KeyBank Poll Finds 33% of Americans Make Daily Financial Trade-Offs
KeyBank’s 2026 Pulse Poll shows 33% of Americans make daily financial trade-offs and 31% weekly, with 88% adopting meaningful spending adjustments as economic concern rises to 28%. Common strategies include 59% switching to cheaper brands, 51% cutting subscriptions, and 35% taking on side hustles.
1. Survey Findings
KeyBank’s 2026 Financial Mobility Pulse Poll surveyed 1,000 adults with checking or savings accounts in January, revealing 33% of respondents make daily trade-offs and 31% weekly as economic concern climbed to 28% from 26% last year. Overall, 88% report making at least one meaningful adjustment to spending or saving behaviors.
2. Consumer Cost-Cutting Strategies
Survey participants cite 59% switching to less expensive brands, 51% reducing subscriptions or memberships, and 11% cutting discretionary spending, up from 8% in 2025. More than one in three (35%) have taken on side hustles for supplemental income, led by 49% of Gen Z.
3. Implications for KeyBank
Heightened financial engagement presents opportunities for KeyBank to market proactive planning tools, personalized advisory services, and relationship-based benefits like Key Select Checking. Increased everyday banking activity and supplemental income streams may drive deposit growth, fee revenue, and deeper client relationships.