I still remember my first banking experience in Morocco. Standing in line at Attijariwafa Bank in Temara, I watched as locals chatted with tellers like old friends while I nervously clutched my passport and residence papers. Would opening an account be complicated? What about all those banking terms in French and Arabic?
Fast forward three years, and now I help friends navigate Moroccan banks with ease. Whether you're moving to Morocco, planning an extended stay, or just curious about how things work here, this guide will save you from the confusion I faced!
Understanding Moroccan Banks: Traditional vs. Online Options
Morocco has a mix of traditional banks with physical branches and newer online banks that are changing the game. The main traditional banks you'll encounter include:
- Attijariwafa Bank - One of the largest in Morocco
- Banque Populaire - Well-established with many branches
- Al Barid Bank - Similar to La Poste in France, more affordable for smaller budgets
- Bank of Africa (formerly BMCE) - Another major player
What surprised me most when I arrived was how similar the basic banking services are to what we have in Europe or North America. You'll find the usual checking accounts, savings options, and different tiers of bank cards based on your income level.
But there are some key differences! For Moroccans living abroad (MRE - Marocains Résidant à l'Étranger) or foreigners with non-Moroccan passports, many banks offer special account packages. These often have better terms, sometimes even with no account maintenance fees to encourage you to deposit your foreign currency.
Hassan's Tip: Even if you live in Morocco but have a foreign passport, ask about MRE accounts! I have a French passport, and the bank was happy to let me open an MRE account with special benefits.
Banking Fees in Morocco: Watch Out for the Hidden Costs!
This is where things get tricky! Moroccan banks have quite a few fees that might surprise newcomers. I learned this the hard way.
One day, I rushed to my Attijariwafa branch without my bank card, needing to withdraw cash urgently. The teller helped me withdraw using just my ID card. Great service, right? Well, when I checked my statement later, I discovered they had charged me a fee for this convenience!
The same thing happened to my father with Banque Populaire. He tried to withdraw money using his checkbook at a branch in a different city than where he opened his account. Again, unexpected fees appeared!
Here are some common fees to watch out for:
- Account maintenance fees (around 33 dirhams per quarter for basic accounts)
- Fees for withdrawing without your card (12-15 dirhams)
- Fees for using ATMs from other banks (varies)
- Fees for checking your balance (sometimes 2 dirhams)
- Fees for withdrawing with a check at a branch that's not your home branch (5.50 dirhams)
Hassan's Tip: Always ask for the "grille tarifaire" (fee schedule) before opening an account. Every bank has one, and it lists all these potential charges. Also, look for promotional offers where fees are waived for new customers!
The Rise of Online Banking in Morocco
In recent years, Morocco has seen several online banks emerge, offering more modern banking experiences. Most are owned by traditional banks, but they operate differently:
- LIV Bank (owned by Attijariwafa Bank) - 100% digital, free for those under 35, and only 5 dirhams monthly for others
- Agence Directe (owned by Bank of Africa) - Similar to LIV, free for ages 18-39
- CIH Bank - A hybrid model with digital services but also physical branches
- CFG Bank - More premium digital services with limited physical presence outside Casablanca
Opening an account with these online banks typically involves a video call with a banking advisor and electronic signatures. Your documents and card arrive by mail afterward.
I've been impressed by how much Moroccan banking apps have improved. You can now pay most bills directly through banking apps - electricity, water, internet, phone services, and even your annual car tax! It's actually easier than standing in line at payment centers, which used to be the norm.
PayPal and International Transactions: The Tricky Part
If you need to use PayPal while in Morocco, this is important to understand. The Moroccan dirham is a protected currency, and connecting Moroccan bank cards to international payment systems isn't straightforward.
From my experience, Attijariwafa Bank is one of the few that allows you to receive money via PayPal and transfer it to your Moroccan bank account. They even have a dedicated website for this service (attijariwafabank-paypal.com).
But remember, this process must be initiated in a physical branch with an advisor - online banks can't help with this yet.
Hassan's Tip: Be very careful with foreign online banks like N26 or Revolut if you live in Morocco. There have been many cases where these services suddenly close accounts of Moroccan residents without warning, sometimes freezing funds. Don't keep large amounts in these accounts!
Banking During Ramadan: What to Expect
If you're visiting Morocco during Ramadan, banking hours change significantly. Most banks open later (around 9:30 AM) and close earlier (around 2:00 PM). This is something to plan around if you need banking services during the holy month.
In smaller cities and towns, you'll find that many businesses, including some banks, have reduced hours during Ramadan. However, in tourist areas like Marrakech, services generally remain more accessible.
Practical Tips for Banking in Morocco
After three years of banking adventures here, here's what I've learned:
- Compare packages: Banks offer various account packages with different services. Some include free withdrawals from other banks' ATMs or free international transfers.
- Mobile apps are essential: Download your bank's app - it makes life much easier for bill payments and tracking expenses.
- Keep your bank card safe: Unlike in some countries, banking without your physical card is either impossible or comes with fees.
