mexico
    Banking in Mexico

    You do not need to have your own bank account in Mexico unless you are legally employed. ATMs are widely available ...

  • Dating in Mexico
    Dating in Mexico

    We can recognize an intrinsic spark of love in the Mexican culture, "la serenata." Remember that ...

  • Leisure activities in Mexico
    Leisure activities in Mexico

    Mexico has activities for everyone: from exciting adventure to peaceful relaxation, high culture to rowdy street ...

  • Working in Cancun
    Working in Cancun

    Cancun and surrounding areas are popular destinations for both tourists and expatriates alike. Cancun is the ...

  • Accommodation in Cancun
    Accommodation in Cancun

    Like in other parts of Mexico, the best way to find accommodation in Cancun is by searching for one while ...

  • Childcare and education in Mexico
    Childcare and education in Mexico

    Many Mexicans' lives, young and old, revolve around family issues. Children are accepted on most social ...

  • Travelling around Mexico
    Travelling around Mexico

    One of the best parts about living in Mexico is being able to travel across the country. Mexico may appear small ...

  • Buying property in Mexico City
    Buying property in Mexico City

    People travel from all across the globe to reside in Latin America because of its cultural richness and usually ...

All of Mexico's guide articles