USD Account Requirements by Bank Guatemala 2026: Documents Required Bank by Bank

A USD account is the most useful banking product for diaspora sending remittances, businesses invoicing in dollars, and Guatemalans wanting protection from exchange-rate moves. But requirements vary bank-by-bank, and knowing the differences before going saves 1-2 trips to the branch. This page details which documents each of the 8 main banks requires.

For a costs and fees comparison see USD accounts comparison. This page focuses on opening requirements specific by bank.

Universal Requirements (All Banks)

Regardless of bank, these 5 documents are always required:

1. Valid ID — DPI (Guatemalans) or passport (foreigners).
2. Active NIT — check status at SAT CUI/NIT consulta.
3. Proof of address — utility bill (light, water, telephony, internet) in your name, less than 3 months old. If the bill is in someone else’s name (renting, living with family), bring a signed letter + DPI of the holder.
4. Initial deposit in USD — cash (bills), international check, or transfer from another USD account.
5. FATCA form — W-8BEN if you are NOT a US citizen or green card holder; W-9 if you ARE. The bank provides the form.

Additional documents some banks request:

• Proof of income or international banking reference.
• Documented source of funds if initial deposit exceeds $10,000 USD.
• For non-resident foreigners: valid visa/entry stamp or IGM (Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración) certification.

Bank-by-Bank Comparison Table

Reference figures May 2026. Confirm with the bank — schemes change frequently.

Note: BI and BAC typically waive monthly fees if you maintain $3,000-$5,000+ balance. Banrural and BAM have lower fees without waiver requirements. Premium tiers (BI Premium, BAC Black) require $5,000-$25,000 USD and waive practically all fees. Reference figures — updated May 2026.

Detailed Requirements by Bank

Banco Industrial (BI)

For Guatemalans:

• Valid DPI + active NIT + proof of address.
• Initial deposit: $1,000 USD (cash or transfer).
• If target balance > $5,000: proof of income or another bank’s statement.
• BI requires opening a quetzal account simultaneously or having an existing one.
• Opening at main branches (Zone 10, Zone 14, Cayalá, major malls).

For non-resident foreigners:

• Valid passport + NIT (free at SAT).
• Proof of address in Guatemala (hotel, lease) — bring landlord letter if renting.
• International banking reference (letter from origin bank confirming client relationship, in English or Spanish).
• Initial deposit: $1,000-$5,000 USD.
• BI has strict AML controls: be prepared to explain source of funds if deposit exceeds $10,000.

Opening time: 60-90 minutes. USD debit card same-day (main branches).

BAM (Banco Agromercantil)

For Guatemalans:

• Valid DPI + active NIT + proof of address.
• Initial deposit: $500 USD.
• No proof of income required for basic account.
• Opening can be independent (no prior quetzal account).
• BAM has strong digitized process: active mobile app same day.

For non-resident foreigners:

• Valid passport + NIT.
• Proof of address in Guatemala (lease letter accepted).
• Initial deposit: $500-$1,000 USD.
• BAM is one of the most flexible for foreigners — reasonable acceptance without international bank reference for modest deposits.

Opening time: 45-60 minutes. Card same day.

Banrural

For Guatemalans:

• Valid DPI + active NIT + proof of address.
• Initial deposit: $500 USD.
• No proof of income required for basic account.
• Banrural is the bank with simplest paperwork, especially outside the capital.

For non-resident foreigners:

• Valid passport + NIT.
• Proof of address.
• Initial deposit: $500-$1,000.
• Process tends to be slower (1-2 visits, 7-14 days for card).
• Best option if you’ll live in the interior (3,500+ branch coverage).

Opening time: 30-60 minutes. USD debit card delivered in 7-14 days at most branches.

BAC Credomatic

For Guatemalans:

• Valid DPI + NIT + proof of address.
• Initial deposit: $1,000 USD.
• Proof of income for premium accounts or high target balance.
• BAC has strong digital flow; many forms filled on tablet.

For non-resident foreigners:

• Passport + NIT.
• Proof of address in Guatemala.
• Initial deposit: $1,000.
• International banking reference optional but speeds the process.

