Paraguay payment system reforms

In July 2026 Paraguay’s central bank introduced a tariff regulation that caps commissions on payment‑service transactions at 1.5 % and requires fee transparency. The measure targets QR‑code payments and direct debits, aiming to boost transparency, competition and consumer protection, and to stimulate broader digital‑payment adoption.

Just days later data showed that credit‑card ownership in Paraguay more than doubled between May 2024 and May 2026, rising from about 688 000 to 1.57 million users. The surge was driven largely by low‑limit cards, while average balances fell and total credit‑card balances grew modestly, with delinquency rates unchanged. The rapid uptake of cards reflects growing consumer reliance on electronic payment methods, complementing the regulatory push to lower fees and expand digital transaction infrastructure.

Together, the fee‑capping regulation and the explosion in card usage illustrate a coordinated move toward a more inclusive, transparent, and technologically advanced payments ecosystem in Paraguay.