U.S. Consumers Face Long Road to Debt Payoff, Survey Shows

Achieve's latest survey indicates that 56% of U.S. consumers would require more than six months to clear their short-term, unsecured debts, encompassing credit cards, buy now, pay later loans, and medical bills. This persistent debt burden suggests ongoing financial pressures for a substantial segment of the population. The survey, which polled 2,000 consumers in June 2026, offers qualitative insights into consumer borrowing habits.

Furthermore, the survey found that 55% of consumers currently carry credit card balances to cover essential expenses, a slight increase from 53% in the previous quarter. Notably, 27% of these consumers have been carrying balances for essential expenses for over six months, up from 25% in the prior quarter. This trend points to a prolonged period of financial strain where consumers are struggling to eliminate short-term debt.

Insights from the survey also indicate that 54% of respondents perceive their current financial situation as 'Poor' or 'Fair,' with only 11% rating it as 'Excellent.' While 88% of respondents reported meeting all or nearly all of their monthly obligations, 34% of survey respondents indicated they must reduce spending on basic needs to make ends meet. This highlights a delicate balancing act for many households, where managing debt and essential expenses limits financial flexibility.