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Tablet displaying Snap Finance's study on credit gaps, featuring a smiling man using a tablet.

Closing the credit gap:

Major purchase study 2026

How shoppers with low or subprime credit shop and pay for big-ticket decisions – and what it means for your business.

A blue search button with the text "EXCLUSIVE SNAP FINANCE RESEARCH" beside a magnifying glass icon.E-book cover titled "Closing the Credit Gap: Major Purchase Study" by Snap Finance, featuring a man with a tablet and financial graphics.

Key insights from new Snap Finance research

Among consumers with credit scores below 670:

39%

could not have paid for a major purchase or service without financing

63%

say financing makes major purchases more affordable

41%

described their current financial situation as unstable or very unstable

Takeaways for your business

Financing unlocks spending power

Major purchases are not always optional. When shoppers can’t pay upfront and don’t qualify for traditional financing, lease-to-own financing and installment loans can bridge the credit gap.

39% spent more because financing was available, among those with lower credit scores who used lease-to-own or an installment loan.

A person smiles while looking at a smartphone, standing in front of stacked tires. A circular graphic shows 39%.

Access to credit shapes purchasing behaviors

Securing financing is an important part of the shopping experience. Those with low or subprime credit often face limited financing options. Snap Finance can help.

44% of consumers with lower credit scores rely on financing to make major purchases

A woman using her smartphone in a furniture store next to a sign offering approvals up to $5,000. A blue graphic shows 44%.

Economic concerns impact big-ticket decisions

Consumers with lower credit scores often delay major purchases and services and settle for lower quality items due to the economy – but sales and promotions can motivate them to buy sooner.

38% of consumers with lower credit scores delayed a major purchase or service due to their finances or economic concerns.

Woman in a denim jacket smiling and using a smartphone with a 38% progress circle overlay on the left.

More time to pay means more business for you

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Increased revenue

Reach more customers and close more sales with our strong approval rates1

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Supercharged sales

58% of credit-challenged consumers spent more because financing was available2

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Expanded reach

Target new and repeat business and generate revenue with our preapproved leads

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Fast funding

Enjoy expedited payments, typically within two business days of merchandise delivery or completed invoice

Disclosures

Snap Finance, its affiliates, and partners offer consumers a range of solutions, which may include lease-to-own financing, retail installment contracts, installment loans, and credit cards. Product availability may vary by state, merchant, industry, and qualification criteria. Certain products are issued by independent merchants or bank partners and serviced by Snap Finance LLC. For more information, visit https://snapfinance.com/legal/products.

Findings based on Snap Finance proprietary research conducted through Accelerant Research’s Agora panel in March 2026 with 2,873 U.S. consumers who are household are financial decision makers who have made a $300+ purchase in the prior six months across 14 product categories. Respondents’ answers were categorized by their self-identified credit scores above or below 670.

1 Not all applicants are approved. Approvals subject to underwriting qualification criteria.

2 Merchant Pulse Study. Snap Finance, 2023.

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Snap Finance

© 2026 Snap Finance®

For Customers

How It Works
Find a Store
Customer Help
Blog

For Customers

  • How It Works
  • Find a Store
  • Customer Help
  • Blog

For Business

Snap for Your Business
For Developers
Business Help
eBook & Research Library
Business Blog

For Business

  • Snap for Your Business
  • For Developers
  • Business Help
  • eBook & Research Library
  • Business Blog

Browse Stores

Wheel and Tire Financing
Furniture Financing
Appliance Financing
Mattress Financing
Computer Financing
Car Audio Financing
Jewelry Financing

Browse Stores

  • Wheel and Tire Financing
  • Furniture Financing
  • Appliance Financing
  • Mattress Financing
  • Computer Financing
  • Car Audio Financing
  • Jewelry Financing

About Snap

About Us
Products
Careers
Corporate Social Responsibility
Newsroom

About Snap

  • About Us
  • Products
  • Careers
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Newsroom
PrivacyWebsite Terms of UseProductsAccessibilityApplication Terms & ConditionsCookie Preferences