Paraguayans are rapidly shifting from cash to digital payments, with consumption via electronic means rising 24% in the first four months of 2026, according to data from payment processor Bancard. The growth is fueled by local purchases, particularly through debit cards, which saw a 32% increase in usage, while credit cards grew 13%.
Bancard executives Aníbal Corina and Caico Pérez presented the report, noting that the trend reflects a fundamental change in payment habits rather than a surge in credit use. Mobile phones now account for more than 70% of electronic payments nationwide, with QR codes processing eight out of every ten digital transactions.
The number of transactions grew 35% year-on-year, outpacing the volume of purchases, while the average ticket fell 9% to G. 117,000. This indicates that digital payments are becoming more frequent for smaller, everyday expenses such as coffee, delivery, and transportation, rather than being reserved for large purchases.
Supermarkets led the sectoral breakdown, accounting for 28% of all digital payment transactions. They were followed by gas stations (15%), clothing stores (12%), and restaurants and health services (each at 10%).
Bancard also reported that the number of merchants with active electronic payment devices nearly quintupled from 33,429 in 2020 to 165,000 in 2025. More than 84,000 of those are small and medium-sized enterprises, reflecting broader financial inclusion.
Foreign purchases grew more than 20%, though this is a slowdown from the 70% growth seen in 2025. The deceleration is attributed mainly to reduced spending by Argentine tourists, although event tourism and local attractions are providing some offset.
The data, presented in a Bancard report, underscores the deepening integration of digital payments into daily life in Paraguay, with innovations such as QR codes, digital cards, and NFC wallets driving adoption across all economic sectors.