Compare the best ways to send money from United States to Costa Rica

Cheapest way to send money to Costa Rica

The cheapest option is Regency FX, funded by bank transfer with bank deposit for the payout. Your recipient gets 3,169,583.69 CRC, which is 2.32% more than the next best option.

Fastest way to send money to Costa Rica

The fastest option is Revolut. Pay by bank transfer and choose bank deposit for the payout. Your recipient gets 3,095,985.84 CRC, with the money arriving in within minutes.

Since January 1, 2026, a 1% federal tax applies when an international transfer is funded with cash, a money order, a cashier's check or a traveler's check.

Funding from a US bank account, including ACH, or with a US-issued debit or credit card is exempt.

The rule applies to how you pay in, so your recipient can still collect cash without triggering the tax.

There is no federal cap on how much of your own money you can send electronically abroad.

Your bank or transfer company can set its own limit and ask for proof of where a large or unusual payment came from.

Cash reports and the declaration for physically carrying more than $10,000 across the US border are separate rules.

Do not split cash transactions to avoid a report.

The US Remittance Transfer Rule requires a covered company to show the exchange rate, fees and expected amount received before you pay.

You can normally cancel within 30 minutes at no charge, provided the money has not been deposited or collected.

You also have error-resolution rights if the wrong amount arrives or the transfer never turns up.

Contact the company first and keep the receipt.

The CFPB explains the cancellation and error process.