Deceleration in consumer credit: Analysis of the credit card market in the Dominican Republic
The personal credit card market in the Dominican Republic has experienced a significant shift in its dynamics over the last year. According to the recent report from the Superintendency of Banks (SB) as of July 2026, the growth rate of this portfolio has slowed down sharply, going from a year-on-year expansion of 17.2% in 2025 to just 2.1% in the current period.
At the close of July 2026, the total credit card portfolio reached RD$125.429 billion. This behavior reflects, according to the analysis by Alofoke Deportes, an adjustment phase following the high credit expansion cycle experienced in 2024, consolidating itself as one of the portfolios with the least dynamism in the current financial system.
Reduction in plastic emissions and user profile
- Number of cards: The total number of plastics in circulation stood at 3.57 million, which represents a year-on-year decrease of 1.3%.
- New issuances: A 20.2% drop in the issuance of new cards was recorded, going from 871,364 to 695,168 units, impacting lower-income segments most heavily.
- Cardholders: The system has 2.05 million users, a marginal growth of 0.2%, with an average of 1.74 cards per person.
In real terms, the balance showed a contraction, becoming one of the least dynamic portfolios within the financial system, which confirms that the segment is in the final stage of a credit cycle following the expansion recorded in 2024.
Superintendency of Banks Report
Gateway to the financial system and portfolio quality
Despite the slowdown, credit cards maintain their strategic role as the primary instrument for financial inclusion. 55.8% of new debtors who entered the system in the last twelve months did so through this product, a figure that exceeds historical averages prior to the pandemic.
A positive aspect highlighted by the report is the improvement in risk indicators. Delinquency of more than 90 days showed a positive decline, moving from 6.0% to 5.3%, while the non-performing loan ratio decreased from 11.5% to 10.6%. These data suggest higher portfolio quality and more prudent management regarding credit impairment.
In conclusion, the Dominican financial system does not show signs of systemic over-indebtedness. The Superintendency of Banks has reiterated that it will maintain constant monitoring of the evolution of these loans, with a special focus on lower-income segments to ensure long-term financial stability and health.
