Studies and Data Analysis

Economic and personal finance statistics, studies and data analysis from across NerdWallet.

This data hub brings together NerdWallet’s studies and unique analyses of proprietary and third party data across personal finance and economic topics. Our team of writers, experts and analysts design nationally representative surveys and robust methodologies to gain insight into household finances. These resources are available for use by traditional and online media, influencers and consumers.

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In the spotlight

2024 State of Consumer Credit

Published on May 28, 2024, we examined Americans' use of credit and debt:

“How we use credit says a lot about our overall household financial health. At one end of the spectrum, someone could be paying off their credit card balances each month and racking up rewards points to use on a vacation. At the other is someone signing up to buy now and pay later on their weekly groceries. Access to credit is useful in both of these scenarios, though the costs and benefits of these types of credit can vary dramatically.”

- Sara Rathner, NerdWallet credit cards expert

Our nationally-representative survey found:

  • 16% of Americans used credit cards for necessities during the past 12 months because they didn’t have the money to pay for these expenses outright. Further, 12% anticipate using their credit card for such expenses in the coming 12 months because they won’t have the money to cover them outright.

  • 27% of Americans generally carry a balance on at least one credit card from month to month, according to the survey. But just 40% of Americans recognize leaving a balance on your card is not better for your credit score than paying it off.

  • 37% of Americans have been charged a late fee in the past 12 months, according to the survey. And in the first quarter of 2024, 3.6% of total debt balances moved into delinquency, according to the New York Federal Reserve.

Read the report from Elizabeth Renter, here.

The latest

Recent economic commentary

Elizabeth Renter, Senior Economist

"From April 2022 to April 2023, inflation came down from over 8% to 4.9%. From there, however, progress slowed, hovering between 3% and 4% since June of last year. We knew the final approach to the Fed’s inflation goal would take the longest and likely see the most turbulence, so this slowed progress and bumpy few months are not a complete surprise. What remains to be seen is whether the overall trajectory will result in a smooth, soft landing."

May 15, 2024

Elizabeth Renter is available for media interviews, discussing economic and data topics. Contact [email protected].

The latest columns from Elizabeth Renter

Trending chart

A May study revealed some Americans think it's OK to lie for lower insurance rates. Read about it here.

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Our standards

All of our data projects go through a rigorous process before publication. During the planning stage, editors, data writers and analysts, subject matter experts and communications specialists share perspectives and ask tough questions of all potential ideas. We use data from only the most reputable sources, and our methodologies and calculations are all checked and rechecked for sound rationale and accuracy. Our data-driven work also goes through a minimum of three rounds of editing before publication.

Our nationally representative surveys are conducted in collaboration with The Harris Poll. We've been working with The Harris Poll since 2014 to field statistically sound and robust surveys weighted to be representative within age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, household income, education, employment, marital status and size of household where necessary to align with their actual proportions in the population.

Media inquiries

For questions, including requests for data or interviews with our analyst and experts, please contact [email protected].

Money and friendship survey data

  • Around two-thirds of Americans (66%) don’t feel comfortable talking with their friends about personal finance situations, such as income, debt and money problems.

  • More than 2 in 5 Americans (43%) say they’ve lent money to a friend and 20% of Americans have had to remind a friend to pay them back the money they owed.

  • Over a quarter of Americans (27%) say they’ve had to turn down plans with a friend because they couldn’t afford it. Gen Zers and millennials are more likely to say this than Gen Xers and baby boomers — 35% and 34%, vs. 25% and 20%.*

  • More than half of Americans (53%) say they generally don’t have arguments about money with their friends. Baby boomers are more likely to say this than younger generations — 64%, vs. 56% of Gen X, 45% of millennials and 43% of Gen Z.

*Generations defined: Gen Z (ages 18-27), millennials (ages 28-43), Gen X (ages 44-59), baby boomers (ages 60-78)

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from April 15-17, 2024, among 2,082 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].

Disclaimer

NerdWallet disclaims, expressly and impliedly, all warranties of any kind, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or whether the article’s information is accurate, reliable or free of errors. Use or reliance on this information is at your own risk, and its completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed. The contents in this article should not be relied upon or associated with the future performance of NerdWallet or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as indicated by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should” or “anticipates” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may materially differ from NerdWallet’s presentation of information to analysts and its actual operational and financial results.

Weight loss purchases survey data

  • Close to half of Americans (45%) say they’ve made weight loss-related purchases for themselves, including prescription weight loss medications (11%) and weight loss surgery (5%).

  • About two-thirds of Americans who have made weight loss-related purchases for themselves (63%) used cash or debit cards to pay for them, while 38% used a credit card they paid in full by the due date. 

  • Some Americans who have made weight loss-related purchases for themselves took on debt — 14% used a credit card they didn’t pay in full by the due date and 12% used a buy now, pay later service.

  • Nearly a quarter of Americans who have made weight loss-related purchases for themselves (24%) used insurance to pay for it, while 10% used an FSA/HSA.

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from April 15-17, 2024, among 2,082 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].

Disclaimer

NerdWallet disclaims, expressly and impliedly, all warranties of any kind, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or whether the article’s information is accurate, reliable or free of errors. Use or reliance on this information is at your own risk, and its completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed. The contents in this article should not be relied upon or associated with the future performance of NerdWallet or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as indicated by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should” or “anticipates” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may materially differ from NerdWallet’s presentation of information to analysts and its actual operational and financial results.

Financial scams survey statistics

  • 54% of Americans say at least one financial scam has been attempted against them in the past 2 years. 

  • 18% of Americans lost money in a financial scam in the last 2 years. 

  • Americans who lost money to financial scams over the past two years typically lost $325 (median), while about one-third (32%) lost $1,000 or more.

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from April 2-4, 2024 among 2,061 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].

Disclaimer

NerdWallet disclaims, expressly and impliedly, all warranties of any kind, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or whether the article’s information is accurate, reliable or free of errors. Use or reliance on this information is at your own risk, and its completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed. The contents in this article should not be relied upon or associated with the future performance of NerdWallet or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as indicated by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should” or “anticipates” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may materially differ from NerdWallet’s presentation of information to analysts and its actual operational and financial results.