Dominicans are optimistic about their household finances for the next 12 months, despite facing challenges

• More than three quarters (76%) of Dominicans are optimistic about their household finances.

• Despite this optimism, more than half (53%) said they had cut back on discretionary spending.

Santo Domingo. – Most Dominicans (76%) were optimistic about their household finances for the coming year, with Millennials the most optimistic (77%). In addition, 81% of all consumers surveyed said they expected their income to increase over the next 12 months, rising to 89% among Generation Z. These are some of the findings of TransUnion’s Q2 2025 Consumer Pulse Study, which explores how consumers’ household finances have changed and what they expect in the future.

Of those surveyed, 38% said they planned to increase discretionary spending (for example, eating out, travel, entertainment) over the next three months, and 36% expected their spending on in-store or online shopping to rise as well. On a positive note, the percentage of respondents who expected their discretionary spending to fall (35%) was slightly lower than those planning to increase it. In addition, 36% said they anticipated spending more on large purchases over the next three months.

Despite optimism about the future, in Q2 2025, 45% of consumers said their household finances were worse than planned, and 44% said they expected to be unable to pay at least one of their obligations in full. Of these, 24% said they would pay at least a partial amount of their obligations. One in five (21%, four percentage points less than in Q1) said they would use savings, while another 23% planned to borrow from a friend or relative. Only 5% of consumers said they did not know how they would pay their current obligations.

In terms of spending behaviour, 53% of consumers surveyed said they had cut back on discretionary spending (eating out, travel, entertainment) in the last three months, 12% had increased it, 26% had cancelled subscriptions or memberships and 23% had cancelled or reduced digital services.

In addition, in Q2 2025, most Dominicans expressed concern about macroeconomic dynamics.

“Dominican consumers are optimistic, in line with the country’s projected economic growth of 5%, although they are aware that macroeconomic challenges persist,” said Danilda Almanzar, Country Manager of TransUnion Dominican Republic. “According to our study results, 59% of consumers surveyed said inflation was one of their top three concerns, followed by employment (51%) and housing prices (50%).”

Growing interest in monitoring credit reports

In Q2 2025, 82% of Dominican consumers surveyed considered monitoring their credit history to be at least moderately important, and almost half (49%) said they check their credit report at least once a month. Millennials and Generation Z (84%) were more likely to consider monitoring their credit history at least moderately important, and Generation Z had the highest percentage (60%) of respondents who check their credit report at least monthly.

The most common reasons consumers gave for checking their credit reports included trying to improve their credit scores (39%), protecting themselves against fraud (32%) and finding out about credit offers they might qualify for (22%).

In addition, almost 6 in 10 consumers believe their credit scores would increase if lenders used information not included in the standard credit report, such as rent payments or gym membership payments, among others.

“Taking the time to learn more about their credit history and credit score empowers Dominicans with the knowledge they need to access the financial services that will help them achieve their life goals,” Almanzar added. “Credit reports also help identify fraudulent activity, giving consumers the information they need to protect their personal data and act quickly in situations that compromise the security of their credit products.”

About Consumer Pulse

TransUnion’s quarterly survey explores how consumers’ household finances have changed and what changes they expect in the future. The study measures consumers’ changing attitudes and behaviours based on income, obligations and identity fraud dynamics. The online survey was conducted between 5 and 19 May 2025 by TransUnion in partnership with third-party research provider Dynata, with a sample of 601 Dominicans aged 18 and over, in English and Spanish.

• Generation definitions: Generation Z: ages 18 to 28; Millennials: ages 29 to 44; Generation X: ages 45 to 60; and Baby Boomers: ages 61 and over.

About TransUnion in the Dominican Republic

TransUnion is a global information and insights company with more than 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries, including the Dominican Republic. We make trust possible by ensuring that each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this by providing a multidimensional view of consumers, managed with care.

Through our acquisitions and technology investments, we have developed innovative solutions in areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good®, creating economic opportunities, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world