Gen Z Increasingly Borrows and Invests Amid Financial Pressures
A Deloitte survey reveals that Gen Z (ages 18-29) is increasingly carrying credit card debt for extended periods while also planning to allocate more savings toward stocks, mutual funds, and retirement accounts. From Q3 2023 through Q2 2026, the share of Gen Z respondents with month-over-month credit balances rose nearly 20%, contrasting with a decline among other generations. Additionally, BNPL usage by this group peaked at 22.8% in early 2026 before slightly declining to 17.6%. Despite these short-term financial pressures, many plan to invest more than they did three years ago. The survey highlights how Gen Z's approach to money is shaped by a challenging job market and easy access to digital tools like investing apps and BNPL services. Unlike older generations who have grown more comfortable with debt over time, Gen Z’s comfort level has remained largely unchanged for four years. This trend suggests that financial institutions may need to offer integrated solutions across credit, spending, saving, and investing to better serve this generation. The findings underscore a shift in consumer behavior among young adults balancing immediate needs with long-term wealth-building goals.
Topics: buy now pay later (BNPL) credit card debt Gen Z investing habits savings