Guyana Banking Guide 2026: Debit Cards, ATMs, Mobile Banking & More

This guide covers everything you need to know about banking in Guyana — opening an account, using your debit card at ATMs and stores, sending and receiving money, mobile banking, and staying safe from scams. It is written in plain English, with short sections so you can skip to what you need.

Guyana has 6 licensed commercial banks, all regulated by the Bank of Guyana, the country's central bank. The system is modernising quickly. Two local banks have been approved to go fully digital on the National Payments System, with national rollout expected within six months of President Ali's March 2026 announcement. Digital wallets like Demerara Bank's Flopay are rolling out, and mobile banking is expanding every year.

Even so, Guyana remains a mostly cash-based economy, especially outside Georgetown. The practical approach is to know how to handle both cash and cards — and this guide covers both.

The 6 commercial banks in Guyana, compared

There are six commercial banks operating in Guyana. Each has its own branch network, card options, and digital banking platform. Here is a side-by-side comparison:

How to open a bank account in Guyana

The standard way to open a bank account in Guyana is a walk-in visit to any branch. Republic Bank also offers a fully online option (covered below). Most in-person appointments take 30 to 60 minutes.

For the in-person visit, bring these four items:

• A valid photo ID: passport or Guyana national ID card.
• Proof of address: a recent utility bill (electricity, water, or phone) or a bank reference letter.
• A passport-sized photo: most banks ask for one or two.
• Your TIN (Tax Identification Number): required for business accounts. You can apply for a TIN through the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Opening a business account? You will also need business registration documents and a TIN. Our Starting a Business in Guyana guide covers the full process.

How debit cards work in Guyana

A debit card draws directly from your bank account. When you pay with it, you are spending money you already have — not borrowing from the bank. If you have GYD $50,000 in your account and spend GYD $10,000, you have GYD $40,000 left.

Every debit card has the following features:

• Your name printed on the front.
• A 16-digit card number across the front.
• An expiry date. After this date, the card stops working and the bank issues a replacement.
• A chip: the small gold or silver square on the front.
• A magnetic stripe on the back.
• A CVV: the 3-digit code on the back. Keep this private — never share it.

How to use an ATM, step by step

An ATM (Automated Teller Machine) lets you withdraw cash from your bank account using your debit card. The process is the same at every bank:

How to pay with a card at a store, step by step

Larger stores, supermarkets, and restaurants in Georgetown accept card payments through a POS (point of sale) machine at the counter:

Your PIN — never share it

Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a 4-digit code that protects your account. Anyone who has it can withdraw your money or use your card.

Debit card fees and withdrawal limits

What to do if your card is lost or stolen

Call your bank immediately to block the card. Every minute counts — once blocked, the card can no longer be used. Save these numbers in your phone before you need them:

How credit cards work

A credit card lets you borrow from the bank to pay for purchases, then repay the bank later. Unlike a debit card — which draws from money you already hold — a credit card is effectively a short-term loan each time you use it.

Debit card vs. credit card: the key differences

How interest works

Each month, your bank sends a statement showing what you spent. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you owe nothing extra. If you pay only part of it, the bank charges interest on what remains — and that interest compounds every month. Paying the full balance on time is the single most important habit for credit card users.

Credit cards available in Guyana

• GBTI: Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
• Scotiabank: Mastercard credit cards. The Gold Mastercard offers 4% cashback at grocery stores and gas stations, 2% at pharmacies, and 1% on everything else.
• Citizens Bank: Visa International credit cards.
• Republic Bank: Visa credit cards.

Credit card application requirements

• Proof of steady income — pay slips or a job letter showing earnings.
• A banking history in good standing — usually an existing account with the issuing bank.
• An application form and a review period of several days to several weeks.

ATMs in Guyana: where to find them

Republic Bank has the largest ATM network in Guyana — its machines are commonly known as "Blue Machines" for their colour. GBTI follows with 25 ATMs, and Citizens Bank has 12. Demerara Bank operates 9 ATMs, including a drive-thru and two walk-up units at its new Beterverwagting (BV) branch, which opened in March 2026 and replaces the former Le Ressouvenir branch.

ATMs are typically located at:

• Bank branches: every branch has at least one ATM, usually on the outside wall.
• Major shopping malls: Giftland Mall, MovieTowne, and other large centres.
• Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
• Major towns: Georgetown, Linden, Bartica, New Amsterdam, and Lethem.

Using a foreign debit card in Guyana

Visitors using cards issued outside Guyana should know:

• Visa and Mastercard work at most ATMs in Guyana.
• Expect two fees per withdrawal — one from your home bank, one from the local bank.
• Your home bank may also charge a foreign currency conversion fee, typically 1–3%.
• Notify your home bank before travelling. Otherwise they may block your card when you first use it abroad.
• Always carry backup cash. ATMs can run out of notes or go offline.

