BBVA México to Open Branches 30 Minutes Later Starting October 5

Mexico City — BBVA México will push back the opening time at its more than 1,500 branches nationwide starting October 5, cutting 30 minutes from the weekday morning service window.

Under the change, offices will open at 9 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. and close teller services at 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The shift aligns the bank with practices common across Mexico’s supervised financial sector, where digital transactions have steadily replaced routine counter business.

New Branch Schedule

• Weekdays: Branches open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m., 30 minutes later than the previous 8:30 a.m. start.
• Saturdays: Offices that traditionally operate on weekends keep their regular hours, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Self-service areas: ATMs and deposit machines inside branches remain available 24 hours a day.

How BBVA Compares With Other Mexican Banks

The adjustment brings BBVA in line with the country’s largest institutions, according to statistics from the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV).

• Traditional banks (Banamex, Banorte and Santander): Generally open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with variations depending on each branch’s location.
• Extended-hour institutions (Scotiabank and HSBC): Some branches still open at 8:30 a.m. or serve customers on weekends in selected shopping centers.
• Retail-linked banks (Banco Azteca and Bancoppel): Operating alongside supermarket and department stores such as Elektra and Coppel, they run two of the largest branch networks in the country — more than 1,900 and 1,300 locations respectively — and offer wider service windows, including full weekends.

Why Banks Are Cutting In-Branch Hours

The shorter teller schedule reflects a broader shift in how Mexicans handle their money. Branch transaction volumes have fallen steadily as customers move routine business online, including balance checks, bill payments, instant SPEI transfers and card management.

Banks are also directing more investment toward cybersecurity, mobile applications and smart ATMs, reorienting physical offices toward complex financial advice, mortgage lending and specialized disputes. Reducing reliance on cash at the counter lowers operational risk and supports a more formal, transparent economy, the bank said.

Options Outside Branch Hours

Customers who cannot visit a branch between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. can still use several channels that operate continuously:

• Mobile apps and online banking: Available 365 days a year for transfers, card payments and signing up for financial products.
• Smart ATM network: Beyond cash withdrawals, the machines accept cash deposits credited immediately to accounts and allow bill payments with a debit card.
• Banking correspondents: Authorized stores, pharmacies and supermarkets accept deposits and service payments during extended hours, supplementing the traditional branch network.

BBVA said customers should gradually adopt electronic tools for simpler tasks and reserve branch visits for transactions that require the direct help of a bank representative. The bank said the advance notice of the October 5 start date gives clients time to get familiar with its digital channels.