Overview of Credit Card Trends in Mexico’s Banking Sector
The number of credit cards issued by banks in Mexico continued to increase during the first half of 2025, primarily driven by BBVA, which experienced significant growth in card placements. However, some institutions showed a slowdown in this segment.
Key Figures from the Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (CNBV)
- By June 2025, there were 37,163,583 credit card contracts in the banking sector, an increase of 1.83 million compared to 35,328,113 in June 2024.
BBVA México: Leading the Way in Credit Card Placements
BBVA México, the largest bank by assets, maintained a strong momentum in credit card placements. By the end of the first half of 2025, it had issued 10,756,917 contracts, an increase of 1,377,190 compared to 9,379,727 in June 2024.
Other Major Banks’ Performance
- Banamex: Remained the second-largest issuer of credit cards, with over 9.2 million cards as of June 2025, up from nearly 8.6 million in the previous year—a growth of over 600,000.
- Santander: Ended the first six months of 2025 with 3,951,291 cards, an increase of 45,079 compared to 3,906,212 in June 2024.
- Banorte: Reported 2,561,104 cards as of June 2025, up by about 300,000 from the 2.25 million in June 2024.
- HSBC: Experienced a slight decrease in credit card placements, with 2,253,437 cards in June 2025 compared to 2,279,619 in June 2024—a reduction of 26,182.
- Inbursa: Increased its credit card placements by 1,228, from 1,255,944 to 1,257,172.
- Scotiabank: Achieved 474,112 credit card contracts by the end of June, an increase of 18,657 compared to 455,455 in June 2024.
Decline in Credit Card Placements by “Banco-Tiendas”
So-called “banco-tiendas” experienced significant drops in credit card placements during this period.
- BanCoppel: Had 3,733,808 credit card contracts by June 2025, down from 4,569,214 in the previous year—a decrease of 835,406.
- Banco Azteca: Reduced its credit card placements from 1,122,043 to 984,923—a decline of 137,120.
Morosity Index and Future Outlook
The Morosity Index for bank credit cards in the sector stood at 3.30% by June’s end, nearly unchanged from a year prior.
According to BBVA’s latest “Monitor de Consumo,” private consumption is expected to continue showing slow growth.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Which banks showed significant growth in credit card placements? A: BBVA México led the growth, followed by Banamex, Santander, Banorte, Inbursa, and Scotiabank.
- Q: Which banks experienced a slowdown in credit card placements? A: Bancos-tienda, including BanCoppel and Banco Azteca, showed a significant decrease in credit card placements.
- Q: What is the current Morosity Index for bank credit cards? A: The index stands at 3.30%.
- Q: What is BBVA’s outlook for private consumption in Mexico? A: BBVA expects private consumption to continue showing slow growth.
