- The BCV published new maximum banking fees in Official Gazette No. 43,427, effective August 2026.
- Mobile payment (P2P, P2C, C2P) commissions now have a minimum floor of 14 bolivars, with rates ranging from 0.30% to 2%.
- ATM transactions, account maintenance, and returned checks saw significant fee increases, with some charges rising sevenfold.
- New fees also apply to foreign currency operations, including a 0.50% commission on currency sales and specific charges for international remittances.
The Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) has rolled out a fresh set of banking fees that kicked off in August 2026, and it’s a pretty big deal for anyone using financial services in the country. The updated rates, which were published in the Official Gazette No. 43,427 on July 31, replace the previous fee schedule from late 2025, and they bring some noticeable hikes across the board. Whether you’re sending money via mobile payments, using ATMs, or dealing with checks, there are new limits on what banks can charge you.
This adjustment is meant to standardize costs for both individuals and businesses, but it also means shelling out more for everyday banking operations. The new rules cover everything from basic account maintenance to more complex transactions like international remittances and foreign currency exchanges. Let’s break down what’s changed and how it might affect your wallet.
Mobile Payments See a Significant Jump in Minimum Fees
One of the most noticeable changes is in the mobile payment sector, where the minimum commission has been raised to 14 bolivars. For person-to-person (P2P) transfers between different banks, the fee is set at 0.30% of the transaction amount, but now with that 14-bolivar floor. This means even small transfers will cost you at least 14 bolivars, which is a sevenfold increase from the previous 2-bolivar minimum. The same 14-bolivar charge applies to failed or reversed transactions, so you’ll be paying for those glitches too.
For payments from a person to a business (P2C) across different institutions, the commission can go up to 1.50% of the amount, again with the 14-bolivar minimum. Meanwhile, business-to-person (C2P) payments have a cap of 2% for interbank transactions, and if both accounts are in the same bank, the rates are slightly lower: 0.30% for P2P, 1.50% for P2C, and 1.75% for C2P. It’s worth noting that these fees apply to every attempt, so if a transaction fails and you retry, you could be charged multiple times.
Point of Sale (POS) and ATM Fees on the Rise
If you’re using point of sale (POS) terminals, there are new commission rates too. Debit card transactions will now cost between 1.5% and 2%, while credit card operations are set at 3% to 5%. But the real shocker is the monthly maintenance fee for bank-owned POS equipment, which has skyrocketed to 23,771 bolivars, up from just 3,521.60 bolivars before. That’s a nearly sevenfold increase, and it’s something businesses will definitely feel.
ATMs are also seeing changes. For transactions like balance inquiries, rejected operations, or transfers at your own bank’s ATM, there’s a flat fee of 54 bolivars. Cash withdrawals, on the other hand, will come with a 3% surcharge on the amount you take out. These fees apply to both natural and legal persons, so it’s a broad impact.
Account Maintenance, Checks, and Other Services Get Pricier
Beyond mobile payments and ATMs, other banking services have also seen price adjustments. For example, the monthly maintenance of corporate checking accounts, issuing bank references, and providing printed account statements now have a maximum fee of 54 bolivars. Previously, some of these services were capped at just 8 bolivars, so this is a significant jump. Returned checks due to insufficient funds will now cost up to 587 bolivars for individuals and 662 bolivars for businesses.
There are also new charges for payroll direct deposit services, with a 0.15% fee on the amount paid by the employer. Additionally, the service that allows businesses to accept electronic payments (known as adquirencia) can now carry a fee of up to 1.50% of the transaction amount. These changes are part of the broader effort to update the fee structure across the board.
Foreign Currency and International Transactions Also Affected
The new regulations also cover transactions in foreign currency, which is particularly relevant given the country’s economic situation. For instance, selling foreign currency to individuals through the official exchange mechanism will now have a 0.50% commission. If you’re using prepaid cards abroad, there’s a 1.50% fee, and for debit or prepaid card purchases overseas, the charge is also 1.50%. Cash withdrawals from foreign currency accounts under the Exchange Agreement No. 1 will see a commission between 3% and 3.80%, though special taxpayers certified by Seniat will get a reduced rate of 0.80%.
International remittances are also getting pricier. Sending or receiving electronic remittances via transfers or exchange houses will cost 4% of the amount, with a minimum of 2 euros. For transfers to the Americas, there’s a fixed fee of 21 euros, while those to Europe and other continents will cost 30 euros. These fees are designed to standardize costs for cross-border transactions, but they add up for those who rely on remittances.
All these changes are now in effect, replacing the previous fee schedule from 2025. The BCV’s goal is to update and standardize the costs of banking services, but for consumers, it means higher expenses for everyday transactions. Whether you’re a regular person sending money to a friend or a business owner managing payroll, these new fees will have an impact. It’s a good idea to review your bank’s fee schedule and plan your transactions accordingly to avoid any surprises.
