Can I Withdraw Cash Without a Card at OXXO in Mexico

This is coming up a lot in the search. Can I withdraw cash at an OXXO store in Mexico without a card?

I am assuming this is for foreigners, since it’s being asked in English.

Here is the quick answer:

You cannot withdraw cash without a card at OXXO using a non-Mexican bank account.

So if you are visiting Mexico on a tourist visa, the answer is no.

Which leads us onto the next question:

How to withdraw money from OXXO without a card

Check the list of participating banks for cash withdrawals at OXXO stores here: https://www.oxxo.com/retiros-de-efectivo

The only participating “banks” that allow you to withdraw cash from OXXO, without a card are:

Spin, by OXXO – max: 3,000 pesos, commission: 12 pesos
BBVA – max: 3,000 pesos, commission: 20 pesos

Assuming you have a Mexican BBVA or Spin by OXXO account, you then need to generate a QR code on your banking app and present it to the cashier in the store.

To summarise, even if you are a Mexican citizen and have a Mexican bank account, it only works with BBVA or an OXXO SPIN account.

What are the hours/days of operation?

Available 24 hours a day, Monday through Sunday, including holidays.

But, the service is subject to cash availability at the store!

Can I withdraw cash using a non-Mexican bank card at OXXO in Mexico?

OXXO cash withdrawal services require partner Mexican debit cards (such as BBVA, Citibanamex, Banorte, Santander, Scotiabank).

So that’s your answer. Nope!

Extra questions:

Can I open a bank account in Mexico as a foreigner?

Yes. But the rules are tougher than they used to be.

You can no longer open a bank account with just a passport and tourist visa.

You need to have a CURP and a tax ID from the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), both of which you can get if you have temporary or permanent residency.

Regarding opening a bank account at BBVA, I have the CURP and SAT tax id, I applied twice, at two different branches and both times I was told that I needed a document issued by the immigration department, a document which they don’t issue.

So go figure!

So if you need cash in Mexico:

How to send money to Mexico

These are the options I have used:

Send money using Ria Money Transfer: works OK, but I had to pay a 10 USD fee when I went to pick it up.
Western Union: Reliable, sometimes slow, and sometimes they want to charge a fee.
Bank transfer: WISE is by far the best option for sending money to someone you trust, but it can be complicated for them to receive money on your behalf.

Most places accept payment, but not all. In Mexico City, even some market traders have portable card readers.

Do I really need cash in Mexico?

Even in Mexico City, you will need cash for small purchases such as public toilets (5 -10 pesos), street stalls, and taco stands and topping up your metro card when you can’t find one that accepts cards.

Even some bigger restaurants only accept cash or bank transfer.