Financial Literacy and Credit Choice of Consumer Credit Users in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Financial literacy of individuals matters in credit decisions specially when choosing among different credit alternatives. This study investigates the financial literacy level of consumer credit users in Sri Lanka and their credit choice. For this purpose primary data was collected from 445 individuals using a survey instrument. Individuals have displayed a moderate level of financial literacy and it is found that there is no significant difference between the financial literacy levels of males and females. Despite the financial literacy level, most individuals have resorted to high cost credit cards compared to low cost bank borrowings. This may imply a behavior that deviate from the rationality. It demands further research to determine the possible factors affecting the deviation from rationality. Further this research finds that individuals below the age of 25 have lower financial literacy level. It may imply that they are susceptible to higher credit related risks.