The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently ruled in favor of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico in a case against Misael Sanz Troncoso, who owed money on a credit card. The court's decision, issued on May 27, 2026, confirms the bank's right to collect a debt totaling $31,592.82. This ruling is significant as it clarifies the legal standards for credit card agreements and the obligations of borrowers.

The dispute began when Banco Popular filed a lawsuit against Troncoso for failing to make payments on his Mastercard account. The court's ruling impacts not only Troncoso but also sets a precedent for how similar cases involving credit card debts may be handled in the future.

Background

The case, identified as TA2026CE00571, arose from a complaint filed by Banco Popular against Misael Sanz Troncoso. The bank alleged that Troncoso had failed to pay his credit card debt, which included charges for purchases and cash advances. According to the bank, Troncoso owed $31,592.82, along with an additional $3,159.00 in legal fees.

Initially, the case was heard by the Tribunal de Primera Instancia, which dismissed the bank's claim, stating that it had not provided sufficient evidence to support its demand. The court found that the bank failed to prove essential elements of the agreement, including the existence of a valid contract and the borrower's consent. Unsatisfied with this outcome, Banco Popular appealed the decision.

The Ruling

The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals reviewed the case and overturned the lower court's ruling. The panel, led by Judge Grana Martínez, determined that the bank's allegations were sufficient to establish a viable cause of action. The court stated, "The demand established a cause of action because the respondent alleged that: (1) the petitioner requested a credit card, (2) the bank issued it, (3) the debtor used it, and (4) the debtor did not make the corresponding payments."

Furthermore, the court emphasized that a credit card agreement can be formed without a written contract. The use of the card itself indicates acceptance of the terms and conditions set by the bank. The Appeals Court ruled that the lower court had erred in dismissing the case and failed to recognize the validity of the bank's claims.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for future credit card debt cases in Puerto Rico. It clarifies that banks can enforce credit card agreements even without a written contract, as long as the borrower has used the card. This decision could impact how banks approach debt collection and how consumers understand their obligations when using credit cards.

The ruling also underscores the importance of proper documentation in legal disputes over credit card debts. It highlights the need for borrowers to be aware of their financial responsibilities and the potential consequences of failing to meet those obligations. As a result, consumers may need to be more vigilant about their credit card usage and payments.

What's Next

Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Troncoso plans to appeal the decision. However, the ruling sets a clear precedent for similar cases in the future, reinforcing the enforceability of credit card agreements in Puerto Rico.