Q COSTA RICA — Credit card debt in Costa Rica reached ¢1,710 billion colones (US$3.71 million dollars) at the close of 2025, according to the most recent semiannual report from the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC), which also revealed an increase in the number of credit and debit cards issued in the country.
The study, prepared in compliance with Law against Usury, determined that the outstanding balance represents an increase of ¢92 billion (US$200.1 million), equivalent to 5.68%, compared to the previous semester.
However, the Ministry emphasized that this figure only corresponds to credit used and outstanding at the end of the period, and therefore cannot be automatically interpreted as an increase in Costa Rican household debt.
According to the report, the variation may be due to several factors, including seasonal changes in consumption, exchange rate fluctuations, changes in credit limits, refinancing strategies, or an increase in the number of active credit cards.
The MEIC analysis, based on information provided by public and private banks, cooperatives, and other financial issuers as of December 31, 2025, shows that the market continues to expand.
A total of 3,183,825 credit cards were in circulation, representing an increase of 173,186 cards, equivalent to a 5.7% rise compared to the previous six months. Of that total, 2,325,941 correspond to primary cardholders, while 857,884 are supplementary cards.
The report identified 363 different types of credit cards are offered by financial institutions, a 23.7% decrease compared to the previous report.
The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) highlighted that none of the cards exceed the maximum limit established by the Banco Central (BCCR) — Central Bank of Costa Rica — under the Law Against Usury.
Regarding associated costs, the report indicates that none of the 363 types of credit cards charge an initial membership fee, and 354 products do not have an annual fee. Only two issuers charge a renewal fee, at US$10 and US$20, while more than half of the cards charge fees for cash withdrawals.
Additionally, 299 types of cards offer between 15 and 30 days to pay off the balance in full without incurring interest.