Credit card balances up 3.9% YTD Aug. to Rs. 164 b

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Latest data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) shows that total outstanding balance on credit cards rose to Rs. 164.2 billion in August, up 3.9% from end-2024 and a 1.8% gain from the previous month. The data reflect sustained consumer demand amid easing inflation and improving confidence in household credit.

Credit card usage has continued to expand in 2025, with the total number of active cards reaching 2.1 million by August, up 4.7% from December 2024.

Global credit cards, those accepted internationally, accounted for the bulk of the market, rising to 2.09 million from 2 million in December, while locally accepted cards declined 6.9% over the same period to 9,099.

Outstanding balances on global cards climbed 3.1% to Rs. 126.9 billion, while local card balances rose a faster 7.0% to Rs. 37.3 billion, suggesting stronger domestic spending momentum.