Reviewed July 2026: Bank requirements can change by institution, product and applicant status. Confirm the current requirements directly with the bank before applying.
Having a local bank account simplifies everyday life in Mexico. It makes paying rent, utilities and local services easier, and it reduces the fees and exchange-rate losses that come with relying on foreign cards. This guide covers what some Mexican banks publish about opening accounts for foreigners, the documents commonly requested, and practical steps to help you prepare.
Requirements vary by bank, by account product and by your immigration status. The information below is based on what selected banks publish on their websites as of July 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the bank before visiting.
Who can open a Mexican bank account?
Mexican banks generally offer accounts to people with a legal basis to be in Mexico. Temporary and permanent residents are commonly accepted. Some banks also publish options for visitors. Your immigration status and the specific account product will determine which banks and products are available to you.
If you are planning to stay in Mexico long-term, obtaining temporary or permanent residency first will give you access to more banking options. See our guide to Mexican residency for the current requirements and process.
Documents commonly requested
The following documents are commonly listed by Mexican banks for foreign applicants. Requirements vary by institution and product. Confirm the exact list with the bank before your visit.
- Valid passport: Required by all banks as primary identification.
- Mexican immigration document: Your current valid document showing your immigration status in Mexico (for example, a temporary or permanent resident card, or a visitor document). The specific document accepted depends on the bank and account product.
- CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población): A Mexican population registry number. Required by some banks. Foreign residents can obtain a CURP through the INM (National Immigration Institute) or RENAPO.
- RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes): A Mexican tax identification number issued by the SAT. Required by some banks for certain account products. Foreign residents can register for an RFC at a SAT office.
- Proof of address in Mexico: A recent utility or telephone bill, usually less than three months old. If the proof of address is not in your name, ask the bank in advance whether it will accept a lease, landlord documentation or another form of address verification.
- Mexican mobile number: Often requested for app activation, SMS codes and account alerts. Confirm whether it is required for the particular bank and product.
Bank options for foreigners
Several Mexican banks publish information about accounts for foreign residents. Three that provide specific guidance for foreign applicants on their websites are BBVA México, Scotiabank México and Intercam Banco. This is not a complete list of all banks that accept foreign applicants.
Bank comparison
| Bank | Visitor option published | Immigration documentation | CURP | RFC | Proof of address | Opening method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBVA México | Not stated on cited foreigner page | Required | Required | Not listed on cited page; verify by product | Required | App or branch for eligible applicants |
| Scotiabank México | Yes — visa or permit allowing a legal stay of up to 180 days | Visitor, temporary-resident or permanent-resident documentation accepted | Not listed on cited page | Not listed on cited page | Required | Bilingual or designated branch |
| Intercam Banco | Not stated | Migratory form required | Not listed on cited page | Not listed for foreign individuals on cited page | Required | Contact Intercam or visit a branch; verify current procedure |
“Not listed on cited page” means the bank’s published page did not specify this requirement at the time of review. It does not mean the requirement does not exist. Confirm all requirements directly with the bank.
BBVA México
BBVA México publishes a dedicated page for foreign applicants. The page lists passport, immigration document, CURP and proof of address as required. BBVA’s published page still uses the older FM2 and FM3 terminology for immigration documents; applicants should present their current valid Mexican immigration document regardless of the terminology used.
Eligible foreign applicants may begin the account-opening process through the BBVA app. Confirm current eligibility and the required documents with BBVA before applying.
Scotiabank México
Scotiabank México publishes a page specifically for non-resident foreigners. It lists options for visitors, temporary residents and permanent residents. For visitors, the page references visas or permits allowing a legal stay of up to 180 days.
Scotiabank recommends visiting a bilingual or designated branch. Confirm the current requirements and available account products with Scotiabank before visiting.
Intercam Banco
Intercam Banco publishes a specific document list for foreign individuals through its Intercuenta Enlace product. Its product page also provides contact and application options, but applicants should confirm the current opening procedure directly with Intercam.
Why requirements can vary
Requirements can vary because different products have different compliance standards, and an applicant’s documents or immigration status may require additional review. Confirm the exact product requirements with the intended branch before visiting.
Fees and account costs
Account fees and minimum balances vary by bank and product. When comparing accounts, ask each bank for its current official fee schedule and check the following:
- Monthly account fee
- Minimum average balance
- Debit-card replacement fee
- Out-of-network ATM fee
- International incoming-transfer fee
- SPEI transfer limits
- Inactivity or account-closing fees
Consult the current official fee schedule for the exact account before opening.
IPAB deposit protection
Deposits at Mexican banks regulated by the CNBV are protected by the IPAB (Instituto para la Protección al Ahorro Bancario), Mexico’s deposit insurance agency. Protection limits apply per depositor per institution. Confirm the current coverage limits with the IPAB or the bank before opening an account.
Practical steps before visiting a branch
- Confirm your immigration status and which account products are available to you.
- Obtain your CURP and RFC if required by the bank you plan to use.
- Gather your documents: passport, immigration document, proof of address and any other items on the bank’s published list.
- Contact the intended branch before visiting and ask whether an appointment is recommended.
- Ask about fees and request the current official fee schedule for the account you are considering.
- Confirm the opening procedure for your specific account product, as online and branch processes differ.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a Mexican bank account as a tourist?
Scotiabank México publishes options for visitors with visas or permits allowing stays of up to 180 days. Most other major banks do not publish visitor-specific account options. If you are visiting Mexico, contact Scotiabank or other banks directly to ask about current eligibility before visiting a branch.
Do I need an RFC to open a bank account in Mexico?
Some banks require an RFC for certain account products. Others do not list it as a requirement on their published pages. Confirm whether an RFC is required for the specific account and bank you are considering. Foreign residents can register for an RFC at a SAT office.
What proof of address is accepted?
Banks commonly request recent proof of address, but the accepted document and whether it must be in the applicant’s name vary. Confirm whether a lease or third-party bill will be accepted before visiting.
Can I open an account online?
Some banks, including BBVA, allow eligible foreign applicants to begin the process through their app. Whether you can complete the entire process online depends on the bank, the account product and your immigration status. Confirm the current procedure with the bank before starting.
Tax reporting in your home country
If you are a US citizen or resident, holding a foreign bank account may trigger reporting obligations. These can include the FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) and FATCA (Form 8938). If you are a Canadian resident, you may have obligations under Form T1135. These rules are complex and change over time. Consult a qualified tax adviser who is familiar with cross-border obligations before opening a foreign account.
How a local account fits into your broader move
A Mexican bank account is one part of getting established. You will also want to understand the cost of living in Mexico, arrange healthcare coverage and work through your residency and relocation paperwork. Our Mexico relocation checklist covers the key steps in one place.
Plan the rest of your move
Opening a local account is only one part of getting established. Use our Mexico relocation checklist to organize residency documents, healthcare, housing, banking and other practical steps.
Official sources
- BBVA México — Cuenta digital para extranjeros
- Scotiabank México — Accounts for non-resident foreigners
- Intercam Banco — Intercuenta Enlace
- IPAB — Instituto para la Protección al Ahorro Bancario
- FinCEN — FBAR reporting information
- IRS — FATCA information
- CRA — Form T1135
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Bank requirements, fees and procedures change. Verify all requirements directly with the bank before applying. This is not financial, legal or tax advice. Consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.
About the Author
Ken Gardner is the founder of Mexpat Guide. He writes practical, experience-based guides for Canadians and Americans relocating to or retiring in Mexico.