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Banking in Guatemala

Best banks in Guatemala for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to Guatemala. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in Guatemala

Foreigners can open an account without residency, but most banks require an in-person branch visit with a passport, a Guatemalan tax ID (NIT), proof of address, proof of income, and an initial deposit (roughly Q500-Q5,000 or USD 500-1,000 for USD accounts); US citizens also sign a FATCA/W-9 form. BI, BAM and BAC are the most flexible for non-residents, while Banrural, G&T and Promerica often prefer a DPI/residency or a local reference.

Top banks in Guatemala

Banco Industrial (BI)

traditional
Most expats: largest ATM network and support

Guatemala's largest bank; opens accounts for foreigners with a passport, and offers GTQ and USD accounts plus the Bi en Linea platform.

BAC Credomatic

traditional
Regional banking and best mobile app

Part of the pan-Central American BAC network; strong online/mobile banking and flexible for non-residents, with GTQ and USD accounts.

Banco Agromercantil (BAM)

traditional
Low fees and modern app, easy foreigner onboarding

Foreigner-friendly with same-day debit card and low minimum deposit; accepts passport plus NIT and proof of address.

Banrural (Banco de Desarrollo Rural)

traditional
Widest branch coverage and receiving remittances

Largest branch/agent network including rural areas and low incoming-wire fees; foreigner opening is accepted but slower.

Banco G&T Continental

traditional
Business accounts and broad domestic network

Major established bank with GTQ and USD accounts; accepts foreigners but usually prefers residency or a prior relationship.

Banco Promerica

traditional
Higher-yield USD savings

Regional Promerica group bank offering GTQ and USD accounts; foreigner opening is possible but more restricted than BI/BAM/BAC.

International accounts & neobanks

Wise

Guatemala residents cannot open a multi-currency account, hold a GTQ balance, or get the Wise card; Wise only supports sending money and receiving to a local Guatemalan bank account.

Payoneer

Available to Guatemalan freelancers and businesses to receive international payments (USD/EUR/GBP etc.) and withdraw to a local bank account; no full local checking account.

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in Guatemala

See the full Guatemala tax, cost and visa profile, or compare Guatemala with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.