What to actually say at BBVA, Santander or Banorte.
Mexican banks are slow, paper-heavy, and 100% Spanish. You'll need to schedule an appointment ('cita'), bring originals (passport, visa, comprobante de domicilio, sometimes RFC), and answer questions in real time at the counter.
The good news: once you know the 10 phrases below, the whole appointment is predictable.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| cuenta de cheques | checking account |
| cuenta de débito | debit account |
| comprobante de domicilio | proof of address (utility bill, max 3 months old) |
| identificación oficial | official ID (passport for foreigners) |
| residencia temporal / permanente | temporary / permanent residency card |
| RFC | Mexican tax ID |
| CURP | Mexican population registry number |
| agendar una cita | schedule an appointment |
| ejecutivo / ejecutiva | bank officer |
| ventanilla | teller window |
| comisión | fee |
| saldo mínimo | minimum balance |
| transferencia SPEI | Mexican instant bank transfer |
| CLABE | 18-digit account number for SPEI |
| firma | signature |
Practice both sides out loud.
BBVA branch in Polanco. You scheduled the cita online.
Buenos días, tengo una cita a las once para abrir cuenta.
Good morning, I have an 11 AM appointment to open an account.
¿A nombre de quién?
Under what name?
A nombre de [su nombre]. Aquí está mi pasaporte.
Under [your name]. Here's my passport.
Tome asiento, en un momento lo atienden.
Take a seat, someone will help you shortly.
Sitting at the officer's desk, papers in hand.
Buenos días, ¿qué tipo de cuenta quiere abrir?
Good morning, what kind of account do you want to open?
Una cuenta de débito básica, por favor.
A basic debit account, please.
¿Trae pasaporte, visa y comprobante de domicilio?
Do you have your passport, visa and proof of address?
Sí, traigo todo. El comprobante es de hace dos meses, ¿sirve?
Yes, I have everything. The proof of address is two months old, does that work?
Sí, mientras no pase de tres meses está bien.
Yes, as long as it's less than three months it's fine.
¿Es necesario tener RFC?
Do I need an RFC?
No es obligatorio para esta cuenta, pero sí se lo recomiendo para el futuro.
Not required for this account, but I do recommend it going forward.
¿Cuál es la comisión mensual y el saldo mínimo?
What's the monthly fee and minimum balance?
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Walking in without an appointment can mean a 2-hour wait. Use the bank's app or website.
Mexican banks photocopy everything. Bring 2 copies of your passport's photo page and visa.
If your lease is in someone else's name, ask your landlord for a 'carta de residencia' notarized at a notaría.
Yes, with a temporary or permanent residency card (visa). Most banks won't open accounts for tourists on FMM. BBVA, Santander, Banorte and HSBC are the most expat-friendly.
Not strictly required for basic debit accounts, but you'll need one to receive Mexican salary or invoice as a freelancer. Get it at the SAT.
Typically 60–90 minutes at the branch, plus 5–10 business days for your debit card to arrive.
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