Question 1

What are the system-average active and passive interest rates in Guatemala?

Accepted Answer

Per Banguat, May 16, 2026, the weighted-average active (lending) rate in quetzales is 12.47% (credit cards excluded) and the average passive (deposit) rate in quetzales is 4.18%. System spread is 8.29 points. In US dollars, the average active rate is 6.89% and passive is 3.42%, with a 3.47-point spread.

Question 2

Which Guatemalan bank pays the highest savings rate?

Accepted Answer

On pure passive GTQ rate: BAM and Bantrab lead at 4.50%, followed by Banco Industrial (BI) at 4.25%. On the Best Bank to Save Score (0-100, weighted 50% passive rate, 30% account fees, 20% online banking quality), BAM is #1 with 100 points and BI is #2 at 82. Bantrab has a high rate but incomplete fee/app data — it doesn't enter the primary ranking.

Question 3

Which bank charges the lowest interest rate on loans in Guatemala?

Accepted Answer

By average active GTQ rate (credit cards excluded): Banco Industrial 11.50%, BAM 12.00%, G&T Continental 12.25%, Ficohsa 12.50%, BAC Credomatic 13.00%, Banrural 13.50%, Promerica 13.50%, Bantrab 14.00%. The published active rate is a portfolio average — your specific loan rate depends on amount, term, collateral, and credit profile.

Question 4

Why does Banco Industrial have a lower active rate than the system average?

Accepted Answer

Three factors. One: portfolio skewed to large-corporate and low-risk mortgage lending, where rates are lower than in consumer credit. Two: low cost of funding from massive deposit captation (more low-rate passive deposits). Three: market power as the largest bank in the system lets it compete for premium clients on finer pricing. The 12.47% system average includes banks with heavier consumer and micro-credit exposure.

Question 5

Who should care about a 0.5% difference in savings rate?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with a meaningful balance. On Q10,000 a year, 0.5% is Q50 — irrelevant. On Q500,000, it's Q2,500 a year — worth switching. The gap between the best (BAM 4.50%) and worst (BAC 3.80%) passive rate in our panel is 0.70 points. On Q1,000,000, that's Q7,000 a year, enough to justify moving the account. Below Q100,000, the deciding factor should be branches, app, and fees — not passive rate.

Question 6

Is Guatemala's banking spread high compared to the region?

Accepted Answer

Guatemala's 8.29-point GTQ spread is in the low-to-mid range for Latin America. Concentrated banking systems in LATAM typically run spreads of 10-12 points. The spread reflects operating costs, funding costs, credit risk, and competition. The 3.47-point USD spread is comparable to regional benchmarks and reflects that USD funding cost anchors to international rates.

Question 7

Are active and passive USD rates different from GTQ rates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — they're different products. Average passive USD 3.42% (lower than GTQ 4.18%). Average active USD 6.89% (much lower than GTQ 12.47%). The 3.47-point USD spread is half the GTQ spread because USD funding anchors to the US Federal Reserve. This matters for diaspora and businesses receiving USD income — the USD account pays less but also preserves purchasing power against the quetzal.

Question 8

How often do the system-wide active and passive rates change?

Accepted Answer

Banguat publishes system averages weekly. Per-bank rates change when the Junta Monetaria moves the policy rate (last move: cut to 3.50% on November 26, 2025) or when a bank adjusts its tariff internally. This page is regenerated with each run of the daily Banguat scraper and monthly bank-tariff review.

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Active and Passive Rates by Bank Guatemala 2026: Highest Savings APY, Lowest Loan APR