Annual trust fee
The bank's yearly fee for acting as trustee, usually billed in advance each year on the anniversary of the trust.
Why it matters
It's part of the trust contract. Unpaid fees accrue penalties, and the bank can refuse to act (powers, permits, sale) until you're current.
Who helps
The bank's trust-administration office.
What to do: Pay the bank's yearly trust fee on time to avoid the late penalty.
Documents
- The fee notice and proof of payment. Always email the receipt to the bank.
Know your contract (fee disputes)
- Find the fee clause in your trust deed: the amount, the currency (USD or MXN), how it escalates (fixed, by inflation, or "per the bank's current schedule"), the due date and the late penalty.
- Pay the contract amount in the contract currency. If the bank quotes pesos for a USD fee, ask which exchange rate it uses and on what date.
- If two offices quote different amounts, ask for the amount in writing from the trust office that administers your trust.
- Keep every receipt, and email each one to the trust office.
- Each year, ask for a no-arrears letter (carta de no adeudo). It's your proof if back fees are claimed when you sell or build.
- Escalate in writing: first to the bank's UNE (Unidad Especializada de Atención a Usuarios), which must answer within 30 business days; then to CONDUSEF, which can mediate (conciliation) and arbitrate. Filing with the UNE suspends the statute of limitations on your claim.
Costs Estimate
- Late penalty 1.5% per the deed.
- Some banks let you request the current amount online and then send a payment link or reference; ask your bank which channels it accepts this year.
Estimates only. Get written quotes.
Common mistakes
- Paying without sending the receipt, so the payment isn't applied to your trust.
- Paying a peso amount at a branch at an unfavorable exchange rate when the contract is in USD (see step 3.9).
- Learning about back fees only at sale. Get the yearly letter.
Say it in Spanish
- Por favor confirme que se recibió la anualidad y que el fideicomiso está al corriente.
Please confirm the annual fee has been received and the trust is current. - Mi contrato fija la cuota en dólares.
My contract sets the fee in dollars. - Por favor envíeme una carta de no adeudo de mi fideicomiso.
Please send me a no-arrears letter for my trust. - Quisiera presentar una reclamación ante su Unidad Especializada (UNE).
I'd like to file a complaint with your UNE.
Terms
Sources
- LPDUSF art. 50 Bis (Diputados) (checked 2026-10)
- CONDUSEF – UNE directory (checked 2026-10)
- CONDUSEF (checked 2026-10)
Confirm the details for your case with your notario or attorney.
Common questions
What is the annual trust fee?
The bank's yearly fee for administering your trust. It isn't regulated, so compare banks before closing.