Belize banking is like much that all over the world but more closely modeled after the British and American banking system. All the banks are owned or affiliated with banks in Europe and North America. The country has four commercial banks regulated by the Central Bank of Belize. Unlike other countries, for example the U.S.A., there is no insurance on deposits such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. But the Central Bank exercises tight oversight over the banking industry and requires that banks retain suitable liquidity and asset ratios in respect of loans and liabilities. No bank has ever failed in Belize.
All banks operating here have correspondent relationships with banks in North America and Europe. However, since the introduction of correspondent bank de-risking in 2016, several banks in Belize, primarily the Belize Bank, have lost customers as the bank found itself terminated from correspondent bank facilities with the Bank of America and other prime banks.
All banks offer facilities such as VISA and MasterCard credit cards, debit cards, cheque cashing, personal and business loans, overdraft facilities, student loans and loan consolidation, residential mortgages as well as letters of credit, cashier’s cheque, and travelers cheque are the full range of local banking services. Automated Teller Machines are available throughout the country and accept VISA and MasterCard credit and debit cards. The four banks licensed to operate here are:
Bank of Nova Scotia
Albert Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: 501-227-7027
Atlantic Bank Limited
Freetown Road,
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-4123
The Belize Bank Limited
Market Square,
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-227-7132
Heritage Bank of Belize (formerly Alliance Bank)
Princess Margaret Drive
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-6111
Credit Unions
The country has a thriving system of credit unions. Some cater to particular sectors such as teachers, public officers or farmers. The better credit unions have close connections with well-established churches and offer good alternatives to the commercial banks. The larger credit unions are utilized by most sectors of society including small to medium size businesses. Since credit unions charge simple interest they are a a popular alternative to the commercial banking institutions.
Credit unions do not offer many of the services banking customers take for granted, for example withdrawing cash from a credit union ATM needs a separate account to be set up. But for those who can appreciate the difference between compound and simple interest, credit unions more than make up for these small inconveniences. By far the largest credit union is the Holy Redeemer Credit Union operated by the Roman Catholic Church.
Main services offered include savings accounts, consumer, education, medical and residential loans. Credit unions registered are listed below.
Belize Credit Union League Ltd.
Citrus Growers & Workers Credit Union Ltd.
Civil Service Credit Union Ltd.
Holy Redeemer Credit Union Ltd.
La Inmaculada Credit Union Ltd.
Mount Carmel Credit Union Ltd.
Police Credit Union Ltd.
St. Francis Xavier Credit Union Ltd.
Toledo Teachers Credit Union Ltd.
Wesley Credit Union Ltd.
All banking is conducted in BZ Dollars. The BZ Dollar is officially tied to the U.S. Dollar. One U.S. Dollar equals Two BZ Dollars. But watch out for daily changing currency exchange rates that are tacked on to all foreign exchange transactions. As of February 2017, sending U.S. dollar wire transfers from Belize faces a 3 day delay for approval by Belizean banks. Foreign exchange accounts are allowed but permission must be sought from the Central Bank. For non-residents the best option is to open an offshore bank account.
Belize banks that are able to service withdrawals from their ATMS for international credit and debit cards are Scotia Bank and Atlantic Bank.
In 2020 the Ashcroft group that controls the Belize Bank, acquired the holdings of the Scotia Bank Belize. The transition is expected to take place in late 2021.
Money Transfers To And From Belize
Banks and Credit Unions in Belize may not be the most convenient way to transfer money or collect remittances in Belize. Many Belizeans do not have a bank account. For that reason, MoneyGram and Western Union has dozens of agents scattered all over the country. Many of these can be found inside cell phone repair shops, beauty salons, pharmacies, or other hole in the wall locations, often close to banks and credit unions. The limit is U.S.$500. and the rates are high. But for convenience and money emergencies they are hard to beat,