- Notify your bank when traveling: If you plan to use your Moroccan card abroad, inform your bank beforehand to avoid having transactions blocked.
- Consider keeping two accounts: Many expats maintain both a Moroccan account for local expenses and a foreign account for savings or international transfers.
My Personal Banking Journey in Morocco
When I first arrived, I chose Attijariwafa Bank because a friend recommended it for its widespread ATM network. The process was surprisingly quick - I brought my passport, residency card, and proof of address, and within 30 minutes, I had my account information. My card arrived by mail about a week later.
The biggest adjustment was getting used to the mobile app for paying bills. Now I can't imagine standing in line to pay my electricity bill like I did during my first months here!
What I appreciate most about banking in Morocco is the personal touch. My bank manager knows me by name, and when I had an issue with an international transfer, he called me personally to help resolve it. That kind of service feels increasingly rare in our digital world.
Final Thoughts: Banking in Morocco is Evolving Fast
The Moroccan banking sector has been making great strides in recent years. Mobile apps are more functional, digital services are expanding, and the overall experience is becoming more convenient.
If you're planning to live in Morocco or stay for an extended period, I recommend visiting several banks in person to compare their offerings. The banking landscape here is changing rapidly, with new services and promotions appearing regularly.
Have you had experiences with Moroccan banks? Are you planning a move to Morocco and have questions about banking? Drop a comment below - I'm always happy to help fellow travelers navigate life in this beautiful country!
Banking in Morocco: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! As a foreigner, you can open what we call a "convertible" account. When I first moved here, this was one of my top priorities. These accounts have some limitations though - you can't deposit Moroccan dirhams in cash or by check. But you can transfer money from your home country or bring cash with you when you arrive (up to $10,000 per person).
The main document you need is your passport. That's it! But from my experience, it's always good to bring extra documents just in case. I recommend also bringing:
- A second form of ID
- Proof of address in Morocco (if you have it)
- Proof of income or employment
You don't need to speak Arabic, but it helps to know some French. When I first arrived, my French was very basic, and it made things challenging. If you don't speak either language well, bring a friend who can translate. Most bank employees don't speak much English, especially outside the big tourist cities.
Unfortunately, no. Online banking exists here but is very basic compared to what you might be used to. You need to visit a branch in person to open an account, unless you hire a lawyer with power of attorney to do it for you.
It varies. When I opened my account at one of the international banks in Casablanca, it was ready the same day! But my friend who used a local bank had to wait about a week. The bigger international banks are usually faster.
Yes, there are some fees to be aware of:
- Using your own bank's ATM at your branch: Usually free
- Using a different branch or different bank: 15-30 dirhams per withdrawal
- Using a foreign card: The ATM fee plus whatever your home bank charges
A useful tip I learned the hard way: Morocco is very cash-based, so make sure your bank is convenient to where you live or work!
Yes, that's actually what convertible accounts are designed for. However, bank transfer fees can be high, and you might not get the best exchange rate. Many expats I know (including myself) use services like Wise for international transfers to get better rates and lower fees.
Most banks require a minimum balance, and you might be charged a fee if your balance falls below this amount. When I opened my account, the minimum was around 500 dirhams (about $50), but this varies by bank and account type.
When my neighbor left Morocco last year, closing his account took about a week. You'll need to visit your branch with your passport and account details. Make sure all outstanding payments and checks have cleared before you try to close the account.
Remember, banking in Morocco is more personal than you might be used to. Building a good relationship with your local branch can make your banking experience much smoother!
Hello
My name is Ali bol
Am a South Sudanese citizen currently in Morocco Dakhla
With a Vaild passport
Can I be able to create Bank account using my passport only as my identity card???
Hi Ali! 👋
Yes, as a South Sudanese citizen currently in Dakhla, Morocco, you can open a bank account using your valid passport as your main form of identification. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
✅ What You Can Do
Since you’re a non-resident, you’re eligible to open a “convertible account” in Morocco. This type of account allows you to:
Receive international wire transfers
Deposit foreign currency (up to $10,000 USD) if declared at the border
Get a bank card (usually a debit card)
Withdraw in Moroccan dirhams
📄 Required Documents
At minimum, bring:
Your valid passport
Optional but helpful extras:
A second ID (if available, like a driver’s license or national ID from South Sudan)
Proof of address in Morocco (like a rental contract or residency document)
Proof of income or employment (if you have it)
🏦 A Few Tips for Opening Your Account
Language matters: Most bank staff speak Darija or French, so if you’re not fluent, take someone with you who can help translate.
Go in person: Most Moroccan banks don’t allow you to open accounts online—you’ll need to visit the branch.
Ask for a convertible account (compte convertible in French) designed for foreigners and non-residents.
🏛️ Recommended Banks in Dakhla
Dakhla is a smaller city, but you should find branches of:
BMCE Bank
Banque Populaire
Crédit Agricole
All of these are familiar with handling accounts for expats and foreign visitors.
Let me know if you want help choosing the right bank or preparing what to say in French or Darija at the bank. I can even write you a simple script!