A. M. 
89.1% of people in El Salvador do not have a credit card, according to data from the Banco Central de Reserva (BCR), obtained through the 2025 Financial Inclusion and Education Survey. This figure shows that, although there has been progress in access to basic financial services, the use of credit instruments remains limited for most of the population.
According to the study, only 10.8% of people own a credit card, reflecting low penetration of this financial product compared to other payment methods. This situation is related to economic, cultural, and perception factors regarding debt.
Gender differences
The BCR survey reveals a significant gap between men and women. 15.4% of men have a credit card, while 84.5% do not. For women, access is even lower: only 7.1% have a card, compared to 92.9% who do not.
These figures reflect inequalities in access to formal credit, linked to differences in income, labor market participation, and access to financial products.
Gap between urban and rural areas
Access to credit cards also varies markedly depending on place of residence. In urban areas, 13.7% of people have a credit card, while 86.2% do not. In contrast, in rural areas, only 3.6% have a card, and 96.4% lack this means of financing.
The BCR survey shows a significant gap between men and women. 15.4% of men have a credit card, while 84.5% do not. In the case of women, access is even lower: only 7.1% have a card, compared to 92.9% who do not have this financial instrument.
Access by age group
By age group, the largest proportion of people with credit cards is concentrated among those aged 26 to 35, at 16.8%. This is followed by the 36-45 age group (11.4%), the 46-60 age group (9.7%), and the 18-25 age group (9.3%). In the 61 and over age group, only 6% have a credit card, while 94% do not use one.
The data shows that, although access is slightly higher among working-age individuals, credit cards remain uncommon across all age groups.
Why the population doesn’t apply for credit
The survey also explores the reasons why people haven’t applied for a loan or credit. 58.9% state that they are not interested or don’t need one, making this the primary reason. This is followed by 26.2% who cite a lack of trust and access to credit, and 24.5% who indicate they don’t like going into debt.
Other reasons include 10% who acknowledge needing a loan but haven’t applied, 1.8% who don’t know how to obtain one, and minimal percentages who prefer informal lenders (0.2%) or express concerns about theft, crime, or fraud (0.2%).
Challenges for financial inclusion
The results of the 2025 Financial Inclusion and Education Survey reflect that credit cards remain a product with limited use in El Salvador. The high percentage of people who do not own one demonstrates a prudent financial culture, but also highlights challenges in terms of access, trust, and financial literacy.
The BCR points out that the challenge is not only to expand the availability of credit, but also to promote responsible, informed use that is appropriate to the population’s economic capabilities, strengthening financial inclusion without encouraging over-indebtedness.
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