# Digital payment and cash usage trends in Ecuador andColombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/digital-payment-and-cash-usage-trends-in-ecuador-andcolombia
> Updated: 2026-09-16T02:17:30.000Z. Sources: 54. Developments: 2.

Digital payment and cash usage trends in Ecuador and Colombia show a complex landscape of digital transition and cash accessibility. In Ecuador, while electronic payment methods represented 97% of authorized services by the end of 2025, physical cash remains a preferred method for many due to simplicity and direct spending control.

In Colombia, efforts to manage cash and digital access are occurring simultaneously. Bancolombia has partnered with the Ísimo retail chain to allow customers to withdraw cash at over 300 store registers. Conversely, Banco W reported a 158% increase in digital channel usage during 2026, surpassing 100,000 transactions. This digital growth is particularly notable in regions like Cesar, Putumayo, Guaviare, Chocó, and Amazonas, signaling a shift toward agile digital solutions in areas with historically limited adoption.

## Claims

- The budget authorizes USD 3.5 billion in debt for the purchase of three submarines and two frigates. (disputed by 9 sources)
- The Argentine government submitted the 2027 Budget Project to the Chamber of Deputies. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The naval rearmament plan seeks to restore submarine operational capacity following the 2017 loss of the ARA San Juan. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The French company Naval Group is a primary candidate for the submarine acquisition, potentially offering the Scorpène model. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Argentine Military Reequipment Plan (Plan ARMA) allocates 10% of revenue from the sale or privatization of state assets to military reequipment. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The budget includes provisions for the logistics and maintenance of F-16 supersonic aircraft acquired from Denmark. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Argentina proposes USD 3.5 billion for naval rearmament in 2027 budget

Argentina's 2027 Budget Project proposes authorizing USD 3.5 billion in debt to purchase three submarines and two frigates to modernize the Argentine Navy and restore operational capacity.

52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/banco-w-reports-158-growth-in-digital-payments

### 2026-09-13: Cash usage trends and retail banking expansions in Ecuador and Colombia

Cash remains a vital payment tool in Ecuador despite digital growth, while Bancolombia and Ísimo partner in Colombia to provide cash withdrawals at retail locations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cash-usage-trends-and-retail-banking-expansions-in-ecuador-and-colombia

---
Cite as: Digital payment and cash usage trends in Ecuador andColombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/digital-payment-and-cash-usage-trends-in-ecuador-andcolombia