What tourists can and cannot do at Mexican banks

Yes, you can open a bank account in Mexico as a tourist, but the process is more limited than it is for residents. Most major banks will open a basic savings or checking account if you have a valid passport and proof of a Mexican address — even a temporary one like a hotel or Airbnb. However, you will not be able to open certain account types, and some banks are stricter than others about who they accept.

The key difference is that Mexican banks distinguish between resident accounts (which require an RFC tax ID number) and non-resident accounts (which do not). As a tourist, you will be opening a non-resident account. These accounts work for basic deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, but they come with lower transaction limits and sometimes higher fees. Some banks will not offer them at all.

The process itself is straightforward if you have the right documents. Most banks can complete it in one visit, though you may need to return to set up the account or collect your debit card. The real challenge is that requirements vary by bank and by branch, so what works at one location may not work at another.

Key Takeaways

  • Tourist accounts are available at most major Mexican banks, but they are non-resident accounts with lower limits and sometimes higher fees than resident accounts.
  • You will need a valid passport, proof of a temporary Mexican address (hotel, Airbnb, or rental agreement), and sometimes a reference from another bank.
  • Banks like BBVA, Santander, and Scotiabank commonly open accounts for tourists, but requirements differ by branch and change without notice.
  • The account can take one to three weeks to fully set up, and you may not receive a debit card when ready.
  • If you plan to stay longer or need a resident account, you will need an RFC tax ID, which requires a Mexican address and a visit to the tax office.

Documents you will need to bring

Start with your valid passport — this is non-negotiable. Mexican banks will not open an account without it, and it must be current. A photocopy is usually acceptable, but bring the original as well in case the branch wants to verify it.

Next, you need proof of a Mexican address. This does not have to be permanent. A hotel reservation confirmation, an Airbnb booking, a rental agreement, or even a letter from someone who lives in Mexico saying you are staying with them can work. Some banks are flexible here; others require a utility bill or official document. Call ahead or ask at the branch what they will accept — this varies widely.

Some banks ask for a reference from another bank, especially if you are opening an account with a large initial deposit or if the branch is cautious. This can be a letter from your home bank confirming you have an account in good standing. Not all branches require this, but having one reduces friction.

Bring your phone number and email address. Banks use these for account notifications and password resets. Make sure the phone number works in Mexico or is a number you can access remotely.

Which banks accept tourists and what to expect

BBVA Mexico (formerly Bancomer) is generally the most tourist-friendly. They have branches in most cities and are accustomed to opening accounts for visitors. The process usually takes one visit, though set up can take a week or two. Fees are moderate, and their app works well for transfers and balance checks.

Santander Mexico also opens accounts for tourists regularly. Their requirements are similar to BBVA, and they have wide branch coverage. set up timelines are comparable — expect one to two weeks before you can use the account fully.

Scotiabank is another option, though they are more selective about non-resident accounts. Some branches will open them; others will not. Call ahead to confirm your local branch participates.

Banamex (Citibanamex) is less consistent. Some branches open tourist accounts; others decline. If you try Banamex, be prepared to move to another bank if they say no.

Smaller regional banks vary widely. Some will open accounts for tourists; others will not. Stick with the major national banks unless you have a specific reason to use a smaller one.

All of these banks will charge you a monthly fee for a non-resident account — typically between 50 and 150 pesos per month (roughly $3 to $9 USD, though exchange rates vary). Some waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance, usually 5,000 to 10,000 pesos. Ask about this when you open the account.

What happens after you open the account

Once you hand over your documents, the bank will give you a temporary account number and may issue a temporary debit card on the spot. However, the account itself is not fully active yet. The bank needs time to verify your information and process your process — this usually takes three to ten business days.

During this time, you may not be able to use the debit card, and transfers might be blocked. The bank will contact you (usually by phone or email) when the account is ready. Some branches will call you back to pick up your permanent card; others will mail it to your Mexican address.

If you are leaving Mexico before the account is fully activated, ask the bank what you can do remotely. Some banks allow you to set up accounts online through their app or website. Others require you to return to the branch. This is worth clarifying before you leave.

Once the account is active, you can deposit money, withdraw cash, and make transfers within Mexico. International transfers are possible but may have higher fees and longer processing times than domestic ones. Check the bank's website or ask at the branch about their international transfer rates.

Transaction limits and fees for tourist accounts

Non-resident accounts typically have lower daily withdrawal limits than resident accounts — often 5,000 to 10,000 pesos per day at the ATM, though this varies by bank. In-branch withdrawals may have higher limits. If you need to move larger amounts, plan ahead and use bank transfers instead of ATM withdrawals.

Monthly fees range from 50 to 150 pesos, as mentioned. Some banks charge additional fees for international transfers, ATM withdrawals outside their network, or paper statements. Ask for a fee schedule when you open the account.

Debit card transactions within Mexico are usually free. Cross-border transactions (using the card in another country) may incur a fee or a currency conversion charge. Check with your bank about this if you plan to use the card outside Mexico.

If you want to stay longer: getting an RFC and opening a resident account

If you are planning to stay in Mexico for more than a few months, you may want to convert to a resident account or open a new one. Resident accounts have higher limits, lower fees, and more features. To open one, you need an RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) — Mexico's tax ID number.

Getting an RFC requires a visit to the SAT (Servicio de Administración Tributaria), Mexico's tax authority. You will need a Mexican address, your passport, and proof of that address (a utility bill, rental agreement, or letter from your landlord). The process takes about 30 minutes, and you receive your RFC number on the spot.

Once you have an RFC, most banks will open a resident account for you. The requirements are the same as for a tourist account, but you will have access to more account types and better terms. This is worth doing if you plan to stay more than a few months or if you need higher transaction limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I am only in Mexico for a few days?

Yes, but it may not be practical. The account takes one to two weeks to set up, so you might leave before you can use it. If you need to move money quickly, a wire transfer or money transfer service like Wise or Western Union is faster. If you are staying longer, opening an account is worth the effort.

What if the bank asks for an RFC and I do not have one?

Tell them you are a tourist and do not have an RFC. Most major banks will open a non-resident account without one. If they refuse, try another bank — this is common enough that you should not have trouble finding one that will work with you.

Can I use my tourist account to receive money from outside Mexico?

Yes, but international transfers may take longer and cost more than domestic ones. Ask your bank about their incoming wire transfer fees and processing times before you rely on this. Some banks charge 100 to 300 pesos for incoming transfers.

What happens to my account if I leave Mexico?

The account stays open unless you close it. You can continue to use it remotely — deposit checks by photo, make transfers through the app, and withdraw money at ATMs if you return. However, if the account sits inactive for a long time (usually one to two years), the bank may close it. Check your bank's policy on inactive accounts.

Do I need a tourist account, or can I just use my home bank's debit card?

You can use your home bank's debit card at Mexican ATMs, but you will pay foreign transaction fees and currency conversion charges. If you are staying more than a week or two, a local account usually costs less. Compare your home bank's ATM fees against the monthly fee of a Mexican account to see which makes sense for your stay.