President Aoun discussed with Saeed Banque du Liban’s consultations with the government and the International Monetary Fund to reach an agreement on the draft financial stability and deposit recovery law
National News Agency: National News Agency - President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun received Banque du Liban Governor Karim Saeed this afternoon at Baabda Palace. They discussed monetary policy, financial stability, and the ongoing consultations with the government, with which Banque du Liban remains in continuous contact, and with the International Monetary Fund and banks…
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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 The extra card allowances could not be withdrawn as cash.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
Explore the background and sources ↗Sources checked: 2026-11-04
