Sending Money to MLC Cards in Cuba: Everything You Need to Know

If you have family in Cuba, you know full well that Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) cards have become indispensable for daily life. These magnetic cards, issued by Cuban banks, are the key to accessing basic goods, food, and household appliances in the island’s retail network.

However, for those living abroad, the process of reloading or sending money to an MLC card can raise many questions: What information is needed? How long does it take to arrive? Which bank charges the least? In this article, we answer all your questions.

Which banks issue MLC cards in Cuba?

The cards valid for receiving international transfers in MLC belong to the country’s three main banking institutions:

1. Banco Metropolitano (Banmet): Primarily used by residents of Havana.
2. Banco de Crédito y Comercio (BANDEC): With a strong presence in the rest of the country’s provinces.
3. Banco Popular de Ahorro (BPA): Widely available throughout the country.

Cards designated for MLC are easily identifiable because their numbers usually begin with specific digits pre-established by the Cuban banking system (for example, BANDEC cards usually start with 9225 or 9226).

Requirements for sending money to an MLC card

The process is now completely digital, and you can do it from your computer or cell phone. To complete the transfer successfully, the platform you choose will ask for the following information:

• Recipient’s full name (as it appears on their Cuban ID).
• ID card number (CI) of the family member receiving the funds.
• The 16-digit MLC card number (be sure to double-check it, as an error can delay the transfer).
• Address and province of the recipient’s residence.

Advantages of sending remittances directly to the card

Although many Cubans still prefer to have cash in hand, direct deposits to MLC cards offer undeniable advantages:

• Security: Your family member doesn’t have to walk down the street with cash or go to informal meetings to exchange currency.
• Speed: Most platforms process these transfers within 24 to 48 business hours, and some modern solutions do so almost instantly.
• Immediate availability: Once the balance appears in the account, your family member can go directly to MLC stores to make purchases without intermediaries.

What are the best platforms for reloading MLC cards?

Today, there are highly competitive options on the market that operate legally and transparently. Digital agencies like Fonmoney, Sendity, or portals specializing in remittances to the Caribbean allow you to make these deposits by paying securely with your credit card, debit card, or European bank transfer (SEPA).

When choosing among them, pay close attention to the exchange rate: that is, how many dollars or euros you have to pay abroad so that your family member receives exactly 100 MLC.

Compare before sending and save money

The cost of sending money to an MLC card varies each week due to fluctuations in the international exchange market and agency offers.

If you don’t want to waste your money on inflated fees, we invite you to use our tool. [Click here to compare today’s prices] and find out the fastest and most economical way to top up your loved ones’ MLC card right now.