How to send money to a Banamex account from the US

Evidence tier: A1 Evidence type: Auto-discovered official publication Source: MoneyGram Corporate News Official publication date: 2026-06-19 Captured: 2026-07-18T16:33:08.214Z

June 19, 2026

Banamex, formally Citibanamex, is one of Mexico’s oldest and most widely used banking institutions. Because so many families in Mexico bank with Banamex, many US-to-Mexico money transfers eventually need to land in a Banamex account.

This guide explains how to send money to a Banamex account with MoneyGram, what information your recipient will need to provide, and what to expect on timing and cost.

Why send to a Banamex account instead of cash pickup?

Cash pickup is a common option for sending money to Mexico, but a bank transfer to a Banamex account can make more sense in certain situations.

It may be a better fit if your recipient prefers money to transfer directly in their account instead of collecting cash in person. It can also work well for recurring support, like rent, school fees, or monthly family expenses, because the funds settle into the account they already use. Bank transfers are also useful when your recipient wants to pay bills online, spend by card, save the money, or transfer it again without making a separate deposit.

If your recipient simply needs pesos in hand, cash pickup at a partner location like Elektra, Walmart, OXXO, or BanCoppel may be faster and just as convenient.

What you will need before sending to Banamex

Three pieces of information are essential, and small errors can delay the transfer.

Your recipient’s full legal name as it appears on their bank account

Banamex, like other banks, may match the name on the transfer to the name on the destination account. Nicknames, missing middle names, or differences between married and maiden names can cause a transfer to be held or returned. Ask your recipient to confirm exactly how their name appears on their bank account.

The Banamex account number in CLABE format

Mexican bank transfers use an 18-digit CLABE number. The CLABE identifies the bank, branch, and account. Your recipient can usually find it in the Banamex app, on a bank statement, or by asking at a branch. You’ll need the full 18 digits.

Confirmation that the account is active and can receive international transfers

Most standard Banamex accounts can receive international transfers, but some basic or restricted accounts may not. If the account is new or rarely used, ask your recipient to confirm with Banamex before you send.

Step-by-step: Sending to Banamex with MoneyGram

Step 1. Sign up or log in to MoneyGram

Open the MoneyGram app or go to MoneyGram.com. If you’re new, create a profile using your basic personal details and a valid US government ID for verification. If you’ve sent before, log in.

Step 2. Choose Mexico and bank transfer

Enter the amount you want to send. Choose Mexico as the destination and select Direct to Bank Account as the delivery method. From the bank list, choose Banamex, or Citibanamex if it appears that way.

Before you confirm, you’ll see the exchange rate from USD to Mexican pesos, the transfer fee, estimated delivery time, and the exact amount that will arrive in the Banamex account.

Step 3. Enter your recipient’s details

Enter your recipient’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the account, along with their 18-digit CLABE number. Double-check both fields before confirming.

Step 4. Pay and confirm

Choose your payment method, such as a bank account, debit card, or credit card. Review the full transfer summary and confirm. You’ll receive an 8-digit reference number, which you can use to track the transfer.

How long does a transfer to Banamex take?

Bank transfers to Mexico generally take longer than cash pickup because they depend on the receiving bank’s processing schedule. A transfer sent on a weekday during Mexican banking hours may clear faster than one sent late on a Friday, over the weekend, or on a holiday.

MoneyGram shows the expected delivery timing for your specific transfer during setup. Once the transfer is on its way, you can track it with your reference number and see when the funds have been delivered.

What it costs to send to a Banamex account

The cost of a transfer to Banamex has two main parts: the transfer fee and the exchange rate. Both may vary based on the amount you send and how you pay.

MoneyGram shows the fee, exchange rate, and exact peso amount that will arrive before you confirm. New customers can send their first transfer with no fee. For returning customers, paying from a US bank account may offer a lower fee, while debit and credit cards may cost more depending on the transfer.

Common issues and hwow to avoid them

CLABE entered incorrectly

This is one of the most common reasons a Banamex transfer is delayed. The CLABE is 18 digits. Ask your recipient to send the full number directly from their Banamex app or bank statement, then check each digit before confirming.

Recipient name does not match

If the name on the transfer does not match the name on the account, Banamex may hold or return the funds. Use the name as it appears on the official account record, not a nickname or shortened version.

Account cannot receive international transfers

This is less common with active, long-standing accounts, but it can happen with certain restricted account types. If a transfer is returned for this reason, your recipient can contact Banamex or you can choose a different delivery method, like cash pickup.

Frequently asked questions

What is Banamex’s SWIFT code?

Banamex’s SWIFT code is commonly listed as BNMXMXMM. For most transfers to Banamex through MoneyGram, you will not need the SWIFT code because the transfer is routed using the CLABE number. SWIFT codes are more common for wire transfers sent directly from a bank.

Can I send money to Banamex without an account number?

Not as a bank transfer. Banamex needs the CLABE to identify the account. If you do not have your recipient’s CLABE, you can send money for cash pickup instead.

Will my recipient receive a notification when the money arrives?

Banamex may send transaction notifications through its app or by SMS, depending on your recipient’s settings. You can also track the transfer through MoneyGram.

Can I send money to a Banamex savings account or only a checking account?

You can send to either, as long as the account has a CLABE and can receive international transfers.

Is Banamex the same as Citibanamex?

Citibanamex was the brand used while the bank operated under Citigroup ownership. As the bank separates from Citi, the Banamex name is being used again. Account and CLABE details should remain the key information needed for transfers.

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The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial, legal, or tax advice.