Mexico City – Mexico is focusing on innovative financial solutions to help its citizens abroad, following a recent change in remittance trends. According to the Bank of Mexico (Banxico), the country received $5.201 billion in remittances in June, a decrease from the same period last year.
This is not an isolated dip. In the first half of 2025, remittances to Mexico fell by 5.6%, totaling $29.6 billion. This shift follows 11 consecutive years of growth, including a record-high $64.74 billion in remittances sent in 2024. Economists from several financial institutions, including Banorte and Goldman Sachs, warn that this trend could continue through the rest of the year, which may impact household spending and economic growth in Mexico.
Experts note that this trend is influenced by several factors, including changes in the job market for Mexican workers in the United States and concerns among both documented and undocumented immigrants. Analysts from institutions like Banco Base and the Center for Latin American Monetary Studies point to a potential weakening of employment opportunities and a hesitancy among some to go to work due to fears of deportation. This complex situation has led to a proactive response from the Mexican government.
A Forward-Thinking Financial Tool
In response to these developments, the Mexican government is actively promoting Finabien, a secure and accessible bank card designed to help Mexicans in the United States manage their finances and send money home. This initiative is particularly timely as a new 1% tax on cash remittances is set to be implemented in the U.S. on January 1, 2026. The Finabien card offers a way to avoid this new tax.
The Finabien card is more than just a money-transfer tool; it functions as a full-service banking solution. It allows users to receive direct deposit pay from their employers, deposit checks and cash, and use it like a regular Visa card for purchases. With a low transfer fee of just $2.99, it offers an economical way to send money to family in Mexico.
Obtaining a Finabien card is a simple and quick process. It can be acquired for free at any of the 53 Mexican consulates in the United States in as little as 10 minutes. Alternatively, people can register online at gob.mx/finabien to have the card safely delivered to their homes at no cost.
In Mexico, the card is available at over 1,700 Finabien branches or can be requested online for delivery using official documentation (INE, CURP, email address, and cell phone number) at tarjetafinabien.com.
The Big Picture for Mexican Families
The promotion of the Finabien card highlights the importance of remittances, which have traditionally been a significant source of income for millions of Mexican families and have represented 3% to 4% of Mexico’s GDP in recent years. By providing a safe, affordable, and government-backed financial option, Mexico is working to ensure that its citizens can continue to support their families back home, even amidst shifting economic and social landscapes.
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