What is the Monto Transaccional del Usuario (MTU)?
The Monto Transaccional del Usuario, or MTU, is a regulatory measure implemented to set limits on digital bank transfers. Starting October 1st, all individuals must establish a maximum amount for transactions to third-party accounts through their banking apps, online banking, or voice-activated telephone banking. Here’s what you need to know to choose your limit.
Key Considerations for Setting Your MTU
Here are some options to consider when setting your MTU:
- Option 1: Set your MTU at 2,000 pesos and adjust it to 4,500 pesos when making a deposit of that amount.
- Option 2: Keep your MTU at zero pesos, eliminating almost all risks of theft and adjusting limits in your banking app as needed.
This regulation allows you to change your MTU as often as needed, free of charge, through your banking app or in person at any bank branch. The process requires authentication factors to ensure security.
Scope of the MTU Regulation
The MTU applies only to account movements to third parties, both within and outside the same bank. This includes deposits to friends, family, or suppliers. It does not affect corporate entities, transfers between personal accounts, or purchases of credit and debit cards in physical or virtual stores.
“The MTU gives customers the ability to define the maximum amount for online transfers and operations, reducing risks associated with fraud or unrecognized movements. If an attempt is made to conduct a transaction exceeding this limit, an additional authentication factor will be required, adding an extra layer of security,” explains Santander.
Penalties for Not Setting the MTU
According to regulations published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación, there are no penalties for not setting the MTU.
The MTU officially begins on October 1st, 2025. During the first three months until December 31st, users will have time to adapt. Starting January 1st, 2026, the MTU becomes mandatory.
If you don’t set your MTU, the bank will determine it based on your account behavior. The bank will notify you of this measure, and you can choose to accept it or adjust the limit according to your needs.
While the regulation suggests a default MTU equivalent to 1,500 Unidades de Inversión (Udi), the final limit set by individual banks will depend on various factors, with the customer ultimately validating the decision.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the MTU? A: The Monto Transaccional del Usuario (MTU) is a regulatory measure that sets limits on digital bank transfers to protect users from fraud and unrecognized transactions.
- Q: When does the MTU take effect? A: The MTU officially begins on October 1st, 2025. Users have three months until December 31st to adapt, after which it becomes mandatory.
- Q: Are there penalties for not setting the MTU? A: No, there are no penalties for not setting the MTU.
- Q: How can I change my MTU? A: You can change your MTU as often as needed, free of charge, through your banking app or in person at any bank branch. The process requires authentication factors to ensure security.
- Q: What types of transactions does the MTU apply to? A: The MTU applies only to account movements to third parties, both within and outside the same bank. It does not affect corporate entities, transfers between personal accounts, or purchases of credit and debit cards in physical or virtual stores.
