Honduras has a well-regulated banking sector supervised by the Comisión Nacional de Bancos y Seguros (CNBS), with a mix of local institutions and internationally backed banks serving residents, expats, and international students. Most banks in Honduras offer consumer and business accounts alongside loan products, with digital banking tools becoming increasingly standard. Many also provide US dollar options in addition to accounts in the Honduran lempira.
The right bank for you depends on your residency status, financial goals, and how you plan to manage money day to day. If you need to send money to Honduras or abroad, choosing a bank with strong international transfer capabilities can make a meaningful difference.
Key takeaways
- Honduras has a diverse banking sector regulated by the CNBS, with options ranging from long-established local institutions to internationally backed banks.
- The banks in Honduras vary considerably in what they offer. Some prioritize broad branch access and ATM coverage, while others lean into digital tools or cross-border banking services tailored to non-citizens.
- Non-citizens can open accounts at several major banks in Honduras, though requirements vary by institution. Most banks require a valid passport and proof of address, with some also requiring a residency card or a reference letter.
- For expats managing finances between Honduras and the US, Banco Ficohsa’s Cuenta de Ahorro USA and Ficohsa Express remittance network offer a practical cross-border setup.
- International money transfer services like Western Union can complement traditional banking in Honduras, providing additional flexibility for moving money across borders.
Comparing the best banks in Honduras
| Bank name | Best for | Products | Special features |
| Banco Ficohsa | Expats managing finances between Honduras and the US | Checking, savings, credit cards, loans, digital banking | Cuenta de Ahorro USA Express remittance network in the US |
| Banco Davivienda Honduras | Non-citizens seeking USD accounts | Checking, savings, personal, and corporate banking, foreign exchange | USD account options; international banking background via former HSBC operations |
| BAC Credomatic Honduras | Expats with regional Central American banking needs | Checking, savings, credit cards, loans, mortgages, business banking | Network spanning all six Central American countries; multi-currency capabilities |
| Banco Atlántida | Expats seeking stability and national branch access | Checking, savings, loans, mortgages, business banking | Oldest major bank in Honduras; nationwide branch coverage across all departments |
| Banco de Occidente | Non-citizens outside major urban centers | Checking, savings, loans, credit cards | Extensive branch network with broad geographic reach across Honduras |
| Banco Lafise Honduras | Expats in Roatán and the Bay Islands | Checking, savings, personal, and business banking, international transfers | Part of the LAFISE Financial Group regional network |
| Banco Promérica | Expats with Latin American banking connections | Checking, savings, corporate banking, investment products, insurance | Part of the Promérica Financial Corporation, operating across nine countries |
| Banco Azteca | Foreigners with migrant status | Savings accounts, remittances | Passport-only account opening; no minimum balance or monthly fees on the Guardadito account |
| Banco del País (BANPAIS) | Non-citizens needing international transfer capabilities | Checking, savings, credit cards, loans, international transfers | SWIFT international transfers; digital banking platform and mobile app |
Top banks in Honduras
Here’s a closer look at the top banks in Honduras, including what each one offers and the customers it serves best.
1. Banco Ficohsa
Banco Ficohsa is one of Honduras’s largest banks, offering a full range of personal and business banking services across consumer products and digital banking tools. A standout feature for non-citizens is the Cuenta de Ahorro USA, which allows eligible account holders based in the United States to open a savings account remotely.
Ficohsa also operates Ficohsa Express, a remittance network with agency locations across multiple US states, making it a practical choice for those managing money between the two countries.
Strengths:
- One of the largest banking networks in Honduras, with over 100 branches and 350 ATMs
- Cuenta de Ahorro USA for remote account opening from the US
- Ficohsa Express remittance agencies across multiple US states
- Full range of personal and business banking products
Ideal for:
- Expats managing finances between Honduras and the US
- New arrivals looking for broad branch and ATM access across the country
- Small-business owners seeking a well-established local institution
2. Banco Davivienda Honduras
Banco Davivienda Honduras entered the Honduran market in 2012 through the acquisition of HSBC’s consumer banking operations, bringing an international banking foundation to its local services. The bank is recognized in the expat community as one of the more accessible options for non-citizens, offering accounts in US dollars alongside lempira-denominated options.
