The Financial CIMEX S.A. (Fincimex) announced this Tuesday that remittances sent from abroad can be received in cash in US dollars directly at the Currency Exchange offices (CADECA), an option that, according to the entity, will be available “from all over the world, in minutes.”
The entity announced the measure through its profile on Facebook, specifying that beneficiaries will have the option to deposit the amounts received, either in full or in part, into their accounts of the Classic card, a financial product in dollars that offers discounts and additional advantages in the state commercial network.
Fincimex stated that the measure "is part of the strategy to broaden options for remittance management, aiming to facilitate access to foreign currency and promote savings through the Clásica card."
The institution also highlighted that the announcement coincides with the third anniversary of the Clásica card, "established as a payment instrument that offers benefits to its holders."
The Classic Card is a financial product promoted by Fincimex, which insists that “You always save more with Classic!” and encourages users to visit Cadeca to manage their remittances “easily and securely.”
What does the new option consist of?
According to the information provided by the entity itself, remittances sent in cash payment mode can be collected directly in dollars at CADECA offices.
Fincimex clarified in the comments that "if the remittance was sent for cash payment, it would only be paid in that form," although it reiterated its invitation to consider using the Clásica card.
However, beyond this general explanation, the announcement does not detail key aspects such as:
Which money transfer services offer this service?
-What are the applied commissions?
What exchange rates are used?
- Nor the exact procedure to send money from abroad.
These omissions have generated numerous doubts among users.
Reactions: Between skepticism and unanswered questions
The post provoked an avalanche of comments, mostly critical or skeptical.
Some users felt that the measure comes too late: “These are late actions; they should have done this a long time ago... restoring trust in Cuban banks will be costly,” wrote an internet user, who also warned about a recurring problem: “What is needed is for there to be cash available when it’s time to withdraw money, and not the excuse that there isn’t any.”
Others directly questioned the actual availability of the money: “Will that cash be available when I want to withdraw it?”, asked another user.
Suspicion also arose regarding possible pressures to use the card: "The idea of depositing into your classic card at your discretion is nonsense," commented one user, while another claimed that customers could be forced to deposit a portion of their funds.
Fincimex responded to several of these concerns, although not completely dispelling the doubts.
One user was informed, "at this moment, it is possible to apply this commercial variant," while another was reminded that "the customer decides."
Critiques of the Clásica card and the banking system
A good portion of the reactions led to broader criticisms of the state financial system and the use of the Clásica card.
“Good news is always for you”, commented a user; while another questioned: “the benefits of classic are for the government that keeps your money.”
From the entity, they responded: "You are mistaken. The benefits are the discounts available for cardholders."
However, other users rejected that argument: “It’s not always true that you save more with Clásica. There are no incentives when you pay for fuel,” wrote a commenter.
Practical issues in the everyday use of the card were also mentioned: “sometimes you can't make a payment… because they tell you there is no connection and you need cash”; or reports about establishments that only accept cash, even in airports.
Structural problems: Long lines, power outages, and downed systems
Beyond the newly announced option, many comments reflect common difficulties within the system.
"Amid the long lines, blackouts, and crashes of CADECA's computer systems, the headache... is immense," noted a user.
Others pointed to delays in the arrival of remittances: "In minutes... That's not true," wrote an internet user who claimed to have been waiting for a shipment for days.
There were also comparisons made with informal channels: "private individuals deliver on the spot," in contrast to what they described as the slow pace of official platforms.
Questions about coverage and access
Another critical point is the availability of the service throughout the country. Users from areas such as the Isle of Youth questioned how it will operate in regions where, they claim, CADECA does not provide services.
The official response was brief: “for now only in Cadecas.”
Additionally, issues were reported in some locations regarding the availability of the Clásica card: "There are no Clásica cards until further notice," commented a user.
Lack of clear information
One of the most frequent complaints was the lack of details in the announcement.
"Give the full news," demanded a user. Another summarized the general sentiment: "Incomplete information, you have to go to Cadeca to ask."
Key questions were also raised that remain unanswered: "Which remittance service is used for cash?" "What is the procedure?" "Will it also be in euros or just in dollars?"
So far, Fincimex's public responses have not clarified these aspects.
An announcement that does not dispel distrust
Although the ability to receive cash remittances in dollars theoretically expands options, reactions on social media indicate that the measure fails to dispel the accumulated distrust towards the state financial system.
Amid doubts about the actual availability of cash, criticisms of the Clásica card's functionality, and questions regarding the transparency of the process, the announcement raises more questions than answers.
As one internet user summed it up: “I don’t see the fine print…”.
The context in which this measure arrives is complex for the flow of remittances to Cuba. In recent months, money transfers to the island have faced multiple obstacles: the government of Estados Unidos included Orbit S.A. on the Restricted List, which limited the options available to Cubans living abroad.
This was compounded by the indefinite suspension of Western Union for remittances from the United States to Cuba, and subsequently, Cubamax also suspended its shipments in April, further reducing the available channels.
However, the Cuban regime has sought to restore some routes. At the end of 2025, the government authorized Cubamax Travel Inc. to operate again, and in the following months granted similar authorizations to the Spanish company Bagalso.
On the other hand, as of January 2026, a federal tax of 1% on remittances abroad took effect in the United States, a measure that directly impacts those sending money to Cuba from that country. All of this occurs in a context where, according to recent analyses, GAESA controls 95% of transactions in the Cuban economy.
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