
The Asociación Bancaria Salvadoreña (ABANSA) reported that an increasing number of Salvadoran families are using financial products such as credit and debit cards, reflecting greater financial inclusion and increased access to formal payment methods.
According to the association, more than 1.3 million salvadorans currently have an active credit card, representing a year-over-year growth of 20.2%.
These cards supported transactions totaling more than US$1.458 billion, demonstrating increased use of formal credit for purchases, payments, and other everyday transactions.
ABANSA highlighted that credit cards allow families to access formal financing, in addition to helping build credit history, an important factor for future applications for personal loans, mortgages, or business financing.

The association also noted that the use of regulated financial instruments provides greater security for users and helps protect their assets by reducing risks associated with handling cash or informal financing mechanisms.
Regarding debit cards, ABANSA reported that more than 2.8 million salvadorans hold an active card, reflecting a 15.4% increase over the previous year.
More than US$1.227 billion was transacted through these cards, a figure representing a year-over-year increase of 20.6%.
According to the association, debit cards allow people to quickly and securely access their funds, make electronic payments, withdraw cash, and conduct transactions through various channels available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The growth in card usage also reflects increased adoption of digital and electronic tools within the salvadoran financial system, driven by banking modernization and advances in technology services.
ABANSA noted that the expansion of these payment methods helps make financial transactions easier for families, improves transaction security, and expands access to banking services throughout the country.
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