Mexico banks to require ID, biometrics for large cash withdrawals and enforce MTU limits

From 1 July 2026 Mexican banks – including BBVA, Banorte, Banamex, Banco Azteca and Santander – will require customers withdrawing or depositing cash of 140,000 pesos or more to present a valid official ID and a biometric verification (fingerprint or facial recognition). The rule, announced by the Asociación de Bancos de México (ABM), applies uniformly at all branches and is intended to curb fraud and money‑laundering.

The government‑mandated Monto Transaccional del Usuario (MTU) lets users set a daily transfer ceiling in digital banking apps. If not configured, banks automatically apply a default limit of 1,500 UDIS (≈ 12,800 pesos). The MTU was published in the Official Gazette on 14 June 2024, became available to customers on 1 October 2025 and is mandatory from January 2026.

Separately, the Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (CNBV) amended the Circular Única de Bancos, giving a 90‑day deadline for banks to adopt advanced electronic signatures in credit‑related requests, contracts and documentation. The change raises the legal and technical standards for digital credit processes.

The tax authority (SAT) clarified that merely receiving a payroll deposit will not trigger account blocks; only tax‑related violations such as unpaid liabilities or fraudulent invoices could lead to immobilisation.