Banque du Liban has announced an increase in the monthly caps on depositor withdrawals in US dollars, under amendments to Circulars 158 and 166.
The amendments will take effect on December 1, 2026, within the current cycle ending June 30, 2027.
Under Circular 158, the monthly ceiling rises from $1,000 to $1,200. Beneficiaries may withdraw $800 in cash, transfer it abroad, use it with cards, or deposit it into a new account in fresh money.
The remaining $400 is allocated exclusively for card payments through point-of-sale terminals.
Likewise, the amendment to Circular 166 raises the monthly ceiling from $500 to $600.
The amount is divided between $400 available for cash withdrawals and the uses mentioned above, and $200 for payments made exclusively through point-of-sale terminals.
In parallel, the annual withdrawal ceiling rises to $14,400 for beneficiaries of Circular 158 and to $7,200 for beneficiaries of Circular 166, in accordance with the amended provisions.
Banque du Liban confirmed that banks are carrying out these operations without charging account holders any commissions or direct or indirect expenses.
It also kept the amounts allocated for point-of-sale payments subject to change in line with its monetary policy.
The increase in depositor withdrawals comes amid the continuing banking crisis and declining purchasing power.
The step aims to facilitate gradual access to deposits, take into account banks’ liquidity, and encourage electronic payments, pending comprehensive legislation that guarantees depositors’ rights, supports financial stability, and ensures fairness and equity in dealing with them.
