1. What is MTU and Why is it Important to Update It?
MTU, or Monto Transaccional del Usuario (User Transaction Amount), is a personalized limit that sets how much money you can transfer or move through digital channels each day. According to Anexo 12-E of the Circular Única de Bancos, its purpose is to strengthen security controls and prevent fraudulent activities.
If you don’t set your MTU, the bank may assign one based on your history. However, if they don’t notify you or fail to do so, your transfers could be blocked, or you may not be protected against unrecognized operations.
2. How Does MTU Protect Against Fraud?
According to financial regulation consultant Samanta Beltrán, MTU functions as a security barrier. When a digital transfer exceeds your limit, the institution is obligated to request an additional factor of authentication (app, encrypted message, or call). This makes it difficult for fraudsters to execute transfers, even if they obtain your data through deception, as extra validation is mandatory.
3. What Happens if You Don’t Set Your MTU Before September 30th?
Your bank will automatically impose a daily limit of 12,800 pesos, considered a reasonable reference for everyday transactions and intended to limit potential fraud. This amount is provisional, and you can modify it whenever you want. However, if you don’t take action, you may be limited or, in cases of fraud, only transactions up to that amount will be processed. If the bank carries out larger transfers without proper authentication, they must take responsibility and reimburse any unauthorized amounts.
4. Does MTU Exempt You from Responsibility in Case of Fraud?
The consultant explains that if you voluntarily provide your keys or authorize operations through deception, you are equally responsible for the fraud. However, if the bank fails to enforce the additional filter when exceeding the MTU, the institution must reimburse the amount.
5. What Should Vulnerable Individuals Do?
Older adults, individuals with disabilities, or other vulnerable users can self-declare to their bank for special attention and protection. This measure also requires banks to implement preventive actions, such as financial education, antifraud campaigns, proactive monitoring, and personalized attention, according to the expert.
To avoid complications and safeguard your resources, set your MTU in your banking app before the deadline expires. Always verify that the limit is correctly registered and never share keys, passwords, or codes, even if a communication seems to originate from the bank, concludes the expert.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is MTU? MTU, or Monto Transaccional del Usuario (User Transaction Amount), is a personalized limit that sets how much money you can transfer or move through digital channels each day.
- Why is it important to update my MTU? If you don’t set your MTU, the bank may assign one based on your history. Failing to do so or not being notified could lead to blocked transfers or lack of protection against unrecognized operations.
- How does MTU protect against fraud? MTU functions as a security barrier, requiring an additional factor of authentication when a digital transfer exceeds your limit. This makes it difficult for fraudsters to execute transfers, even if they obtain your data through deception.
- What happens if I don’t set my MTU before September 30th? Your bank will automatically impose a daily limit of 12,800 pesos. This provisional amount can be modified later, but failing to act could lead to limitations or unauthorized transaction processing in case of fraud.
- Does MTU exempt me from responsibility in case of fraud? If you voluntarily provide your keys or authorize operations through deception, you are equally responsible for the fraud. However, if the bank fails to enforce the additional filter when exceeding the MTU, they must reimburse the amount.
