Perceptions of credit in the Philippines remained broadly stable, according to the 2025 Credit Perception Index (CPI) published by TransUnion.

The country's CPI score was 73 out of 100, one point lower than the previous year, but was supported by a notable six-point increase in trust of credit products.

According to the report, 69 percent of the general Filipino population were knowledgeable about credit, while 56 percent of unbanked Filipinos reported a growing familiarity with formal credit options.

The study, which included financial technology (FinTech) users for the first time, found they had the strongest overall credit knowledge at 71 percent.

However, external factors like high interest rates and concerns about scams and fraud continue to hold back Filipinos from actively using credit.

This was reflected in a nine-point decline in credit messaging receptivity, which refers to the likelihood of using credit after learning about its benefits.

Perceptions of credit products also remained mixed. While some Filipinos found "buy now, pay later" services and overdraft protection helpful, others were concerned about application requirements and the riskiness of credit offerings.

Peter Faulhaber, president and chief executive of TransUnion Philippines, said in a statement the performance of FinTech users and the narrowing gap between the unbanked and the general population reflected "encouraging momentum toward greater financial inclusion."

"To fully unlock the benefits of credit and drive broader adoption, we must continue addressing persistent barriers-especially concerns around fraud and security that still deter many Filipinos from engaging with credit," Faulhaber said.