Opening a bank account in Guatemala is one of those things that sounds complicated until you actually do it. I walked into a Banco Industrial branch in Zona 10 with my passport and a utility bill, and walked out an hour later with a debit card and a functioning quetzal account. No appointment. No three-week waiting period. No notarized letters from my grandmother.

That said, not every bank here is equally welcoming to foreigners. Some will turn you away without a DPI (Guatemala’s national ID card). Others will roll out the red carpet if you show up at the right branch with the right documents. This guide covers exactly which banks to approach, what documents to bring, what it will cost you, and how to avoid the common pitfalls.

All fees and exchange rates in this article are current as of February 2026, using a rate of Q7.72 = $1 USD. Check today’s live rate.

TL;DR: Banco Industrial and BAM are the most foreigner-friendly banks, with free accounts and fast debit card issuance (often same day). Bring your passport, utility bill, and bank reference letter to a Zona 10 branch. ATM fees run Q25-35 ($3.24-$4.53) per withdrawal with a foreign card.

Guatemala’s Banking System at a Glance

Guatemala has a surprisingly robust banking system. There are 17 licensed banks regulated by the Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB), Guatemala’s banking regulator. Deposits are insured up to Q20,000 (~$2,591) per person per bank through FOPA (Fondo para la Proteccion del Ahorro) — not as generous as FDIC coverage, but it exists.

The system is heavily cash-based compared to the US. While digital payments are growing fast, especially QR-code payments through banking apps, you will still need cash for markets, small shops, tuk-tuks, and most transactions outside major malls and chain restaurants.

The quetzal (GTQ, symbol Q) has been remarkably stable against the dollar for years, hovering between Q7.60 and Q7.90. This stability makes Guatemala one of the few Latin American countries where your purchasing power doesn’t evaporate due to currency swings. You can track the daily rate on our live exchange rate page or use the currency converter to calculate exact amounts.

The Banks You Need to Know

Guatemala has eight major banks. Here’s how they stack up in terms of size, reach, and how likely they are to accept you as a foreigner.

Fees and branch counts verified February 2026. See our exchange rates page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.

Bank Rank Branches ATMs Foreigner-Friendly? App Rating
Banco Industrial (BI) #1 1,600+ 2,500+ Yes 4.2/5
Banrural #2 3,500+ 2,000+ With restrictions 3.5/5
BAM (Agromercantil) #3 400+ 800+ Yes 4.0/5
G&T Continental #4 300+ 600+ With restrictions 3.8/5
BAC Credomatic #5 100+ 300+ Yes 4.1/5
Banco Promerica #6 80+ 200+ With restrictions 3.6/5
Ficohsa #7 120+ 300+ With restrictions 3.4/5
Vivibanco #8 60+ 100+ No 3.0/5

Across the country, that is roughly 6,160 bank branches and 6,800 ATMs. You will not struggle to find a bank.

Banrural vs BAM vs BI vs G&T: Head-to-Head

This is the comparison most people ask about. Updated March 2026.

Feature Banco Industrial (BI) BAM Banrural G&T Continental
ATM network 2,500+ (largest) 800+ 2,000+ 600+
Branch network 1,600+ 400+ 3,500+ (most rural reach) 300+
Monthly fee Free Free Free Free
USD account Yes, from day one Yes, from day one Yes, with restrictions Yes
App quality 4.2/5 — solid, fast 4.0/5 — clean design 3.5/5 — functional but dated 3.8/5 — decent
QR payments Yes Yes Limited Yes
Foreigner-friendly Very Very Requires more documents Moderate
Wire transfer (incoming) Q150 ($19.43) Q125 ($16.19) Q100 ($12.95) Q130 ($16.84)
ATM fee (foreign card) Q25-35 Q25-30 Q25-35 Q30-35
English-speaking staff Yes (Z10, Z14) Some (Z10, Z14) Rarely Rarely
Best for Most expats, families Digital-first users Remittances, rural access Regional banking

My recommendation: Open a Banco Industrial account for day-to-day use (best ATM network, English-speaking branches). If you receive frequent international transfers, add a Banrural account for the lowest incoming wire fees (Q100 vs Q150). If you prefer modern app design and fintech-style banking, BAM is excellent.

