Equifax National Market Pulse Data Shows U.S. Consumers Continuing to Spend, Avoiding Delinquency

Equifax data shows that many consumers are continuing to spend across categories and that delinquency is flat, but subprime borrowers show signs of strain. In the pandemic period, the share of total bankcard debt held by subprime borrowers declined from 20.5% in early January 2020 to a low of 14.7% by May 2021. Pandemic stimulus, dips in discretionary spend and the pause on student loan payments contributed to subprime borrowers' ability to manage bankcard loans. As of May 2025, subprime borrowers hold a 22 ...