Equifax : 2025 Global Credit Trends Reveal New Consumer Habits along with Changing ...

Published: 2026-04-14 09:19:34 ET EFX

Published on 04/14/2026 at 09:19 am EDT

Equifax has released its 2025 Global Consumer Credit Trends Report, which features global consumer credit data and trends information from 10 different countries including Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Spain and the United States.

The report, made possible by the Equifax Cloud™ and the organization's custom data fabric, is designed to give lenders around the world a deeper view into overall consumer credit demand, debt, delinquencies, credit card utilization rates and inflation trends in their particular region to make more informed decisions and innovate faster - enabling more mainstream financial opportunities for consumers.

Consumer finances are balancing as delinquency rates stabilize in many areas. As people continue to use unsecured credit to manage everyday costs, overall consumer credit demand and debt levels are shifting.

Rising debt levels: In the United States, mortgage debt continued a steady upward path, ending 2025 with a 3% year-over-year increase in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, in Canada, total non-mortgage consumer debt climbed to $698 billion. This increase in Canada is primarily driven by credit card balances and auto loans.

Delinquency changes: While some regions saw slight improvements, unsecured credit trends continue to change.

United States credit card 90+ day delinquencies experienced a year-end rise, reaching 1.86% in the fourth quarter.

In Canada, late Millennials and early Gen Z are the main groups driving an upward trend in credit card delinquencies, pushing total 90+ day dollar delinquency rates up by 10.7% year-over-year and 2.6% quarter-over-quarter.

Different regions across the globe are showing new consumer behaviors and financial shifts.

Argentina debt levels: Throughout the second half of 2025, debt levels maintained a downward trend across credit cards and loans in Argentina. However, delinquency rates rose every quarter in 2025.

Brazil household lending: Credit expanded by 10%, primarily through household lending. However, average revolving credit card interest rates remained above 400% annually by year-end.

Australia regional property growth: Mortgage growth was encouraged outside major cities due to rising property values. Investor-backed accounts outside city centers grew 18.27%, led by a 36% increase in Queensland (vs. 2021).

Canada evolving fraud: Credit fraud is evolving with the use of AI. Data shows an estimated $1.3 billion in hidden fraud within 90+ day balances, including $570M in auto loans and $444M in credit cards.

India consumer borrowing shifts: Mortgage debt rebounded in the second half of 2025, showing sustained homeownership desire. The credit card market is cooling, with open-market cards declining, resulting in lower limits and fewer new accounts.

Spain domestic demand: Steady growth ended 2025, driven by resilient domestic demand and a strong labor market. Improving credit conditions supported activity, and mortgage debt saw a slight recovery as interest rates stabilized.

United Kingdom circular economy: Consumers are using second-hand purchasing to manage credit payments. The number of buyers on these platforms increased 2.6x (from <3% to nearly 8%), and the number of sellers making extra income grew by 136%.

New Zealand mortgage activity: Mortgage inquiry volumes in New Zealand surged 17.2% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Download the complete Equifax 2025 Global Credit Trends report here to explore these insights further.

Disclaimer

Equifax Inc. published this content on April 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 14, 2026 at 13:15 UTC.