Most long-term expats end up with accounts at two banks — one for daily use and one for receiving international transfers.

The Top 3 Banks for Foreigners

1. Banco Industrial (BI) — Best Overall

Banco Industrial is the largest bank in Guatemala by assets and deposits, and it is the most commonly recommended for foreigners. Founded in 1968, it has the deepest ATM network in the country with over 2,500 machines.

Why foreigners choose BI:

  • Staff at Zona 10 and Zona 14 branches often speak English
  • Process is straightforward with a passport (no DPI required)
  • Both quetzal and dollar savings accounts available from day one
  • The “Bi en Linea” mobile app is solid — transfers, bill pay, QR payments, card management
  • Free monthly maintenance on basic savings accounts

What you need to open an account:

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
  • Proof of address (utility bill or rental contract)
  • Reference letter from your home bank (some branches waive this)
  • Source of income documentation (may be required)
  • Minimum deposit: Q500-1,000 (~$65-130)

Processing time: Same day to one week.

Tip: Go to a branch in Zona 10 or Zona 14 in Guatemala City. These branches handle expats regularly and the process is smoother. Bring all your documents the first time — coming back for a missing paper is frustrating.

2. BAM (Banco Agromercantil) — Best Digital Experience

BAM is Guatemala’s third-largest bank and part of the Bancolombia group, which gives it a more modern, international feel. Founded in 1926, it has been around nearly a century but feels contemporary in its approach to digital banking.

Why foreigners choose BAM:

  • Very smooth account opening process, especially at Zona 10/14 branches
  • USD accounts available from day one
  • Clean mobile app with QR payments and real-time notifications
  • Some English-speaking staff at premium branches
  • Reference letter from your home bank is “recommended but sometimes waived”

What you need:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of address (utility bill or rental contract)
  • Source of income documentation
  • Minimum deposit: Q500 (~$65)

Processing time: Same day to three days.

3. BAC Credomatic — Best for Credit Cards and Regional Travel

BAC is part of BAC International Bank, which operates across six Central American countries. If you travel between Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, having a BAC account gives you a regional banking relationship.

Why foreigners choose BAC:

  • Best credit card options in Guatemala (Visa and Mastercard)
  • Regional presence means easier banking if you travel Central America
  • Good mobile app (4.1 rating) with P2P transfers
  • Premium banking options for higher-balance accounts

What you need:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of address
  • Reference letter from your home bank
  • Source of income proof
  • Minimum deposit: Q1,000 (~$130)

Processing time: 1-5 days.

The catch: BAC charges a monthly maintenance fee of Q25 (~$3.24) on some accounts, while BI and BAM offer free basic savings.

Types of Bank Accounts

Guatemalan banks offer three main account types:

Account Type Spanish Name Description Best For
Savings Account Cuenta de Ahorro Basic savings with debit card, earns minimal interest Daily expenses, ATM withdrawals
Checking Account Cuenta Monetaria Checking with checkbook, higher minimum balance Business payments, rent
Fixed Deposit Plazo Fijo / Deposito a Plazo Locked deposit for 3-12 months at higher interest Parking money long-term

Most foreigners start with a Cuenta de Ahorro (savings account). You can open it in quetzales (GTQ) or US dollars (USD) at BI, BAM, and BAC. If you receive income in dollars, having both a dollar account and a quetzal account at the same bank is convenient — you can transfer between them internally at a reasonable exchange rate.

Interest rates on savings accounts are minimal (0.5-2% annually). Fixed deposits pay slightly more (3-5% in quetzales, 1-3% in dollars), but you cannot touch the money during the term.

Fees Comparison: What Banking Actually Costs

Here is what the major banks charge for common operations:

Account Maintenance

Bank Monthly Fee Minimum Balance
Banco Industrial Free Q500 (~$65) opening
BAM Free Q500 (~$65) opening
BAC Credomatic Q25 (~$3.24) Q1,000 (~$130) opening
Banrural Free Q200-500 (~$26-65) opening
G&T Continental Free Q500 (~$65) opening
Promerica Free Q500 (~$65) opening

ATM Withdrawal Fees

Transaction Type BI BAM BAC Banrural
Own bank ATM Free Free Free Free
Other Guatemala bank Q5-10 ($0.65-1.30) Q5-10 ($0.65-1.30) Q7-12 ($0.91-1.55) Q5-10 ($0.65-1.30)
International card Q25-35 ($3.24-4.53) Q25-30 ($3.24-3.89) Q25-35 ($3.24-4.53) Q25-35 ($3.24-4.53)

Note: When using an international card, you pay the Guatemala bank’s fee PLUS whatever your home bank charges. Total cost per withdrawal is typically $5-10.

