US $10,000 cash rule: count the family total

CBP says that when you enter or leave the United States you must report amounts exceeding $10,000. It covers currency and monetary instruments, whether you carry, mail or ship them, for yourself or for someone else.

The part people miss: for families or groups, the $10,000 threshold applies to the total they carry collectively and not per person.

Example

Illustrative. 4 people × $3,000 = $12,000. That's over the threshold, so the family reports it. 3 people × $3,000 = $9,000 stays under.

How to report

The form is FinCEN Form 105. CBP recommends filing electronically as the quickest way. If you use Mobile Passport Control, you can also submit your declaration there and get access to file electronically.

Important

Moving your savings to a new country? The rule applies to bringing savings home and to sending money abroad as well. Add up everyone's cash before you travel.

Before you travel

• ☐ Add up cash for the whole group
• ☐ Include monetary instruments
• ☐ File FinCEN Form 105 if you're over
• ☐ Read the CBP page for how to file

Travel budget template — put cash and cards in one place →

Source: cbp.gov, Money and Other Monetary Instruments. This isn't legal advice; the decision is the authority's.