Filipinos’ credit perception index steady in 2025

Filipinos’ credit perception index (CPI) score remained broadly stable this year, supported by strong foundational knowledge of credit and modest gains in trust toward financial products, TransUnion Philippines said last week.

In its latest annual study, the company reported that the general population’s CPI score stood at 73 out of 100 in 2025, almost unchanged from last year’s 74. The CPI, launched in 2023, measures Filipinos’ knowledge, trust, and favorability toward credit. This year’s survey was conducted from March 27 to April 7 with 1,165 respondents.

The study found that 69 percent of Filipinos are familiar with the general concept of credit. Knowledge across specific products also improved, including payday loans (54 percent from 46 percent in 2024), micro loans (53 percent from 46 percent), mortgages (63 percent from 58 percent), personal loans (74 percent from 70 percent), and mobile loans (66 percent from 62 percent).

For unbanked Filipinos, the CPI score rose to 67 from 65 last year, with increased awareness of mobile loans, payday loans, automotive loans, micro loans, personal loans, and buy now, pay later services. 

FinTech users posted the highest CPI score at 74, alongside the strongest overall credit knowledge at 71 percent, compared with 69 percent among the general population and 56 percent among the unbanked.

“We are glad to see the CPI score holding largely steady in 2025, supported by growing trust in credit products. 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,” TransUnion Philippines president and CEO Peter Faulhaber said.

Despite these gains, the study noted that external factors continue to hinder active credit use. 

High interest rates were cited as the top deterrent by 59 percent of the general population, 52 percent of the unbanked, and 61 percent of FinTech users. 

Concerns about scams and fraud followed, with over half of respondents across groups expressing apprehension.