Costa Rica · Fees

Business account fees in Costa Rica

By Morten Andersen, cofounder of Business Bank Index
Reviewed by Fredrik Filipsson · Last reviewed 12 March 2026
Snapshot

Business account fees in Costa Rica usually combine a small monthly maintenance fee, which several banks waive above a minimum balance, with per transaction charges. Local transfers through the SINPE system are low cost or free in the same currency, while international wires by SWIFT cost more. State owned banks such as Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica often carry lower fees, while a private bank such as BAC Credomatic may charge more but offer stronger US dollar service. Verify the current tariff with each provider.

Monthly maintenance
Small fee that varies by bank and currency, often waived above a minimum balance
Local transfers
SINPE transfers are usually low cost or free within the same currency
International wires
SWIFT wires carry a higher fixed fee plus correspondent charges
Currency conversion
The main cost between colones and US dollars is the exchange spread
Fees and features as of 12 March 2026Last reviewed 12 March 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Business banking fees in Costa Rica are made up of a few parts. A small monthly maintenance fee that several banks waive when the account keeps a minimum balance, per transaction charges, low cost local transfers through the SINPE system, higher international wire fees sent by SWIFT, and the exchange spread when converting between colones and US dollars. State owned banks such as Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica often carry lower fees, while a private bank such as BAC Credomatic may charge more but offer stronger online and US dollar service. As of 12 March 2026 the exact amounts vary by bank and package, so compare the current tariff before opening.

The fees that matter for a business account in Costa Rica

The largest recurring cost is usually the monthly maintenance fee, which many banks waive when the account keeps a minimum balance in colones or US dollars. After that, watch the per transaction charges, the cost of international wires sent by SWIFT, the exchange spread when you move between colones and US dollars, and card and cash handling fees. Local transfers through SINPE are typically low cost or free within the same currency, which keeps day to day domestic payments cheap. Compare the published tariff for the account you want, since the headline fee rarely tells the full story.

How to keep business banking costs down

Match the account to how the business actually trades. If most payments are domestic and in colones, a state owned bank with low SINPE costs and a waivable maintenance fee can be efficient. If you earn in US dollars, weigh the conversion spread and any US dollar account fee, since these often matter more than the monthly charge. Keep enough balance to clear any fee waiver threshold, route foreign income through the cheapest available channel, and confirm the current tariff before you apply, since fees change and vary by package, as of 12 March 2026.

Compare business accounts in Costa Rica

These providers open business accounts in Costa Rica for a registered company. Fees and eligibility shown as of 12 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about business account fees in Costa Rica

Do business accounts in Costa Rica charge a monthly fee?
Many do charge a small monthly maintenance fee, and several banks waive it when the account keeps a minimum balance. The amount varies by bank, currency and package. As of 12 March 2026 confirm the current fee schedule with the provider. This is general information, not advice.
How much do transfers cost from a Costa Rican business account?
Local transfers through the SINPE system are usually low cost or free within the same currency, while international wires sent by SWIFT carry a higher fixed fee plus correspondent charges. As of 12 March 2026 the exact amounts vary by bank, so check the tariff before sending.
Are state owned banks cheaper than private banks in Costa Rica?
State owned banks such as Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica often carry lower account fees, while private banks such as BAC Credomatic may charge more but can offer stronger online banking and US dollar service. The right choice depends on how the business trades. As of 12 March 2026 compare the current tariffs before deciding.
Is there a fee to hold US dollars in Costa Rica?
Holding a US dollar account is widely available, and the main cost usually appears when converting between US dollars and colones through the exchange spread, plus any transfer fees. As of 12 March 2026 confirm the conversion terms and any account fee with the provider.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 12 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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