Mobile and online banking in Guyana

Every commercial bank in Guyana now offers some form of online or mobile banking. Here is what each one provides:

How to sign up for mobile banking

You have to start the enrolment in person. The steps:

1. Visit your bank branch and ask to register for online or mobile banking.
2. Complete a short form and verify your identity.
3. Receive your username and temporary password.
4. Download the bank's app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
5. Log in and change the password to one only you know.

Sending and receiving money in Guyana

Whether you are wiring funds to family in Guyana, receiving remittances from abroad, or exchanging currency, you have several options:

International wire transfers (bank to bank)

• All 6 commercial banks receive incoming wires through the SWIFT network.
• Fees range from $15–$50 USD, depending on the bank and amount.
• Processing time: 2–5 business days.
• The sender needs the recipient's bank name, branch, account number, and the bank's SWIFT code.

Western Union

• Available at banks and authorised agent locations across Guyana.
• Money arrives in minutes.
• Higher fees than bank wires, but much faster.
• Recipients need valid ID and the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) from the sender.

MoneyGram

• Similar to Western Union — fast cash transfers through authorised agents.
• Pickup points in most towns.
• Fees depend on the amount sent and payout method.

Remitly

• Online transfer service widely used by the Guyanese diaspora.
• Delivers via Laparkan or post offices in Guyana.
• Sends from the USA, Canada, UK, and other countries.
• First-time users frequently get promotional exchange rates.

Cambio houses (currency exchange)

A cambio is a licensed currency exchange business. Cambios typically offer rates 1–3% better than banks. The official bank rate is approximately 209 GYD per 1 USD. Most cambios handle USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, and TTD, and operate Monday–Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

• Concentrated in Georgetown, especially along Water Street.
• Well-known names: R. Sookraj, Muneshwers, and Dollar Empire.
• Count your money before leaving the counter.
• Only use licensed cambios. Avoid informal street money-changers.

Guyana's currency: GYD at a glance

The official currency is the Guyanese Dollar (GYD). The current exchange rate is approximately 209 GYD = 1 USD.

Banknotes

Coins

$1, $5, and $10 coins exist but are rarely used in daily transactions. Most prices are rounded to the nearest $10 or $20.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Guyana but is appreciated for good service. At restaurants, 10% is considered generous. Hotel porters and tour guides also appreciate small tips.

Need to check a rate? Use our Currency Converter. For a wider view of costs, see our Cost of Living in Guyana 2026 guide.

Where cards are accepted, and where you need cash

Guyana remains predominantly a cash economy. Knowing in advance where cards work will save you time at the checkout.

Cards accepted

• Major hotels: Marriott Georgetown, Pegasus Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton.
• Large supermarkets: Bounty, Massy, Nigel's.
• Chain restaurants and upscale dining.
• Gas stations: Sol, Rubis, and other major fuel stations.
• Some pharmacies and electronics stores in Georgetown.

Cash only

• Markets: Stabroek, Bourda, and all local markets.
• Small shops and neighbourhood stores.
• Street vendors and food stalls.
• Minibuses and most local transport.
• Interior and remote locations — no card machines at all.

Banking safety: how to protect your money

Basic habits that prevent most common losses:

• Never share your PIN or online banking password — not even with bank staff. Banks never ask for these. Any request is a scam.
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN at ATMs or POS machines.
• Keep receipts and review your balance regularly to catch unauthorised transactions early.
• Report a lost or stolen card immediately by calling your bank (numbers above).
• Inspect the ATM before inserting your card. If the card slot looks loose or has anything attached, use a different machine and report it to the bank — skimming devices steal card data.
• Install bank apps only from the App Store or Google Play. Never follow links from texts, WhatsApp, or emails claiming to be your bank — phishing is the most common scam vector.
• Avoid ATMs in poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Use machines inside bank branches or shopping malls.
• Turn on SMS or app alerts so you are notified every time money moves in your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Banking tips for tourists and short-stay visitors

If you are visiting Guyana, the following will make managing money abroad easier:

What tourists can do without a local account

Tourists cannot open a bank account without residency documents, but you can:

• Use any bank's ATMs with a foreign Visa or Mastercard debit card.
• Receive money through Western Union or MoneyGram at banks and agent locations.
• Exchange currency at licensed cambio houses (no account needed).
• Pay by card at major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants that accept Visa/Mastercard.

New Building Society (NBS): savings and mortgages

The New Building Society (NBS) is not a commercial bank, but it is one of Guyana's most important financial institutions, particularly for savings and home loans. NBS offers the highest savings rates in Guyana and mortgage rates as low as 5.70% per annum on loans up to GYD $20 million.

• 7 branches: Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Rosignol, Rosehall, Corriverton, Mackenzie (Linden), and Essequibo.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Phone: 592-227-4444.
• Services: savings accounts, fixed deposits, mortgage loans, hire-purchase financing.

Last updated: April 18, 2026. Banking fees, exchange rates, and services change regularly. Verify current rates and requirements with your bank. For more on managing money in Guyana, see our Currency & Money Guide, Trip Cost Guide, or Cost of Living Guide.