Paraguay is set to advance its financial digital transformation, with 2026 projections of 39% growth in card purchases and 42% in online transactions, according to Gustavo Villate, Minister of Information and Communication Technologies. The Minister delivered his remarks during Pay Meeting 19, Paraguay’s foremost gathering for the payments industry.
The data, presented at the Centro de Eventos Paseo La Galería in Asunción, is part of the annual report by the Paraguayan Chamber of Payment Methods (CPMP). Rodney Acevedo, the general manager of Coin S.A., presented these findings. The report highlights that the number of transactions per second has multiplied by 6.2 over the last six years, reflecting the swift adoption of electronic payments.
Sustained industry expansion
Digital payment usage in Paraguay has already increased by a significant 24% in the first four months of 2026, according to new data from the technology services platform Bancard.
“The industry has maintained sustained growth since the pandemic, and the challenge is to accompany that evolution with investments in technological infrastructure, cybersecurity and training,” stated the president of the CPMP, Raúl Alvarenga.
In this context, Minister Villate provided assurances about the country’s readiness for the future: “The data demonstrates that Paraguay is prepared to face the challenges of the digital economy. From the Government, we will continue to create the conditions for the private sector to continue driving the country’s growth.”
Projected online transaction growth impact
According to the CPMP’s projections, the total volume of digital purchases is expected to reach ₲79.27 trillion in 2026. Of this amount, ₲44.58 trillion would correspond to debit card transactions and ₲34.69 trillion to credit card payments. The 39% increase in card purchases means that operations would surpass 656 million. Furthermore, the 42% rise in internet acquisitions is set to mobilise nearly ₲4 trillion.
The CPMP report, with data closing in June 2026, states that a total of 11.39 million valid credit, debit, and prepaid cards are currently in circulation in Paraguay, alongside 1,068,266 active accounts in payment entities. With respect to e-commerce, an estimated 40.35 million purchases will be made online this year, marking a 42% increase from the previous year. These operations are projected to reach ₲3.99 trillion, representing a 52% increase compared to 2025.
Formalising the economy
CPMP President Alvarenga also commented on the broader economic benefits of this digital shift.
“The incorporation of new digital solutions contributes to progressively reducing the use of cash and strengthening the formalisation of the economy. The different payment methods complement each other and contribute to a more formal economy, with greater traceability and less cash,” Alvarenga stated.
The Pay Meeting 19 took place on August 3, 2026, featuring participation from representatives of major companies such as Mastercard, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Thales, and Visa. Other industry leaders were also in attendance to discuss global trends poised to impact the local market.
