68%
plan to start shopping for gifts in October or November
36%
say they’ll rely more on credit and financing this holiday season
30%
plan to spend less on gifts this holiday season
Financial pressures shape holiday spending
Credit challenges, financial confidence, and broader economic conditions affect how consumers shop, buy, and pay for the holidays.
43% of consumers are concerned about how they’ll afford holiday purchases, increasing to 58% of those with lower credit scores.
Access to financing impacts holiday shopping
Paying for the holidays without financing isn’t easy, especially when money is tight. Those with lower credit scores are more likely to consider alternative financing options, including longer-term installment loans and lease-to-own financing.
44% of consumers with lower credit scores say financing availability is a major factor in deciding where to shop for the holidays.
Financial footing varies by credit status
As consumers enter the holiday season, many face ongoing financial uncertainty. That pressure is especially pronounced for households with lower credit scores and incomes.
24% of consumers describe their current financial situation as unstable, jumping to 40% of those with credit scores below 670 and 38% of households with income below $50K.
Insights to grow your business
To help retailers better understand and serve customers with low or subprime credit, we surveyed consumers about their financial situation and credit health heading into the holiday shopping season – and how those factors influence their shopping behaviors and preferences.
Reach more customers and close more sales with our strong approval rates1
58% of credit-challenged consumers spent more because financing was available2
Target new and repeat business and generate revenue with our preapproved leads
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 August and September 2026 with 979 U.S. consumers who are household are financial decision makers. Respondents’ answers were categorized by their self-identified credit scores above or below 670. Approximately half of respondents had credit scores below 670.
1 Not all applicants are approved. Approvals subject to underwriting qualification criteria.
2 Merchant Pulse Study. Snap Finance, 2023.
