Monetary policy and deposits at the center of meeting between Aoun and the Governor of the Banque du Liban
MTV Lebanon: President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun discussed monetary policy, financial stability and ongoing consultations with the government—which the Banque du Liban is in continuous contact with—as well as with the International Monetary Fund and commercial banks, with the aim of reaching…
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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.
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 ↗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 ↗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 The extra card allowances could not be withdrawn as cash.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 ↗
Earlier reporting on this subject
- President Aoun discussed with the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon monetary policy, the financial stability and deposit recovery bill, and preparations to restore international confidence in the banking sector
- Deposits at the heart of consultations... Aoun and Saeed discuss a way out of the crisis
- Aoun discusses with the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon the fate of deposits and the rehabilitation of the banking sector
Sources checked: 2026-11-04
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