Bank customers must be careful. An important restriction applies from today

From October 1, new rules on money circulation come into force in Mexico. Each bank account holder must activate the function that sets an individual transfer limit, the so-called User Transaction Amount (KTU). The changes were introduced by the National Banking and Securities Commission, and their main goal is to increase customer security and hinder the activities of cybercriminals and criminal groups.

Mandatory limits

Although the tool is already available in banking applications, its activation becomes mandatory. People who do not do this will automatically have a low limit imposed – a maximum of 12,800 pesos (approximately PLN 3,000) per transaction. Any transfer above this amount will be blocked until KTU is activated.

The new regulations are also important in the broader context of the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. Similar regulations have been in force for years in the European Union, where banks must apply transfer limits and thoroughly verify customers. Polish financial institutions also apply various restrictions, including one-time, daily, monthly and quantitative limits. For example, Santander has set a daily transfer limit of PLN 125,000. PLN, and PKO BP – up to PLN 300,000. zloty. In the case of larger amounts, it is necessary to visit a branch and present appropriate documents, e.g. when purchasing real estate.

Fighting crime

Changes in Mexico were introduced in a specific social context. The country has been struggling with the activities of drug cartels, corruption and organized crime for years. Restricting large financial transactions is to be another way to limit the influence of the mafia and increase the transparency of economic transactions.

The new regulations are effective from October 1, but the authorities have provided for a three-month transition period. The deadline for KTU activation for all users is January 1, 2026.