Banking
Mexico — Banking: International Transfers
SPEI, the Sistema de Pagos Electrónicos Interbancarios operated by Banco de México, is a real-time settlement system that started on 13 August 2004 and has run 24 hours a day since November 2015. It handles any amount in Mexican pesos only, and a SPEI instruction needs the beneficiary's CLABE account number, card number or mobile number. Banxico publishes only the fees it charges banks, not what banks charge customers, so check your bank's tariff. For transfers from abroad, the service is provided by each remittance company or bank: the money is converted to pesos by a currency operator, Banxico sends the pesos by SPEI, and the Mexican bank credits the beneficiary's account.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceBanco de México (Banxico) — SPEI informationLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- SPEI is a real-time gross settlement system run by Banxico since 13 August 2004; it has operated 24/7 since November 2015.
- SPEI transfers can be for any amount, in Mexican pesos only; the beneficiary is identified by CLABE, card number or mobile number.
- Banxico publishes only the fees it charges banks; customer fees are set by each bank.
- International transfers are provided by remittance companies or banks, which convert to pesos and then send by SPEI.
Common mistakes
- Expecting SPEI to send foreign currency — it only handles Mexican pesos.