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Banking in Costa Rica

Best banks in Costa Rica for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to Costa Rica. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in Costa Rica

For a full account, foreigners generally need a valid passport plus a DIMEX residency card (cédula de residencia), a local proof of address, proof of income or source of funds, and a signed KYC form. Non-residents and tourists can sometimes open only a limited account with monthly deposit caps (BAC, Banco Nacional and BCR are the most flexible), and FATCA/AML checks make approval slow.

Top banks in Costa Rica

Banco Nacional (BNCR)

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Deposit safety and ATM reach

State-owned, with a 100% government deposit guarantee and the largest ATM network; among the more flexible banks for non-resident applications when documentation is complete.

Banco de Costa Rica (BCR)

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Government payments and visa deposits

State-owned with a 100% government deposit guarantee; commonly used for official payments and to hold rentista visa deposits.

BAC Credomatic

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Expats wanting the best app and English service

Private bank widely rated the top expat choice for its bilingual service, strong mobile app, and smooth international wires; SUGEF-regulated.

Scotiabank Costa Rica

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Canadians and credit cards

Canadian-owned private bank; some reports note a reduced local presence after restructuring, so confirm current branches and products.

Davivienda Costa Rica

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Alternative private bank option

Private bank (Colombian-owned) offering modern digital banking; SUGEF-regulated.

Banco Popular

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Low-cost loans and everyday banking

State-backed 'workers' bank' with a government deposit guarantee; known for low-cost credit, though English service is limited.

Promerica

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Backup if a larger bank declines

Private, SUGEF-regulated bank often cited as an alternative if BAC or a state bank rejects your application.

International accounts & neobanks

Wise

Useful for holding foreign currencies (e.g. USD, EUR) and low-cost international transfers to and from Costa Rica; it does not provide local colón (CRC) account details.

Payoneer

Used by freelancers in Costa Rica to receive international payments in USD; remote onboarding.

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in Costa Rica

See the full Costa Rica tax, cost and visa profile, or compare Costa Rica with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.