PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1742146
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1742146
Consumer credit is a type of financial arrangement under which borrowers obtain money for personal, household, or family purposes and excludes business or commercial usage. Consumers utilize that credit to acquire goods and services and repay the costs over a defined time instead of paying the full amount upfront. Examples of consumer credits include credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, and installment plans. Repayment is usually done monthly and charges interest. Consumer credit is an important concept because it enhances purchasing power and therefore gives borrowers much-needed flexibility to better manage their expenses, emergencies, or large purchases.
Consumer credit takes a significant role in the economy today in providing individuals with the option to manage their cash flow, invest in necessary goods and services in times of need, or bear unforeseen expenses. For example, consumer credit would allow for the purchase of durable goods, such as home appliances and cars, which might otherwise be unaffordable for the consumer. Consumer credit also cushions demand against emergencies, such as hospital bills and urgent home repairs. However, mismanaged or overextended consumer credit could also create many financial troubles, like high-interest debt and bankruptcy.
The global consumer credit market was valued at $9,595.04 million in 2019 which grew till 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 4.00%.
Increased Consumer Spending Post-Pandemic
Following the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable rebound in consumer spending as economies reopened. Governments worldwide implemented stimulus packages to support households, leading to increased disposable income. This surge in spending extended to big-ticket items such as automobiles, home renovations, and travel, often financed through consumer credit. According to data from the Federal Reserve, U.S. credit card balances experienced a substantial increase in 2022, reflecting heightened consumer confidence and a greater propensity to utilize credit for purchases. Specifically, credit card balances grew by $45 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching a total of $1.21 trillion. Furthermore, since the first quarter of 2021, credit card balances have risen by $441 billion, marking a 57% increase over that period. This upward trend in credit card debt underscores a significant shift in consumer behavior, with many individuals increasingly relying on credit to finance their expenditures.
Financial technology (fintech) companies are revolutionizing the consumer credit landscape by offering innovative products that cater to diverse consumer needs. Features such as instant loan approvals, flexible repayment options, and user-friendly mobile applications are becoming standard. These platforms leverage advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to swiftly assess creditworthiness, providing consumers with seamless access to financing. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on personalization in financial services.
For instance, Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) adopted live chat and AI chatbot solutions to enhance customer support, ensuring faster response times and personalized assistance. This digital transformation improved engagement and satisfaction among members, streamlining interactions while reducing wait times. The AI-driven approach optimized efficiency, reinforcing LMCU's commitment to seamless banking services.
The global consumer credit markets is fairly fragmented, with large number of players operating in the market. The top 10 competitors in the market made up 14.69% of the total market in 2023.
Consumer Credit Global Market Opportunities And Strategies To 2034 from The Business Research Company provides the strategists; marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the global consumer credit market as it emerges from the COVID-19 shut down.
Where is the largest and fastest-growing market for consumer credit? How does the market relate to the overall economy; demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The consumer credit market global report from The Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics; size and growth; segmentation; regional and country breakdowns; competitive landscape; market shares; trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's history and forecasts market growth by geography. It places the market within the context of the wider consumer credit market; and compares it with other markets.