Investing in CETES (Mexican Treasury Certificates) is one of the safest ways to earn a return in Mexico. A common question is: can I invest in CETES if I live in the United States?
The answer is yes, but it depends on your situation and how you set up your access.
What are CETES?
CETES are debt instruments issued by the Government of Mexico.
Future value = Principal × (1 + r)^t
Where:
- r = interest rate
- t = time
They work as a low-risk investment with a rate that is known at the time you invest.
Who can invest from the United States?
You can if:
- You are a Mexican citizen with an RFC (Mexican tax ID)
- You have a bank account in Mexico
- You can verify your identity (INE voter ID, CURP)
Limitations:
- Foreigners without an RFC: limited access
- No Mexican bank account: hard to operate
- Digital verification restrictions outside Mexico
Main option: Cetesdirecto
The most common way is to use:
Cetesdirecto (the Mexican government's official platform)
Step-by-step guide to investing from the US
1. Create an account
- Go to Cetesdirecto.
- Sign up with:
- RFC
- CURP
- A Mexican bank account
2. Verify your identity
- It may require:
- An electronic signature (e.firma)
- Video call verification
3. Transfer money
Options:
- International transfer to your account in Mexico
- A cross-border payment platform
- Remittances
4. Invest
Choose the term:
- 28 days
- 91 days
- 182 days
- 364 days
Illustrative example
Let's assume (hypothetical rate; CETES rates change at every auction and are not guaranteed):
- You invest: $10,000 MXN
- Rate: 10% per year
- Term: 1 year
Approximate result:
- Gain: ~$1,000 MXN, before taxes
Alternative: investing through Mexican banks
If you don't use Cetesdirecto:
Several banks in Mexico offer indirect access to CETES or similar instruments.
Tax considerations (key)
In Mexico:
- CETES are subject to ISR (Mexican income tax)
- Automatic withholding
- Annual tax return, if applicable
In the United States:
It depends on your status:
If you are a US tax resident:
- You must report your worldwide income
- This includes CETES returns
Key document:
- Your US tax return (IRS)
Risks and key points
1. Exchange rate
- You invest in pesos
- You live in dollars
That means currency risk.
2. Operational access
- Cetesdirecto is not optimized for users outside Mexico
3. Liquidity
- You must wait until maturity (or sell early, subject to conditions)
A smart strategy (2026)
Hybrid model:
- You earn income in US dollars
- You send part of it to Mexico
- You invest in CETES
- You diversify with:
- Bonds
- Funds
- Dollar-denominated assets
Alternative: keeping part of your savings in dollars
Instead of CETES:
- Dollar-denominated instruments or accounts
- Third-party digital accounts in dollars, with variable, non-guaranteed returns
- Liquidity in dollars
Advantage: no currency risk.
Disadvantage: returns are not guaranteed, and some options carry higher technological and regulatory risk.
Is it worth investing in CETES from the US?
Yes, if:
- You are looking for stability
- You want exposure to the Mexican peso
- You have a financial setup in Mexico
Not so much if:
- You only operate in US dollars
- You don't have banking infrastructure in Mexico
Conclusion
Investing in CETES from the United States is entirely possible, but it requires:
- Having a financial connection to Mexico
- Understanding the tax implications
- Managing currency risk
It is a solid tool within a diversified strategy.
For informational purposes only; this does not constitute tax or financial advice.
