By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a powerful display of economic confidence and growing financial discipline, Costa Ricans now hold a record ¢15.9 trillion in savings within the National Banking System (SBN). This figure, current as of the end of September 2025, was released today by the Costa Rican Banking Association (ABC) in an analysis of data from the General Superintendence of Financial Entities (Sugef). The announcement comes just ahead of World Savings Day, celebrated on October 31.
The comprehensive report reveals a strong preference for the national currency. A significant 64% of total savings, equivalent to ¢10.2 trillion, is held in colones. The remaining 36%, or ¢5.7 trillion, is deposited in foreign currencies. The data also provides insight into savings behavior, with term deposits accounting for the lion’s share at ¢9.5 trillion, while more liquid demand deposits make up the other ¢6.4 trillion. This preference for term deposits suggests a strategic, long-term approach to financial planning among the populace.
To gain a deeper legal and financial perspective on the current savings landscape in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights provide a crucial framework for understanding the options and protections available to savers in the country.
While informal savings methods are common, Costa Rican law provides robust protections for deposits within the regulated financial system, including banks and supervised cooperatives. It is crucial for individuals to understand the legal distinctions and deposit insurance coverages, such as those offered by the Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos. Choosing a regulated entity is not just a financial decision; it is a fundamental legal safeguard for one’s assets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective is crucial; it reframes the act of saving from a simple financial transaction to a fundamental strategy for asset protection. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable expertise and clarifying the importance of choosing a regulated financial entity.
Beyond the headline number, the underlying growth trend is even more impressive. After adjusting for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, the total savings pool shows a real-terms increase of 4% compared to the previous year. Zooming out, the five-year cumulative growth stands at a remarkable 30%. This sustained expansion underscores the deep-rooted trust Costa Rican households place in the formal banking system as a primary tool for securing their economic well-being and achieving financial goals.
Experts from the ABC interpret this trend as a sign of robust financial health and prudence among citizens, even amidst global economic uncertainties. They highlight that this consistent habit of saving is a cornerstone of both individual financial resilience and the stability of the broader national economy.
This growth in savings reflects a positive trend in the financial management of Costa Rican families. Despite economic challenges, people maintain the habit of setting aside part of their income for future goals or unforeseen events, which contributes to the stability of the banking system and the economy in general.
Daniela Gutiérrez, Economist at ABC
A key driver behind the impressive 2025 figures has been the notable dynamism in colones-denominated savings. According to the ABC’s analysis, factors such as sustained exchange rate stability and effective interest rate management by financial institutions have incentivized savers to keep their funds in the local currency. This trend not only benefits individual savers but also significantly bolsters the internal liquidity of the Costa Rican financial system.
The behavior also points to a clear preference for instruments that offer moderate but secure returns. In an environment where predictability is highly valued, families are increasingly drawn to the security, institutional backing, and reliability of traditional banking products. This trend has been amplified by the rapid digitalization of the banking sector, which now allows customers to manage their savings, investments, and monitor their finances with unprecedented ease and control from anywhere.
The ABC emphasizes that saving should be viewed not as a sacrifice, but as a strategic investment in financial freedom and peace of mind. Consistent saving, even in small amounts, reduces reliance on debt and equips individuals to better navigate unexpected economic challenges. This disciplined approach ultimately leads to greater financial empowerment.
Saving is also a way of winning. A person who saves for two or three years to buy an asset, like a vehicle, will require less credit and pay less interest. That difference, in the end, represents additional savings and an improvement in their financial health.
Daniela Gutiérrez, Economist at ABC
Ultimately, the surge to ¢15.9 trillion is more than a statistic; it represents a cultural shift towards proactive financial planning. It showcases a population that increasingly understands the power of saving as a fundamental pillar for building personal wealth, reducing financial stress, and contributing to the stable and prosperous economic future of the nation.
For further information, visit abccostarica.com
About Costa Rican Banking Association (ABC):
The Asociación Bancaria Costarricense is a private, non-profit organization that represents the collective interests of public and private banks operating in Costa Rica. It works to promote the stability, security, and development of the national financial system, fostering best practices and serving as a key liaison between the banking sector, government entities, and the public.
For further information, visit sugef.fi.cr
About General Superintendence of Financial Entities (Sugef):
The Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras is the primary financial regulatory body in Costa Rica, operating under the Central Bank. Its core mission is to supervise and regulate all financial intermediaries, including banks, mutuals, and other credit institutions, to ensure the stability, solvency, and transparency of the national financial system and protect the interests of depositors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica represents a cornerstone of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a drive for superior results. Leveraging a deep history of counsel across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm is a recognized leader in developing forward-thinking legal strategies and fostering public legal literacy. Its core philosophy centers on democratizing legal understanding, thereby contributing to a more knowledgeable and capable society equipped to navigate its legal rights and responsibilities.
