A. M. More salvadorans rely on debit cards as a tool to manage their personal finances, according to the World Bank’s most recent Global Findex 2025 report. The study revealed that 25% of the population over 15 years of age uses this financial instrument.
This figure represents an 11 percentage point increase compared to the 14% recorded in the 2021 edition. This increase is one of the most notable since monitoring began in 2011, when only 11% used a debit card.
In contrast, credit card use remains limited among salvadorans. The report reveals that only 7% use them, compared to 4% recorded in 2021. The increase has been slight, but shows an upward trend.
The Global Findex, which evaluates more than 300 indicators related to financial inclusion, highlights that this increase in debit card usage could be due to greater access to digital services and banking.
Although the percentage of credit cards remains low, the report reflects an improvement in the financial literacy of salvadorans, especially regarding cash management.
This positive trend could open the door to more opportunities for financial inclusion, boost economic education, and facilitate long-term financial planning in El Salvador.
