Primerica survey shows BNPL use among middle-income Americans rises to 44% from 28% in Sept 2025
PRI•Primerica’s Q3 2026 survey found that 44% of middle-income Americans used buy now, pay later services, up from 28% in September 2025. It also found that 68% had little or no monthly budget flexibility and 69% said income lagged the cost of living.
1. Budget pressures persist
Primerica’s Q3 2026 Financial Security Monitor found that BNPL use among middle-income Americans rose to 44% from 28% in September 2025, a shift the survey linked to weaker spending visibility. The survey also found that 26% paid credit card balances in full, while 35% reported that their credit card debt had increased.
2. Recurring costs add up
Some 81% of respondents subscribed to streaming services; 33% spent at least $50 a month and 19% spent $100 or more. Overall, 68% reported little or no monthly budget flexibility, and 69% said their income fell behind the cost of living.