Wire Transfer Fees

Direction BI BAM BAC Banrural
Incoming international Q150 ($19.43) Q125 ($16.19) Q130 ($16.84) Q100 ($12.95)
Outgoing international Q200 ($25.91) Q195 ($25.26) Q200 ($25.91) Q175 ($22.67)

Banrural has the cheapest wire transfer fees — Q100 incoming is notably lower than the others. If you receive frequent wires, this matters over time.

ATMs: What You Need to Know

Guatemala has around 6,800 ATMs nationwide. Most dispense Q100 and Q200 bills. Some ATMs in Zona 10, Zona 14, and Antigua also offer USD withdrawals.

Daily limits: Most ATMs cap withdrawals at Q3,000-5,000 per transaction (~$389-648), with 3-5 transactions per day maximum.

Accepted cards: Visa is the most widely accepted, followed by Mastercard. Cirrus/Maestro and the Plus network work at most ATMs. American Express has limited ATM support.

ATM Safety Tips

  • Always use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls. Avoid street-facing ATMs, especially at night. Our safety guide covers which zones are safest for walking and daily errands.
  • Zona 1 (the historic center) has higher petty crime — use ATMs there during business hours only.
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • If an ATM eats your card, go directly to the bank branch with your passport. Do not leave.
  • Withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than small amounts daily — each transaction has a fee if you are using a foreign card.

Best International Cards for Guatemala

If you do not yet have a Guatemalan bank account, these cards work well at local ATMs:

Card Key Benefit
Charles Schwab Investor Checking All ATM fees reimbursed worldwide, no foreign transaction fee
Wise Multi-Currency Card Real exchange rate, low fees, can hold a GTQ balance
Capital One 360 No foreign transaction fees
Revolut Good exchange rates, free ATM withdrawals up to monthly limit

The Schwab card is the gold standard for expats. Every ATM fee, worldwide, gets reimbursed at the end of each month. If you are planning to live abroad and only get one card, get this one.

Credit and Debit Cards in Guatemala

Visa dominates Guatemala. Most businesses that accept cards accept Visa. Mastercard is also widely accepted but slightly less universal. American Express is essentially useless outside of high-end hotels and some airline offices.

Debit cards issued by Guatemalan banks work at any POS terminal in the country and at most online stores. Credit cards from BI and BAC are the most commonly issued — BI issues Visa, BAC issues both Visa and Mastercard.

Where cards work: Supermarkets (La Torre, Walmart, PriceSmart), malls, chain restaurants, gas stations, Uber, most mid-range and above restaurants.

Where cards do not work: Markets, small shops (tiendas), street food, tuk-tuks, most rural businesses, many small restaurants. Guatemala is still heavily cash-dependent, especially outside Guatemala City and Antigua.

Online and Mobile Banking

Digital banking in Guatemala has improved dramatically in recent years. All major banks have mobile apps, though quality varies.

Bank App Name Rating Key Features
Banco Industrial Bi en Linea 4.2/5 Transfers, bill pay, QR payments, card management, token auth
BAM BAM App 4.0/5 Transfers, bill pay, QR payments, card management, notifications
BAC Credomatic BAC App 4.1/5 Transfers, card management, QR payments, bill pay, P2P transfers
G&T Continental G&T Contigo 3.8/5 Transfers, balance check, bill pay
Banrural Banrural App 3.5/5 Transfers, balance check, bill pay

QR payments are growing fast. BI’s “Bi en Linea” and BAM’s app both support scanning QR codes at stores. You will see QR codes at cash registers in malls, cafes, and even some market stalls in Guatemala City. This is the future of payments here, and it is arriving faster than most people expect.

