E-commerce in the Dominican Republic continues its upward trajectory, mobilizing over RD$11.7 billion as of June 2025, according to the Central Bank’s Payment System data, Listin Diario reports. This surge was driven by more than 9.3 billion transactions processed through the country’s financial system, which includes commercial banks, savings and loan associations, and a range of fintech platforms using debit cards, credit cards, mobile apps, and prepaid systems.
The growing reliance on digital platforms reflects the broader technological adoption across traditional retail, which increasingly sees e-commerce as a vital tool for commercial activity. The majority of transactions were conducted via debit cards, followed by credit cards. Payments made via mobile phones and checks accounted for a smaller share.
This momentum has been steadily building since 2022. The number of electronic payment accounts rose from 1,362 in early 2022 to 294,713 by January 2024. In that same period, electronic point-of-sale payments increased by 48.56%, while direct credit operations grew by 47.8%, reaching 748.9 million transactions.
By mid-2025, e-commerce transactions had reached a total of 7.87 billion.
The Payment System report also highlights strong adoption of internet banking, with 9.08 million users and 7.82 million active accounts across Dominican banks. These users conducted more than 5.5 billion transactions using their bank cards, generating a total transaction value of RD$14.66 billion.
In terms of credit card limits, 3.49% of cardholders have financing limits between RD$125,001 and RD$150,000. Around 21% operate within the RD$25,000–RD$50,000 range, while 16.65% have limits exceeding RD$150,000. Another 17% have limits under RD$10,000.
Mobile apps and social platforms fuel sales, Listin Diario reports. The local media reports that data from Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence shows that, as of March 2025, 52% of Dominicans make purchases online. WhatsApp plays a particularly significant role in this trend, with 82% of households that shop online using the app—often to buy from neighborhood stores or colmados.
According to the Association of Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA), more than 665,000 users were registered on digital financial platforms as of March 2025.
The report notes that this rapid growth in e-commerce is occurring in a context of moderate connectivity and evolving financial inclusion. Official figures show that 76% of the Dominican population accesses the internet at least once daily.
Electronic payment accounts are predominantly used for fund transfers, purchases at point-of-sale terminals, online shopping, ATM withdrawals, bill payments, and recharges for mobile data and minutes.
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Listin Diario
10 July 2025