Ecuador implements new regulations for credit and debit card payments

The Junta de Política y Regulación Financiera y Monetaria (JPRFM) issued new provisions on November 6, 2026, to change how credit, debit, and prepaid cards function in Ecuador.

These rules apply to issuing entities, merchants, and payment processing companies to improve security and transparency for consumers. The new rules require merchants to offer the same prices and discounts for card payments as they do for cash. Businesses are no longer allowed to add extra surcharges for using electronic payment methods.

Additionally, physical cards must be issued without printed sensitive data, such as card numbers, expiration dates, or security codes, to reduce unauthorized use. For online shopping, the regulation mandates extra identity verification steps at no cost to the user. Issuing entities must now provide free, real-time notifications for transactions across at least two independent electronic channels. They must also provide 24/7 customer service for inquiries and reporting lost or stolen cards.

The regulations also establish rules for issuing entities to refund users for specific fraudulent transactions, such as those occurring after a card is reported stolen or those caused by security failures at the financial institution. The rules also affect payment processors. Companies that are not financial institutions can offer payment services if they obtain authorization from the Banco Central del Ecuador (BCE) and maintain a minimum capital of USD 500,000. Payment aggregators must maintain a minimum capital of USD 250,000.

These processors must settle sales funds with merchants within five business days and must accept cards from various brands and issuers.