NerdWallet finds 38% of Americans expect to rely on credit for expenses
NRDS•NerdWallet’s October 2026 Consumer Financial Resilience Index found 38% of Americans expect to rely on credit, up from 35% in September. The figure was 54% among parents of minor children, 53% among Gen Z respondents and 51% among millennials.
1. Credit reliance rises
NerdWallet’s October 2026 Consumer Financial Resilience Index found that 38% of Americans expect to rely on credit, up from 35% in September. Among parents of minor children, the share rose to 54% from 44%; it was 53% among Gen Z respondents and 51% among millennials.
2. Inflation and rates
September inflation reached 3.7%, up from 3.4% in August, driven largely by gasoline prices. Another Federal Reserve rate increase is anticipated before year-end and could raise carrying costs on variable-rate debt such as credit cards.