Account opening for foreigners involves significant documentation upfront, but the bank’s international background makes it a familiar starting point for newcomers.
Strengths:
- USD and lempira account options
- International banking background through former HSBC operations in Honduras
- Personal and corporate banking services, including foreign exchange
Ideal for:
- Expats and professionals seeking USD account options
- Non-citizens with existing international banking experience
- Those looking for a bank with a strong global foundation
3. BAC Credomatic Honduras
BAC Credomatic Honduras has one of the broadest regional footprints of any bank in Central America, having been among the first financial groups to operate across all six Central American countries. The bank serves personal and corporate clients with multi-currency banking capabilities and evaluates mortgage applications from foreign nationals on a case-by-case basis. Its regional network makes it a strong fit for expats who travel between countries or maintain financial ties across the region.
Strengths:
- Network spanning all six Central American countries
- Multi-currency banking capabilities
- Full range of personal and business banking products, including mortgages
- Mortgage consideration for foreign applicants on a case-by-case basis
Ideal for:
- Expats who travel or work across Central America
- Business owners with regional operations
- Non-citizens exploring mortgage or property financing options in Honduras
4. Banco Atlántida
Banco Atlántida is the oldest major bank in Honduras, founded in 1913 in the city of La Ceiba. Over more than a century of operation, it has built the most extensive branch network in the country, covering all areas of Honduras. The bank offers consumer and business accounts, as well as mortgage loans for foreign nationals on a case-by-case basis.
Strengths:
- Over 110 years of operation with strong institutional stability
- National branch coverage across all departments of Honduras
- Consumer and business accounts, personal loans, and mortgage options
- Mortgage consideration for foreign applicants on a case-by-case basis
Ideal for:
- Expats seeking a long-established, stable institution
- Residents in smaller towns or rural areas who need reliable branch access
- Non-citizens exploring mortgage or property financing options
5. Banco de Occidente
Banco de Occidente was founded in 1951 in Santa Rosa de Copán and has grown to maintain an extensive network of branches and offices across Honduras. The bank serves individuals and businesses with personal banking products, including deposit accounts and loan options, and has a geographic reach that extends well beyond the country’s major urban centers. For non-citizens living outside of Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula, that coverage is a meaningful practical advantage.
Strengths:
- Extensive branch and office network spanning multiple departments
- Personal banking products covering deposit accounts and loan options
- Broad geographic reach beyond major urban centers
Ideal for:
- Expats living outside Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula
- Non-citizens in western or central regions of Honduras
- Those who value in-branch service and local access
6. Banco Lafise Honduras
Banco Lafise Honduras is part of the LAFISE Financial Group, which operates across Central America. The bank offers personal and business banking services, international transfers, and digital banking tools. It has historically maintained a presence in expat-heavy areas, including Roatán and the Bay Islands.
Non-residents should confirm current account eligibility directly with the bank, as requirements for foreign applicants have evolved in recent years.
Strengths:
- Regional backing through the LAFISE Financial Group network
- Personal and business banking with international transfer capabilities
- Presence in popular expat destinations including Roatán
Ideal for:
- Expats based in Roatán or the Bay Islands
- Non-citizens looking for a bank with a Central American regional network
- Those who need reliable international transfer services
7. Banco Promérica
Banco Promérica is part of the Promérica Financial Corporation, a regional group with banking operations across nine Latin American countries. Founded in Honduras in 2001, the bank offers personal and corporate banking services, investment products, insurance, and digital banking tools. Its regional network provides cross-border familiarity that can be valuable for non-citizens with financial ties to other markets in the region.
Strengths:
- Operations across nine Latin American countries
- Personal and corporate banking with investment products and insurance options
- Digital banking platform with mobile access
Ideal for:
- Expats with financial ties to other Latin American countries
- Non-citizens seeking corporate banking or investment services
- Those who value a regionally connected institution
8. Banco Azteca
Banco Azteca is a subsidiary of Mexican financial group Elektra and operates more than 100 locations across Honduras. The bank is one of the few in Honduras that explicitly extends services to foreigners with migrant status, with a passport-only requirement for eligible account holders. Its Guardadito savings account carries no minimum balance requirement and no monthly maintenance fees, offering a low-barrier entry point for newcomers.
