Filipinos living outside the Greater Capital Region (GCR) are becoming more confident and informed about credit, matching the sentiment of those in the country’s main economic hub, according to new data from TransUnion.
In its 2025 Credit Perception Index (CPI), TransUnion reported that the credit score among consumers outside the capital rose to 73, up from 71 in 2024. This matches the score of 73 among residents in the capital region, which covers Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
The CPI measures consumers’ knowledge of, trust in, and favorability toward credit products. The increase outside the capital was driven by an 11-point jump in trust and a six-point rise in product knowledge.
The shift signals a broader and more balanced credit market nationwide. For banks, lenders and financial technology firms, it means growing demand beyond Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Nearly four in 10 Filipinos nationwide said they plan to use credit in the next three months — 38 percent in the capital and 39 percent outside it — showing similar levels of borrowing intent across regions.
However, preferences differ. Capital-based consumers are more inclined to use credit cards (44 percent vs. 36 percent) and traditional bank loans (40 percent vs. 37 percent). Meanwhile, consumers outside the capital show stronger interest in alternative options such as mobile loan apps (33 percent vs. 27 percent), money lending services (29 percent vs. 21 percent) and microloan providers (22 percent vs. 17 percent).
This suggests financial institutions may need tailored strategies — traditional banking products in urban centers and more digital, small-ticket credit solutions in provincial areas.
For consumers, the findings reflect improving financial awareness and access to more credit options. Knowledge of mobile loans, microloans and payday loans is now higher outside the capital than within it.
Seven in 10 Filipinos outside the capital also said they are willing to use educational materials to improve their financial knowledge, while 65% are open to exploring new digital financial services. Social media remains the top channel for learning about financial and credit products nationwide.
To support this demand for financial education, TransUnion has partnered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to launch a credit education module under the BSP E-Learning Academy (BELA), which will be accessible through the BSP Mobile App.
The initiative aims to expand financial literacy and responsible credit use across the country.
TransUnion said the latest data reflects a “rebalancing” of credit engagement nationwide, with rising readiness among Filipinos outside the capital to participate in the formal credit economy.
For businesses, the trend presents growth opportunities in underserved regions. For consumers, it signals wider access to financial tools — alongside a growing emphasis on responsible borrowing and education.
