Opening a Mexican Bank Account Without a Mexican Phone Number: What Expats Need to Know

Yes, some Mexican banks allow opening accounts without a Mexican phone number, including HSBC Mexico, Kapital Bank, and Banamex (with workarounds). However, most banks heavily rely on SMS for security codes, transaction alerts, and fraud notifications, making a Mexican number highly recommended. Getting a Mexican SIM card costs only 50-100 pesos and solves authentication issues for banking, online services, and daily life in Mexico.

Why Banks Want a Mexican Phone Number

Before diving into the options, it helps to understand why banks are so insistent on Mexican phone numbers. As one community member explained:

"Passwords and dual authentication are needed for any online banking, and the bank won't pay extra to send SMS texts internationally. Everything is done on mobile devices, and they are even reducing website functionality."

In other words, Mexican banks rely heavily on SMS for security codes, transaction alerts, and fraud notifications. International SMS is expensive for them, so they prefer customers with local numbers.

Banks That May Accept Foreign Phone Numbers

HSBC Mexico

According to community feedback, HSBC appears to be one of the more flexible options. One expat shared: "I think HSBC will open an account with a foreign telephone number as long as you can load the HSBC app. I started with my Canadian number but have added a Mexican number since then."

Kapital Bank

Multiple community members mentioned that Kapital Bank accepts US phone numbers, and reportedly UK numbers as well. This seems to be a popular option for expats who want to avoid getting a Mexican number right away.

Banamex

One expat reported success with a temporary approach: "At Banamex, we got a Mexican number only for the initial startup. Now I get alerts, etc. on the bank app and no longer have the temp number."

However, others cautioned that you may need that number again later for password resets, authorizing large transactions, or other security verifications.

Why You Should Get a Mexican Number Anyway

Even if you can open an account without one, experienced expats strongly recommend getting a Mexican phone number. Here's why:

• Fraud alerts: These are sent by text message and could save you from unauthorized transactions
• Password resets: Many services only send confirmation codes via SMS
• Transaction verification: Large or unusual transactions often require SMS confirmation
• Other services: Many Mexican services beyond banking require a local number

As one community member put it: "It's a poor way to operate because many online services will only send the confirmation code by text message."

Affordable Mexican Phone Number Options

The good news is that getting a Mexican phone number is inexpensive and easy. Here are the options community members recommended:

Telcel

• Setup: Around 150 pesos
• Monthly: Around 150 pesos
• Annual plans available for around 2,000 pesos per year
• Offers both regular SIMs and eSIMs

BAIT (Walmart's Cellular Service)

• Annual cost: Around 1,000 pesos per year
• Available at Walmart stores
• Offers both regular SIMs and eSIMs
• Good budget option

Newww

• Monthly: Around 200 pesos

Oxxo Mobile

• Available at Oxxo convenience stores
• Slightly pricier than some options

One experienced expat summarized it well: "A Mexican phone number costs very little to have. It's worth the 1,000 pesos to have a Mexican number and backup data plan."

The Bottom Line

While it's technically possible to open accounts at some banks (like HSBC and Kapital Bank) with a foreign phone number, the practical reality is that having a Mexican number makes your banking life significantly easier and more secure.

For permanent residents especially, investing 1,000 to 2,000 pesos per year in a Mexican phone number is a small price to pay for:

• Smoother bank account setup
• Better security with fraud alerts
• Easier password resets and transaction verifications
• Access to other Mexican services that require local numbers

If you're just arriving and need to open a bank account immediately, try HSBC or Kapital Bank with your foreign number. But plan to add a Mexican number soon after you're settled. Your future self will thank you when you need to reset a password or verify a large transaction.

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