What is MTU and Why is it Important?
Starting January 1, all bank users must have the User Transaction Amount (MTU) tool activated. This security measure sets a personalized limit on each digital banking transaction, following a three-month adaptation period that ends on January 1. The regulation, pushed by the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV), aims to reduce online fraud, thefts, and scams which have increased by over 50% in the last five years, according to the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users (CONDUSEF).
What Happens if the MTU Limit is Not Set?
If a customer does not set this limit, their bank will do it based on the user’s transaction history by January 1, 2026, as stated by David Herrerías, Fraud Prevention Director at HSBC Mexico and Latin America.
MTU Implementation by Banks
The MTU became effective on October 1, but authorities granted a three-month adaptation period ending January 1, as per the CNBV regulation. During this time, some institutions have already assigned operation amount limits based on user transaction history. For example, Banorte notified its clients that starting December 5, a limit of 1,500 Udis (Investment Units), equivalent to approximately 13,000 pesos, will be automatically applied.
If a bank sets this limit and the user wants to conduct a transaction exceeding that amount, the operation cannot be completed until the customer modifies the limit in their banking app or directly at a branch.
MTU Limit Modification
“This limit (MTU) can be modified 24/7. What does this mean? At any time of the day, users can increase or decrease it as needed without any cost,” explains Oscar Rosado Jiménez, President of CONDUSEF.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the MTU timeframe – daily, weekly, or monthly? The MTU applies per transaction and not on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Some banks may offer this option.
- Who and for what purposes does MTU apply? It applies to individual users and transactions involving third-party accounts. This includes payments to friends, family, or suppliers; rent or credit card payments for spouses, siblings, or in-laws. It only applies to banks and not to institutions like Nu or Stori.
- Who and for what does MTU not apply? This regulation does not affect corporate banking. It also doesn’t apply to transactions between personal accounts within the same bank. As a digital regulation, it has no effect on cash withdrawals at the counter or purchases using credit and debit cards at physical or virtual stores.
- What MTU amount will banks set? The suggested amount by the regulation is 1,500 Udis. However, this may vary depending on individual activity and the bank in question.
- Can I change the MTU limit? Yes, as often as needed. It’s a cost-free operation that can be done through the banking app in real-time or at a branch.
- Will there be penalties for not setting the MTU? No, the regulation does not indicate any sanctions, though users are obligated to set MTU starting 2026. Banks will set the limit if users fail to do so.
- Is there a minimum MTU amount? No, it can even be set to zero and adjusted as needed. This prevents unauthorized withdrawals if a third party gains access to someone’s accounts, as unlocking the security measure requires biometric data or passwords.
- Is the government trying to control users’ money with this regulation? No, experts confirm. The primary goal is to provide more security against the growing digital fraud wave. Ultimately, the user decides how much to transfer per transaction; banks can only propose, but the final decision rests with the user.
