Filipinos’ credit perception index remains stable in 2025

Filipinos’ credit perception index (CPI) score held steady this year, reflecting sustained familiarity with credit concepts and a growing trust in financial products, according to a new report by TransUnion Philippines.

The study, released Tuesday, showed the CPI score at 73 out of 100, nearly unchanged from 74 last year. The index, first launched in 2023, measures how Filipinos perceive and engage with credit by assessing their knowledge, trust, and openness toward credit products.

TransUnion surveyed 1,165 consumers from March 27 to April 7, 2025, covering the general population, unbanked consumers, and financial technology (FinTech) users.

Results showed that 69 percent of Filipinos remain familiar with the general concept of credit, while knowledge of specific credit products improved across the board. Awareness of payday loans rose to 54 percent from 46 percent in 2024, micro-loans to 53 percent from 46 percent, and mortgages or house loans to 63 percent from 58 percent. Personal loan awareness climbed to 74 percent from 70 percent, while knowledge of mobile loans increased to 66 percent from 62 percent.

For unbanked Filipinos, the CPI score rose to 67 from 65 last year, reflecting greater familiarity with formal credit products such as payday loans, automotive loans, and “buy now, pay later” services. FinTech users recorded the highest CPI score at 74, with 71 percent reporting strong credit knowledge.

“We are glad to see the CPI score holding largely steady in 2025, supported by growing trust in credit products,” said TransUnion Philippines president and chief executive officer Peter Faulhaber. “More encouragingly, this year’s CPI results also tell us that Filipinos are eager to learn more about financial options that are relevant, accessible, and suited to their needs.”

Faulhaber noted that increased financial literacy is key to building an inclusive financial ecosystem, adding: “As familiarity deepens, we anticipate greater trust and responsible use of credit.”

Despite these gains, external challenges continue to limit wider adoption of credit. Across the three groups surveyed, high interest rates remained the top barrier, cited by 59 percent of the general population, 52 percent of the unbanked, and 61 percent of FinTech users. Concerns about scams and fraud also weighed heavily, affecting more than half of respondents.

TransUnion said the findings highlight both the progress and persistent hurdles in expanding responsible credit use in the Philippines.