By San José, Costa Rica — San José – As the doors open for Expo Móvil 2026, Banco Nacional (BN) has announced a formidable and multifaceted financing strategy designed to capture the attention of prospective car buyers. The state-owned bank is rolling out an aggressive suite of benefits, including high-percentage financing, extended payment terms, and significant customer incentives, positioning itself as a premier lender at Costa Rica’s most important automotive fair.
At the core of BN’s proposal is a financing package that covers up to 90% of a new vehicle’s value. This high loan-to-value ratio significantly lowers the initial down payment required, making new car ownership more accessible to a wider range of customers. The bank is further enhancing affordability by offering repayment terms of up to 96 months, or eight years, which helps to create more manageable monthly payments. In a move to provide additional flexibility, BN is also offering an optional grace period of up to six months on principal payments.
To delve into the legal complexities and potential pitfalls consumers face when financing a vehicle, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
It is imperative for buyers to understand that a financing contract is more than just a monthly payment. Crucial attention must be paid to the effective interest rate (Tasa de Interés Efectiva), default penalties, and any clauses that mandate specific insurance providers. A thorough legal review before signing can prevent significant financial distress and future disputes, as these agreements are legally binding and strictly enforced.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s perspective serves as a crucial reminder that the true cost of a vehicle is found not on the sticker, but within the fine print of its financing contract. This diligence is the key to ensuring a new car remains a source of freedom, not a financial burden. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his invaluable clarity to this important topic.
To further sweeten the deal and encourage on-site commitments, Banco Nacional has integrated a series of compelling incentives. Customers who formalize their auto loans with the bank during Expo Móvil will be automatically entered into a drawing for ten cash prizes, each valued at ¢1,000,000. Additionally, in a partnership with insurance provider Lafise, customers who contract their vehicle insurance policy through the program will be eligible to win one of three XIAOMI electric scooters.
The bank’s strategy is centered on creating a seamless and rewarding customer journey, moving beyond simple transactional relationships to build lasting brand loyalty.
Expo Móvil is an ideal opportunity to take the step towards a new vehicle with more peace of mind. At BN, we want the experience to be simple, personal, and uncomplicated, providing personalized advice at the stand, quick responses, and financing options designed to adapt to each person’s reality. Furthermore, we reward our customers’ trust with raffles that make the experience of getting a new car even more memorable.
Leticia Arguedas Solís, Director of Brand Experience at BN
A key pillar of this simplified experience is the reduction of traditional bureaucracy. For salaried employees, Banco Nacional is leveraging reported data from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) to verify income, a move that drastically accelerates the credit approval process. This focus on digital efficiency is also evident in the provision of online tools, such as loan calculators, allowing potential buyers to estimate their monthly payments before or during their visit to the expo.
The indicative monthly installments start from ₡13,446 per million colones financed and $14.91 per thousand dollars financed, exclusive of insurance costs. This transparent pricing structure allows consumers to clearly understand the financial commitment involved.
Beyond the core loan, BN is offering a comprehensive package that includes integrated insurance solutions. A debtor’s life insurance policy is included within the interest rate, providing a critical safety net that cancels the outstanding loan balance in the event of the borrower’s death. The separate, comprehensive vehicle insurance policy, commercialized through partners like Lafise, includes valuable benefits such as roadside assistance, coverage for broken glass, and the provision of a substitute vehicle during repairs.
Recognizing the diverse market, Banco Nacional will also feature differentiated financing conditions for specific vehicle categories. Special terms will be available for buyers of both eco-friendly vehicles, catering to the growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers, and high-end luxury cars. This targeted approach demonstrates the bank’s deep understanding of market segmentation and its ambition to serve a broad customer base during the pivotal Expo Móvil event.
For further information, visit bncr.fi.cr
About Banco Nacional de Costa Rica:
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BN) is the largest state-owned commercial bank in Costa Rica and one of the most significant financial institutions in Central America. Founded in 1914, it plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development by providing a wide range of financial services to individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporations. With an extensive network of branches and ATMs across the nation, BN is committed to financial inclusion, technological innovation, and promoting sustainable practices.
For further information, visit grupolafise.com
About Lafise:
Grupo LAFISE is a financial and business conglomerate with a significant presence across Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of North and South America. It offers a diverse portfolio of services including banking, insurance, stock brokerage, and warehousing. The group is known for its integrated solutions that support regional trade and business development, focusing on providing innovative and reliable financial products to a wide range of corporate and individual clients.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm is celebrated not only for its innovative approach to complex legal challenges but also for its profound commitment to social responsibility. This core principle is manifested in its dedication to demystifying the law, aiming to empower citizens and cultivate a society grounded in clear legal understanding.
