There can be no economic recovery without restoring deposits
The issue of deposits is no longer merely a financial crisis or an accounting problem; it has become a national, economic and social issue, linked to Lebanon’s future and the state’s ability to regain the confidence of its citizens, investors and the international community. Depositors’ funds represent savings accumulated over many years of work and effort, and for them they are…
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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 The extra card allowances could not be withdrawn as cash.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 ↗
Sources checked: 2026-11-04
Reporting timeline
2 outletsReports grouped around the same specific event, ordered by original publication time. Source headlines below retain their original language. Coverage count is not independent confirmation.
