BCEL Spreads, leverage, minimum deposit Revealed

WikiFX | 2025-05-12 15:24

Abstract：BCEL established in 1975 is one of the biggest state-owned commercial banks in Lao PDR, with the stability and transparency in banking services. The Bank not only has various branches and service units throughout the country, but also being a leader in using ATMs, deposit machines, mobile and internet banking services which allow our customers access our services 24/7.

BCEL Review Summary
Founded	1975
Registered Country/Region	Lao PDR
Regulation	Not regulated
Products and Services	Deposits, Loans, Cards, Fund Transfers, Electronic Banking, Trade Finance, Utilities Payment
Demo Account	❌
Spread	USD ~270, EUR ~480 (approx. FX spread)
Trading Platform	BCEL One, BCEL i-Bank, FastTrack, BCEL OneProof
Customer Support	Tel:(+856-21)213200
	Fax:(+856-21) 213202
	bcelhqv@bcel.com.la

BCEL Information

　　Founded in 1975, BCEL is a major commercial bank in Laos providing retail and corporate banking services. Though not a regulated broker, it offers various financial products including savings accounts, loans, fund transfers, and electronic banking tools.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Broad range of personal and business banking services	Not regulated
Multiple digital banking tools and platforms	No demo or Islamic accounts
FX exchange service available with multiple currencies	No leverage for active trading

Is BCEL Legit?

　　BCEL (Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public) is not a licensed or regulated financial broker under Thailands financial regulatory authorities. Although it operates financial services such as deposits, loans, and fund transfers, it does not hold a trading or brokerage license from regulatory bodies like the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), or the SEC (Thailand).

Products and Services

　　BCEL (Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public) provides a range of banking products and services designed for personal as well as corporate use. Amongst these are utility payments, financial transfers, electronic banking, cards, loans, and deposit accounts.

Product/Service	Available
Deposits	✅
Loans	✅
Cards	✅
Electronic Banking	✅
ATMs	✅
Fund Transfers	✅
Trade Finance	✅
Utilities Payment	✅
Other Services	✅

BCEL Fees

　　BCELs trading-related fees, based on foreign currency exchange services, are generally competitive and in line with regional banking standards. Their exchange rates for major currencies such as USD, EUR, and JPY reflect standard banking spreads.

Currency	Buy Rate (EFT)	Sell Rate
USD (1–100 Notes)	21,345	21,615
EUR (1–500 Notes)	24,056	24,534
GBP	28,179	28,740
AUD	13,709	14,118
JPY	148.18	151.08
SGD	15,150	15,451
CNY	2,903	2,958

Account Types

　　BCEL offers several types of deposit accounts, each tailored to different customer needs. There is no indication of demo or Islamic (swap-free) accounts.

Account Type	Description	Suitable For
Saving Account	Standard interest-bearing account	General users
Fixed Deposit Account	Time-bound savings with fixed interest	Long-term savers
Current Account	For frequent transactions, includes checkbook services	Business users, professionals
Kid Saving Account	Savings product for children	Parents saving for children
Pension Saving Account	Long-term retirement savings	Individuals planning for retirement
Deposit Protection Office	Coverage under deposit insurance scheme	All eligible account holders

Trading Platform

Trading Platform	Supported	Available Devices	Suitable for What Kind of Traders
BCEL One	✔	Smartphone (iOS/Android)	Retail clients seeking mobile banking convenience
BCEL i-Bank	✔	Desktop, Tablet	Users preferring online banking via browser
FastTrack	✔	Smartphone	Fast access users for regular transactions
BCEL OneProof	✔	Smartphone	Users needing proof of transactions digitally