What Are the Top 10 Banks in Panama?

The top 10 banks in Panama play a critical role in the country’s financial sector, offering stable, secure, and safe banking options for residents and non-residents.

In this article, we’re exploring the top 10 banks in Panama. We’ll share the benefits of banking with superior financial entities, including the best banks in Panama and we’ll also answer common questions we receive from people exploring this topic.

This article is part of our free series on the best banks in Panama. You can access this series right now by using the link above.

In addition to detailed account opening guides, this free series on Panama banking also discusses the largest banks in Panama, Panama opening requirements, the costs of banking in Panama, and much more. Use the link above to start exploring all of your free Panama banking content right now.

Alternatively, use the table of contents to continue exploring more information on the top 10 banks in Panama.

Table of Contents

  1. What Are the Top 10 Banks in Panama?
  2. What Are the Benefits of Banking With the Top Banks in Panama?
  3. Frequently Asked Panama Banking Questions
  4. Do You Want to Open a Panama Bank Account?

What Are the Top 10 Banks in Panama?

The top 10 banks in Panama include some of the largest local and international banks in the country, such as Banco General, Banco Nacional de Panama, Banistmo, Citibank, Santander, and Scotiabank.

Listed below are the top ten banks currently operating in Panama.

  1. Banco General
  2. Banistmo
  3. Banco Aliado
  4. Banco Nacional de Panama
  5. Credicorp Bank
  6. BAC International Bank
  7. Citibank
  8. Santander
  9. Scotiabank
  10. BHD International Bank

These financial institutions play a critical role in Panama’s financial sector, offering stable, secure, and safe banking options to a variety of different client types.

The banks available to you will depend on your citizenship, residency, deposit level, banking needs, and much more.

Understanding which banks cater to similar client profiles, have requirements you can meet, and offer the services you are looking for are all important factors you need to consider before applying for an account.

Keep in mind, for many foreign non-residents, opening accounts with local Panamanian banks where you can find Panama bank reviews is very difficult. Instead, foreign non-residents will likely need to look at opening bank accounts with one of the international banks in Panama that offer non-resident banking services.

If you are interested in learning more about banking in Panama, don’t forget to visit our comprehensive guide on banking in Panama, available in the link above.

Alternatively, if you would like to explore all of your offshore banking options, download our free guide and compare Panama to some of the top banking jurisdictions available.

Do You Want to Explore All Your Offshore Banking Options?

What Are the Benefits of Banking With the Top Banks in Panama?

Banking with high-ranking banks, including the top banks in Panama, offers a variety of benefits, including financial stability, strong security measures, robust banking services, and much more.

Most applicants can also benefit from a wide range of banking services and products when opening accounts with the top banks in Panama. These services and products include savings accounts, chequing accounts, investment opportunities, multi-currency accounts, debit and credit cards, and even remote account opening.

Not all banks, including the top banks in Panama, are created equal. This is especially true for non-resident banking clients since not all banks in Panama accept foreign non-residents. And, of the banks that do, not all offer remote account opening.

It’s important to understand your banking profile and financial needs before applying for an account so you can ensure you are choosing a bank that aligns with your client profile, has requirements you can meet, and offers the services you are after.

Frequently Asked Panama Banking Questions

Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people exploring the top 10 banks in Panama. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.

What Is Panama’s Largest Bank?

Panama’s largest bank is Banco General. Banco General is a local financial institution, offering a wide range of banking services for residents and local business owners. Foreign non-resident individuals and businesses will most likely have a difficult time opening bank accounts with Banco General.

What Is the Safest Bank in Panama?

The safest bank in Panama will be one of the major banks with strong financials, competent management, and a balanced approach to consumer lending. These banks include the largest banks in the country, like Banco General. That said, there are other institutions in Panama that more commonly cater to foreign non-resident individuals and companies. In certain instances, these other Panama institutions do not directly engage in consumer lending, which can make them even more stable options to consider.

What Is the Most Popular Bank in Panama?

The most popular bank by Panamanian citizens in Panama is Banco General (or Bank General). However, many foreign residents of Panama use large regional banks like Banistmo. That said, it’s important to note that both Banco General and Banistmo are difficult to access for foreign individuals and companies looking to open a bank account in Panama.

What American Banks Are in Panama?

The American banks that operate in Panama include Citibank and JPMorgan Chase Bank. The difference between these two banks ultimately comes down to the type of license they have. Citibank has a general banking license to operate in Panama, whereas JPMorgan Chase Bank has the authority to act as a representative in Panama. With this in mind, neither of these banks offers retail consumer banking services. Instead, they offer commercial and investment banking services.

Do You Want to Open a Panama Bank Account?

If so, you can access GlobalBanks IQ and start the process of applying in Panama in a few clicks.

GlobalBanks IQ is our flagship international bank account opening solution. It gives you instant access to the…

+ Expert insights on which banks to choose & why

+ Step-by-step reports to open bank accounts in the best banking hubs

+ GlobalBanks international bank database & detailed bank profiles

+ Tried & tested banks for high-risk, offshore, & non-resident clients

+ Plus, get YOUR most pressing bank account opening questions answered by our team!

And “yes!” GlobalBanks IQ helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open bank accounts.

In fact, GlobalBanks IQ even helps non-resident, foreign & offshore entities open bank accounts.

To learn more about opening accounts with GlobalBanks IQ, use the link in the top menu. Or, contact us directly with any questions!

Share This Article on Your Favorite Platform
GlobalBanks Team
GlobalBanks Team

The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.

Sorry, but you cannot copy the content on this page.