Strengths:
- Explicitly serves foreigners with migrant status
- Passport-only requirement for eligible non-citizens
- No minimum balance or monthly maintenance fees on the Guardadito savings account
- Over 100 agency locations across Honduras
Ideal for:
- Non-citizens seeking a low-barrier, straightforward account-opening process
- Expats or migrants looking for a fee-free savings account
- Newcomers who want locations across the country
9. Banco del País (BANPAIS)
Banco del País, commonly known as BANPAIS, is one of the five largest banks in Honduras by total assets. Founded in 1992 in San Pedro Sula, the bank offers personal and business banking services, credit cards, loans, and international transfers via the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT). Customers can manage their accounts through an online banking platform and a dedicated mobile app.
Strengths:
- One of the five largest banks in Honduras by total assets
- International transfers via SWIFT
- Personal and business banking with credit and loan products
- Online banking platform and mobile app
Ideal for:
- Non-citizens who need reliable international transfer capabilities
- Expats based in or near San Pedro Sula
- Those looking for a large, established local bank with digital banking tools
How to Choose the Right Bank in Honduras
Finding the right bank in Honduras starts with understanding your own situation. Residency status is one of the first factors to consider, as requirements vary across institutions. Most banks require a valid passport and proof of address, though some also require a residency card or a reference letter for non-resident applicants.
Beyond eligibility, think about the services you’ll use most. If you move money across borders regularly, prioritize banks with strong international transfer capabilities and USD account options. If you’re settling into a specific region of the country, branch access and ATM coverage will matter more than digital features.
Monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and account-opening deposits can vary significantly from one institution to the next. If you’re moving to Honduras from abroad, checking the current USD-to-HNL exchange rate can help you plan your initial deposit.
Comparing these details upfront saves time and makes the transition into local banking smoother.
Send Money Abroad
Selecting the right bank among the top banks in Honduras requires considering your everyday financial needs, especially moving money internationally, which is common for many people in the country. Traditional banks provide wire transfer options, and services like Western Union offer additional flexibility for those who need fast or frequent international transfers.
Looking for a reliable way to move funds abroad on your schedule? You can use the app to send money or send money now online.
FAQs
Several banks stand out for expats in Honduras. Banco Ficohsa offers remote account opening from the US and a broad branch network across the country. Banco Davivienda Honduras is recognized for its USD account options and international banking background. BAC Credomatic’s regional Central American network suits expats who travel between countries, and Banco Azteca is notable for extending services to foreigners with migrant status.
The best option depends on your residency status and banking needs. Banco Azteca is among the most accessible, requiring only a valid passport for eligible account holders. Banco Ficohsa’s Cuenta de Ahorro USA allows eligible non-citizens to open accounts remotely from the US. For those who need USD accounts, Banco Davivienda Honduras is a commonly cited option.
Eligibility for non-resident accounts varies by institution and can change over time. Banco Azteca has been particularly noted for its accessibility, requiring only a valid passport for eligible foreigners. Banco Ficohsa and Banco Davivienda Honduras are also cited as options for non-residents, though each has its own documentation requirements. Confirming current policies directly with the bank before applying is advisable.
Most major banks in Honduras offer international transfer services. Banco del País (BANPAIS) supports SWIFT transfers, and both BAC Credomatic and Banco Lafise Honduras offer international transfer options as well. For additional flexibility, send money internationally through Western Union as a complement to your bank account.
Ficohsa and Banco Atlántida both hold leading positions in the Honduran banking sector, depending on the metric. According to December 2025 data published by the CNBS, Ficohsa ranks first by total assets, holding 19.46% of the market. Banco Atlántida leads in loan portfolio and deposits, capturing 20.67% and 20.93%, respectively.
Yes, US citizens can open bank accounts in Honduras, though requirements vary by institution. Most banks require a valid passport and proof of address, while some request an additional residency card or a reference letter for non-resident applicants. Banco Azteca is among the more accessible options, accepting a valid passport for eligible foreign account holders. US citizens opening foreign bank accounts should also check applicable federal reporting requirements for accounts held abroad.
