Turks and Caicos Banks, ATMs, & Financial Institutions
There are branches for several international banks in the Turks and Caicos Islands, primarily on the main island of Providenciales. Scotiabank, Royal Bank of Canada, and CIBC Caribbean Bank maintain local branches.
The financial services industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands is regulated by the independent, statutory Financial Services Commission (FSC), which was established in 2001. This body regulates the formation of companies, trademark and patent registration, domestic and international insurance, money remittance services, and banks and trust companies.
Service Expectations
Compared to North American and European standards, banks in the Turks and Caicos have poor customer service. Queue times are often 1-3 hours for service, and this queue is often outside in the sun. Banks often do not respond to email communications, and if they do, it may take several weeks to resolve an issue. New accounts, especially for corporate customers, may take 2-6 months to open. Bank representatives in the Turks and Caicos are often unable to answer questions pertaining to bank policies, and it may be necessary to contact regional managers for information.
Personal Banking
All major local banks offer personal banking products with online banking and a MasterCard or Visa debit card for access to funds.
Corporate and Commercial Banking
It’s advised to retain the services of a local Turks and Caicos lawyer or attorney when setting up an account on behalf of a corporation. For local corporations, a wide range of supporting documents are required, including a certificate of good standing, registers of shareholders and company directors and officers, and know-your-customer (KYC) documents on the company’s principals.
Mortgages and Lending Facilities
The major local banks offer mortgages and some other local financial institutions specialize in this area. It’s not always possible to obtain a mortgage for buy-and-build (undeveloped land) due to increased risks to the financial institution.
Foreign Currency Exchange
The exchange of some foreign currencies to the U.S. Dollar, typically including the British Pound, Euro, and Canadian Dollar, is offered at banks in the Turks and Caicos. However, due to fees, long queues, and limited availability, we highly advise exchanging currencies before arrival in the country, or simply using an ATM.
Credit Card and Cash Transactions in the Turks and Caicos
Credit card acceptance in the Turks and Caicos varies by island and by type of business.
The majority of establishments on the island of Providenciales that cater to tourism accept credit cards, especially vehicle rental companies, accommodations, and large tour and activity companies. Some of the smaller restaurants and shops only accept cash.
As is the case with Providenciales, on Grand Turk, hotels, restaurants, and excursion businesses typically accept credit cards, yet smaller shops may not.
On the islands of North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, and Salt Cay, the larger accommodations are typically the only place credit card payments can be made.
Providenciales ATM Locations
On Providenciales, ATMs can be found at local banks, the Providenciales International Airport, and the Graceway IGA and Graceway Gourmet supermarkets. A few of the larger Turks and Caicos resorts also have an onsite ATM.
All ATMs are bank-operated (there are no independent ATMs as found in other countries). ATMs are often out-of-service, so if you see one operating and need cash, you are advised to use it.
Grace Bay
Near Grace Bay, ATMs can be found at Graceway Gourmet.
Grand Turk ATM Locations
On Grand Turk, ATMs may be found at the local bank branches, at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, and at Graceway Grand Turk.
ATMs on Our Smaller Islands
ATMs are difficult to find on our smaller islands. On South Caicos, a Scotiabank ATM is found at the Super Value grocery store in Cockburn Harbour.
North Caicos has one ATM located in the village of Bottle Creek.
Middle Caicos and Salt Cay do not have an ATM.
Boutique and Investment Banks
Providenciales is home to several financial institutions specializing in investment, wealth management, and offshore banking. Bank accounts in the Turks and Caicos may be held tax-free, and there are no controls on currency exchange or international transfers out of the Turks and Caicos jurisdiction.
Prepaid Credit Cards
Hallmark Compass operates the Compass prepaid MasterCards and the Horizon credit card products. All major banks offer debit cards, primarily using the Visa network.
History of Banking in the Turks and Caicos
Barclays Bank was the first major bank to open in the Turks and Caicos, in 1981. This was followed in 1982 by Scotiabank. In 2002, Barclays merged their Caribbean banking operations with CIBC to form FirstCaribbean, later retitled CIBC FirstCaribbean.
TCI Bank was the first major locally developed bank, which opened in 2005. However, it was closed in 2009. Approximately 76% of borrowers (totaling $66 million USD in debt) were in default.
The Turks and Caicos Crown
The Turks and Caicos solely uses the U.S. Dollar.
In the past, the Turks and Caicos did issue coins in the Crown denomination, however, these were intended for souvenir and collectible purposes.
As a British Overseas Territory, the likeness of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is found on one side of all coins minted, and the other features various historical, social, or natural subjects.