Bill payments: Most banking apps let you pay electricity (EEGSA), water, internet (Tigo, Claro), and phone bills directly. This saves you from standing in line at payment centers. For a full breakdown of what those bills will actually cost, see our utility rates guide.

Opening an Account: Step by Step

Here is the process I recommend, based on what actually works:

  1. Gather your documents: Passport with at least 6 months validity, proof of address (a utility bill or signed rental contract), and ideally a reference letter from your home bank. Print everything.

  2. Choose your bank. For most foreigners, Banco Industrial or BAM is the right call. If you want a credit card, add BAC to the list.

  3. Visit a branch in Zona 10 or Zona 14. These branches handle foreigners regularly. Go in the morning (9-10 AM) to avoid the lunch rush. Take a number and wait.

  4. Request a Cuenta de Ahorro. Specify if you want quetzales, dollars, or both. I recommend opening both if you earn in USD.

  5. Fill out the paperwork. It is entirely in Spanish. If your Spanish is limited, the Z10/Z14 staff can usually help in English. Bring a pen.

  6. Make your initial deposit. Q500-1,000 depending on the bank. You can deposit cash or do a transfer.

  7. Receive your debit card. At BI, you often get it same day. At other banks, it may take up to a week.

  8. Set up the mobile app immediately. Do this at the branch so the staff can help you configure it. You will need your phone number for two-factor authentication.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

  • “We need a DPI.” Some branch employees insist on a DPI (Guatemala’s national ID). Foreigners without residency do not have one — you will need to go through the residency process first. Politely explain that your passport should suffice, or try a different branch. BI and BAM branches in Z10/Z14 know the foreigner process.

  • “We need two personal references.” This is mainly a Banrural requirement. BI and BAM usually do not require this, which is another reason to choose them.

  • “We need proof of income.” Anti-money laundering regulations mean banks may ask where your money comes from. A simple letter from your employer, freelance invoices, or a bank statement showing regular deposits is typically sufficient. You may also be asked for your NIT (tax ID number), which you can get at any SAT office with just your passport.

  • Language barrier. Staff at branches outside of Guatemala City’s premium zones may only speak Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, stick to Z10/Z14 or bring a friend who does.

Quick Checklist: What to Bring on Your First Visit

Print everything. Guatemalan banks still operate heavily on paper. Having all documents ready on the first visit means you can walk out with an account the same day.

Document Required? Where to Get It
Valid passport (6+ months) Yes Your home country
Photocopy of passport (bio page + entry stamp) Yes Any copy shop (Q1 per page)
Proof of address (utility bill or rental contract) Yes Your landlord or utility provider
NIT (tax ID number) Sometimes SAT office with passport (free, 30 min)
Reference letter from home bank Recommended Your bank’s website or branch
Source of income proof Sometimes Employer letter, bank statements, or invoices
Cash for initial deposit Yes Q500-1,000 ($65-130)

Pro tip for tourists on 90-day visas: Some branches will open a basic savings account with just your passport and a hotel receipt as “proof of address.” This is inconsistent — it depends on the branch manager. Your best bet is the BI branch on 7a Avenida in Zona 10 or the BAM branch in Zona 14’s Oakland Mall. Both have handled many tourist account openings.

Sending and Receiving Money Internationally

If you are living in Guatemala on foreign income, you need a reliable way to move money in.

Best Options for Receiving Money

Method Cost Speed Notes
Wise (TransferWise) ~1% total 1-2 business days Best exchange rate, multi-currency card works locally
Wire transfer to local bank $13-26 (bank fee) + sender fee 2-5 business days Reliable but expensive
Remittance services Varies Same day to 2 days Xoom, Western Union, MoneyGram
PayPal 3-4% total Instant to PayPal, slow to withdraw Works but expensive
Payoneer ~2% 2-3 business days Good for freelancer income

My recommendation: Use Wise for regular transfers. The exchange rate is close to the real mid-market rate, fees are transparent (usually around 0.5-1%), and you can hold a GTQ balance on your Wise account. The Wise debit card also works at Guatemalan ATMs and stores.

