Santander survey finds 52% of middle-income households earn less than 3% on savings
SAN•Santander’s Q3 2026 survey found 52% of middle-income U.S. households earned less than 3% on savings, while 88% cited inflation as a major concern. It also found 67% had cut discretionary spending to cover vehicle costs and 70% of recent vehicle buyers felt priced out of new cars.
1. Savings and vehicle costs
Santander’s Q3 2026 survey found that 52% of middle-income U.S. households were earning less than 3% on savings, and 88% of respondents said inflation was a major concern. Vehicle costs also strained budgets: 67% had cut discretionary spending in the prior three months to cover vehicle-related expenses. Among recent vehicle buyers, 70% felt priced out of the new-vehicle market, while more than 80% of prospective buyers were considering used vehicles. Dealerships remained central to financing, with 78% of recent buyers relying on them to find financing suited to their budgets.