Opening time: 60-90 minutes. BAC Visa USD card same day.

G&T Continental

For Guatemalans:

• Valid DPI + NIT + proof of address.
• Initial deposit: $1,000.
• Typically prefers clients with prior relationship or proof of income.

For non-resident foreigners:

• Passport + NIT.
• Typically requires introduction by a referring client or prior business relationship.
• Opening for non-residents is limited compared to BI/BAM/BAC.

Opening time: 60-90 minutes. Card in 3-7 days.

Banco Promerica

For Guatemalans:

• DPI + NIT + proof of address.
• Initial deposit: $500.
• Basic account accessible.

For non-resident foreigners:

• Passport + NIT + proof of address.
• Opening limited for non-residents (preferentially residents or prior relationship).

Opening time: 60-90 minutes.

Bantrab and BI Banco (Inmobiliario)

Both are smaller banks with less common USD opening. Bantrab is geared toward public-sector workers; BI Banco toward real estate. If your profile is not typical for those banks (public sector or property purchase respectively), consider the 6 main banks.

Special Cases

US Diaspora (FATCA)

If you hold US citizenship or green card, you will always sign W-9 when opening an account in Guatemala. The bank reports your account to the IRS annually (balance, interest earned). Additionally:

• If total of your foreign accounts (Guatemala + any non-US country) exceeds $10,000 USD at any point in the year, you must file FBAR (FinCEN 114) before April 15 of the following year. This form is free and done online (BSA E-Filing System).
• If you have over $50,000 USD in foreign accounts (single filer) or $100,000 (married), you must also file Form 8938 with your 1040.
• Interest earned is reportable income in the US, even if already taxed in Guatemala (Foreign Tax Credit can apply).

For more detail see returning tax obligations.

Remote Opening with Consular Power-of-Attorney

If you’re in the US and can’t travel soon, you can grant consular power-of-attorney to a family member in Guatemala to open the account in your name:

1. Visit the nearest Guatemalan consulate (NY, LA, Houston, Miami, Chicago, DC, Atlanta, etc.).
2. Sign a special banking power before the consul. Cost: $40-$80 USD.
3. Apostille the document in your state (Secretary of State). Cost: $20-$50 + mailing.
4. Family member in Guatemala brings the power + your documents to the bank to open the account in your name.

Total time: 3-6 weeks. Total cost: $100-$300 USD. More detail at consular power-of-attorney and returning: keeping US bank account.

Business USD Opening

For a company, USD account opening is distinct from personal opening. Requires Patente de Comercio, Patente de Sociedad (SA/SRL), legal representative authorization, articles of incorporation, and active business NIT. See business banking comparison for the full flow.

Ongoing Costs After Opening

Once the account is open, typical recurring costs:

• Monthly fee: $5-$25 USD (waivable with minimum balance in most).
• USD ATM withdrawal fee: $3-$5 per transaction.
• Incoming wire fee (SWIFT): $12-$25 USD per receive.
• Outgoing wire fee (SWIFT): $25-$50 USD + intermediary charges.
• Annual card maintenance: $0-$50 USD by tier.

To minimize costs: maintain the waiver minimum balance, use Wise or Remitly for small transfers instead of SWIFT, and combine with international ACH where applicable.

Related Steps

• NIT (Tax ID) — non-negotiable prerequisite.
• CUI/NIT consulta — verify it’s active before going to the bank.
• RTU registration — needed if you’ll operate as a freelancer.
• Consular power-of-attorney — for remote opening from the US.

Keep Reading

• USD Accounts Comparison — costs and fees by bank.
• Personal Account Opening by Bank — step-by-step flow (quetzal account).
• International ACH from Guatemala — international sending options.
• CDP Rates Comparison — what to do with the dollars once in the account.
• Returning: Keeping US Bank Account — complementary guide for returning diaspora.
• Wise vs Remitly Guatemala — alternatives for USD/Q movement.
• Best Banks for Foreigners — broader foreigner-friendly comparison.

Sources: Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (sib.gob.gt), Banco de Guatemala (banguat.gob.gt), USD fee schedules of the 8 banks. Reference figures — verify directly with each bank before opening.