How to Receive Money from the US: A Practical Breakdown

If you are an expat living on foreign income, or part of the Guatemalan diaspora sending money home, here is exactly how each method works with a Guatemalan bank account:

Method How It Works Cost on $500 Speed Best For
Wise to local bank Send from Wise app, arrives as GTQ deposit ~$5-7 total 1-2 business days Regular monthly transfers
Remitly to bank deposit Send from Remitly app, direct to BI/BAM/Banrural ~$4-6 total Same day to 1 day Diaspora sending to family
Xoom (PayPal) to bank Send from Xoom app, arrives as GTQ deposit ~$5-8 total 1-2 business days PayPal users
Western Union cash pickup Recipient walks into any WU agent, gets cash ~$8-12 total Minutes (cash) Recipients without bank accounts
Bank wire (SWIFT) Direct bank-to-bank international wire $25-45 total 2-5 business days Large amounts ($5,000+)

The real cost is in the exchange rate, not the fee. A service advertising “$0 fees” often gives you a rate 1-2% worse than mid-market. On $500, that hidden markup costs $5-10. Always check the total amount received in quetzales — that is the only number that matters. Our live remittance comparison shows exactly what each provider delivers today.

Guatemalans in the US send over $20 billion in remittances annually — if you are part of the diaspora, those fee savings compound fast. Switching from Western Union to Wise on a $200 weekly transfer saves roughly $200-400 per year. Spanish speakers can also check tasas de remesas en tiempo real.

For large transfers (buying property, for example), a bank wire is more appropriate despite the higher fees. The Q150-200 in bank fees is small relative to a $50,000+ transfer.

Nearest ATM Tip for Tourists

If you arrive at La Aurora airport without a Guatemalan bank account, here is your best move: use any ATM inside the airport terminal (BI and Banrural both have machines there) to withdraw Q1,000-2,000 using your Charles Schwab, Wise, or other no-fee international card. This gives you enough cash for a taxi/Uber to your hotel and first-day expenses. Avoid the exchange counters in the arrivals hall — their rates are consistently 3-5% worse than ATMs.

In Antigua, the best ATMs are inside Banco Industrial on 5a Avenida (central, well-lit, safe) and BAM near the market. At Lake Atitlan, Panajachel has ATMs from BI and Banrural on Calle Santander — other lake towns have limited or no ATMs, so withdraw enough cash before taking a lancha. For the current exchange rate, our live tracker shows today’s Banguat reference rate and individual bank buy/sell spreads.

The Banguat Reference Rate

The Banco de Guatemala (Banguat), the country’s central bank, publishes a daily reference exchange rate. This is the benchmark for all legal currency exchange in Guatemala. Banks buy dollars below this rate and sell above it — the spread is their profit.

As of February 2026, the Banguat reference rate is approximately Q7.72 per dollar. Individual bank rates will be slightly different (typically Q7.60-7.65 for buying and Q7.78-7.85 for selling). Exchange houses (casas de cambio) near the airport and in tourist zones tend to offer worse rates.

Pro tip: Never exchange money at the airport. The rate is always worse. Use your Schwab or Wise card at an ATM inside the airport instead.

Check today’s exchange rate on our live tracker

Digital Alternatives to Local Banking

Some people living in Guatemala skip the local bank entirely and rely on fintech solutions:

  • Wise: Multi-currency account with a debit card that works at Guatemalan ATMs. Hold GTQ, convert from USD at real exchange rates. This is increasingly popular among digital nomads working from Guatemala.

  • Revolut: Similar to Wise. Free ATM withdrawals up to a monthly limit, good exchange rates. The free tier has withdrawal limits.

  • Payoneer: Popular with freelancers who receive payments from international clients (Upwork, Fiverr, direct contracts).

These work fine for short stays. For anyone staying more than six months, I recommend opening a local account anyway. You will need one for signing a lease, setting up utilities, and countless small transactions where having a local debit card and a local transfer capability matters. Understanding the real cost of living will help you decide how much to keep in a local account. If you are planning a longer stay, our visa and residency guide covers the legal side.

Interest Rates and Savings

Guatemala’s central bank (Banguat) has been in an easing cycle since June 2024, cutting the policy rate from 5.00% to 3.50% as of November 2025. This affects what banks pay on deposits and charge on loans.

Current Interest Rate Environment

This data updates daily from Banguat (Guatemala’s central bank).

Loading rates...

