The Banking Association specified that the portfolio delinquency rate is at 5.5%, below the average of 7% recorded in the Latin American countries analyzed
SANTO DOMINGO.– Credit card financing in the Dominican financial system shows favorable credit quality indicators, with more than 93% rated A, meaning that the vast majority of borrowers are up to date and have a strong ability to pay, reported the Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA).
The entity specified that, as of July 2026, more than 93% of the loans granted through cards were at the optimal level registered by the Superintendency of Banks, corresponding to rating A, with no signs of deterioration.
He also added that the credit card portfolio registered a delinquency rate of 5.5%, below the average of 7% for the Latin American countries analyzed.
In this regard, the ABA considered that these indicators support the role of credit cards as instruments that facilitate household financial planning and boost trade in goods and services, through transactions that can be carried out safely and in real time, both domestically and internationally.
"For many Dominicans, the credit card, along with the savings account, is one of the main gateways to the formal financial system. It is also a tool that allows them to build a credit history, which is essential for later accessing financing for housing, vehicles, or working capital under better conditions," the banking association emphasized.
Financing exceeds RD$122 billion
Regarding the volume of financing, the association indicated that credit granted to households and businesses through cards amounted to RD$122,364 million as of July 2026, equivalent to 5.8% of the total banking portfolio.
Similarly, the entity cited analyses from its Economic and Banking Studies Department and its Technical Department, which demonstrate the widespread acceptance of this financial instrument and the sustained growth in its use in recent years.
Furthermore, studies indicate that there is considerable potential to continue expanding this product within the national financial system.
More than one million additional cards since 2022
Furthermore, the ABA detailed that, between 2022 and June 2026, the number of active credit cards in the country increased by 1,098,088 units, distributed in different categories according to their financing limits.
In particular, among the segments that contributed most to this growth are cards with limits of RD$25,000 to RD$50,000, which added about 320,000 additional units, and those of RD$150,000 and above, whose number increased by 289,105.
In contrast, the banking association specified that the only decrease occurred in the segment of cards with limits up to RD$10,000, which registered a reduction of 45,024 units compared to 2022, to stand at 616,336 cards as of June 2026.
Regarding this behavior, the organization explained that the expansion of financing limits could be related to changes in users' economic capacity and in the conditions for granting credit.
"The growth of categories with higher financing limits may be associated, on the one hand, with greater payment capacity and consumption of households and, on the other hand, with the expansion of credit supply by banks and the evolution of their granting policies, as the risk profile of their clients improves," he noted.
Credit cards allow you to finance purchases without interest under certain conditions
Regarding the advantages of this instrument, the Association indicated that credit cards offer their users a period of up to 50 days to settle purchases without generating interest, provided they pay the total balance within the established deadline.
He also highlighted that these financial products facilitate the tracking of transactions and allow access to resources in unforeseen situations.
"They also allow for centralizing and monitoring expenses, addressing unforeseen needs, and reducing the risks associated with handling cash," he added.
ABA recommends controlling expenses and meeting payment deadlines
Regarding financial education, the organization recommended that cardholders adopt good credit management and usage practices in order to take advantage of its benefits and avoid over-indebtedness.
Among the main suggestions, he mentioned reviewing account statements monthly, making payments before the due date, preferably for the full balance, and maintaining a moderate level of use of available credit.
Similarly, he advised avoiding spending that exceeds the personal or family budget, due to the consequences that accumulated financial obligations can generate.
Finally, the ABA urged users to familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions of their credit cards, especially interest rates, fees and commissions, as well as billing and payment due dates, in order to maintain responsible management of their credit obligations.
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