What Is ATH Movil?

ATH Movil is Puerto Rico's most widely used mobile payment app. Whether you are a buyer sending money to a friend or a business accepting payments at checkout, here is everything you need to know about how ATH Movil works.

ATH Movil at a glance

According to ATH Movil's official site, ATH Movil is a mobile payment and money transfer app built by Evertec and offered through participating banks in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It lets users send money to other people, pay businesses, and make donations to registered nonprofits — all instantly from their phone.

The app connects directly to a user's ATH debit card, which means payments are drawn from a bank account rather than a credit line. For many people in Puerto Rico, ATH Movil is the default way to pay — the same way Venmo or Zelle might be on the mainland United States.

How ATH Movil works

As described on ATH Movil's official site, the app works by linking to an ATH debit card issued by a participating bank. Once linked, users can:

• Send money to anyone — using the recipient's phone number. The transfer is instant.
• Pay businesses — by scanning a QR code or selecting a business in the app.
• Make donations — to nonprofits registered on the ATH Movil platform.

Participating banks include Banco Popular, FirstBank, Oriental Bank, and others throughout Puerto Rico. According to ATH Movil's documentation, personal transfers have a limit of $500 per day.

ATH Movil for buyers

The buyer experience is straightforward. As described on ATH Movil's official site, here is how it works:

1. Download the ATH Movil app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Link your ATH debit card from a participating bank.
3. Find a business in the app or scan a QR code at checkout.
4. Confirm the payment in the app. The business receives the funds instantly.

No credit card is needed, and no bank account numbers are shared with the business during the transaction. Buyers simply approve the payment from their phone.

ATH Movil for businesses

Businesses use a separate app called ATH Business (formerly ATH Movil Business) to receive payments. According to ath.business, the business app is designed for merchants who want to accept ATH Movil payments in person or online.

Key details for businesses:

• Daily receiving limit: As published on ath.business, businesses can receive payments up to $10,000 per day.
• Transaction fees: As published on ath.business, ATH Movil Business charges 2.25% per transaction (minimum $0.06) with no monthly fees.
• Registration requirements: A business authorized in Puerto Rico, an ATH debit card, and a valid email address.

For a deeper look at the fee structure, see our ATH Movil Business fee guide. If you are ready to set up an account, our ATH Movil Business setup guide walks through the process step by step.

Who can use ATH Movil?

According to ATH Movil's FAQ, ATH Movil is available to anyone with an ATH debit card from a participating bank in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ATH Movil is not available in the mainland United States or internationally. The service is built on the ATH network, which is specific to Puerto Rico and the USVI banking system. If you are outside these areas, you would need a different payment method such as a credit card, PayPal, or another platform.

ATH Movil vs. other payment methods

ATH Movil serves a specific market. Here is how it compares to other common payment methods:

For businesses in Puerto Rico, ATH Movil reaches buyers who may not have or prefer not to use credit cards. Many local buyers default to ATH Movil for everyday purchases, so offering it as a payment option can reduce friction at checkout.