What This Means for You

Savings accounts: Expect 0.5-2% on quetzal savings, 0.25-1% on dollar savings. Not worth keeping large amounts in savings — the rates barely beat inflation.

Fixed deposits (plazo fijo): Better returns at 3-5% in quetzales for 6-12 month terms, 1-3% in dollars. Minimum amounts typically Q10,000–50,000 ($1,300–6,500). You cannot withdraw early without penalty.

Loans and credit cards: The average 12.47% lending rate is for commercial loans. Consumer credit cards charge significantly more — expect 24-48% APR on revolving credit card balances. This is high but standard for the region.

Credit Cards: What Is Available

Bank Cards Offered Annual Fee APR (approx.) Best For
BI Visa Classic, Gold, Platinum Q0–500 ($0–65) 24–42% Most widely accepted
BAC Visa and Mastercard Q200–800 ($26–104) 28–45% Regional travel, rewards
BAM Visa Q0–400 ($0–52) 26–40% Digital-first users
G&T Visa Q150–500 ($20–65) 28–42% Existing customers

Requirements for foreigners: Credit cards are harder to get than debit accounts. Most banks require 6+ months of account history with regular deposits, a NIT, and proof of income. Some banks require residency. Start with a debit-only savings account and apply for a credit card after establishing a relationship.

Pro tip: If you already have a US credit card with no foreign transaction fees (Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture), use that for card purchases in Guatemala. The exchange rate will be better than a local credit card, and you avoid the 24-48% APR trap entirely.

Tax Implications for US Citizens

If you are a US citizen or green card holder living in Guatemala, there are banking-specific tax considerations.

FATCA compliance: Guatemalan banks are required to report accounts held by US persons to the IRS under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. When you open an account, you will sign a W-8BEN or W-9 form. This is standard — do not be alarmed.

FBAR reporting: If your total balance across all foreign accounts (including Guatemalan bank accounts, Wise, Payoneer) exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) by April 15. This is a reporting requirement, not a tax.

Form 8938: For higher balances ($50,000+ for single filers living abroad), you may also need to file Form 8938 with your tax return.

Interest income: Interest earned on Guatemalan accounts is reportable on your US tax return. Guatemala may withhold 10% tax on interest — this can be claimed as a foreign tax credit.

None of this should discourage you from opening a local account. It is straightforward paperwork that any expat tax preparer handles routinely. The practical benefits of local banking far outweigh the reporting requirements.

Closing an Account

If you leave Guatemala or no longer need a local account, closing is straightforward:

  1. Withdraw or transfer all funds
  2. Visit the branch where you opened the account (or any branch for BI/BAM)
  3. Bring your passport and debit card
  4. Request account closure (“cerrar mi cuenta”)
  5. They will process it on the spot and cut the debit card

Timeline: Immediate for savings accounts. Checking accounts may take 2-3 business days to verify no outstanding checks. Fixed deposits must reach maturity first or you forfeit interest.

Important: Cancel any automatic bill payments (EEGSA, Tigo, etc.) linked to the account before closing. Otherwise, the charges will bounce and you may receive notices from service providers.

Key Takeaways

  1. Open at Banco Industrial or BAM. They are the most foreigner-friendly, have the best digital banking, and charge no monthly maintenance fees.

  2. Bring your passport, proof of address, and a bank reference letter. Having all documents on the first visit saves time.

  3. Go to Zona 10 or Zona 14 branches. English-speaking staff and experience with foreign account holders.

  4. Open both a quetzal and dollar account if you earn in USD. Transfer between them as needed.

  5. Get a Charles Schwab or Wise card for ATM withdrawals before you have a local account. Schwab reimburses all ATM fees worldwide.

  6. Use ATMs inside bank branches or malls. Avoid street-facing machines, especially at night.

  7. Guatemala is still heavily cash-based. Always carry some quetzales, especially outside Guatemala City.

  8. Deposit insurance covers only Q20,000 (~$2,591) per bank. Do not keep your life savings in a single Guatemalan bank account.

Keep Reading

Sources: Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (sib.gob.gt), Banco de Guatemala (banguat.gob.gt), bank websites (bi.com.gt, bam.com.gt, bframericas.com), and personal experience opening accounts at BI and BAM.