Bank of Lebanon: Consultations with banks in Paris to discuss recapitalization and determine the funds available for deposit repayments

Lebanon’s deposit restrictions: how withdrawal limits changed

Access to bank deposits became restricted in October 2019. Successive Banque du Liban circulars created limited repayment channels; higher monthly allowances do not mean unrestricted access to the remaining balance. Here are the milestones behind today’s withdrawal headlines.

1. October 2019 · Restrictions begin

   The banking crisis restricted depositors’ ability to use their money freely, particularly foreign-currency deposits. The restrictions began in 2019, before the crisis deepened in 2020.

   Banque du Liban · 11 May 2026 ↗

2. 1 March 2025 · The $500 allowance

   Following the February decision, the monthly allowance rose to $500 under Circular 158 and $250 under Circular 166. These were programme limits for eligible depositors, not a universal $500 withdrawal entitlement.

   Credit Libanais Economic Research Unit · February 2025 ↗

3. December 2025 · Card-only allowances added

   The monthly totals became $1,000 under Circular 158 ($800 available as cash plus $200 for card purchases) and $500 under Circular 166 ($400 cash plus $100 for card purchases). The extra card allowances could not be withdrawn as cash.

   Bank Audi · cash and card breakdown ↗
   Bank of Beirut · effective 1 December 2025 ↗

Sources checked: 2026-11-04