📈 Active Credit Cards Resume Growth in July and August

• Key Expansion Figures: Active credit cards rose by 11,408 in July and 17,663 in August following a brief slowdown in June. Total active credit cards reached 2.30 Mn (2,297,783) by end-August. • YTD & Historical Comparisons: Card count expanded 6.1% (+131,597) in the first 8 months of 2026. This follows an growth of 7.8% (+157,730) in 2025 and 4.8% (+91,371) in 2024, after a contraction of 1.8% (-39,991) in 2023. • Driver Breakdown: Growth was propelled by broader economic recovery, declining interest rates, and bank partnerships with supermarkets/retailers. Lower penalty rates also encouraged previously inactive users to resume card usage. • Policy Impact & Outlook: A 100 bps policy rate hike by the Central Bank in late May temporarily slowed June expansion. Analysts expect potential moderation in credit spending and card growth due to tighter monetary policy, higher penalty rates, and ongoing fuel rationing.