Key stat: Some 49% of Gen Zers have found out more than once that they owe more than they expected, according to a September report from Spinwheel.

Beyond the chart:

• Many Gen Zers are also juggling several buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans. Some 29% have held three or more at the same time, according to LendingTree.
• Meanwhile, the number of payments worries Gen Z more than their size. Some 61% of Gen Zers feel more stressed by how many payments they owe than by their total debt, according to Spinwheel.

Use this chart: For fintechs, use it to make the case for balance alerts, debt dashboards, and AI payoff planners built into the apps Gen Z already uses. At the same time, marketing teams should highlight those features in messaging.

Related EMARKETER reports:

• GenAI and Agentic AI in Financial Services (EMARKETER subscription required)
• Financial Institutions' Guide to Gen Zers 2026 (EMARKETER subscription required)

Methodology: Data is from the September 2026 Spinwheel report titled “Inside the Contradictory Reality of Debt.” 619 US adults were surveyed during August 14-September 1, 2026. Results include an even split in responses across each generation (baby boomers to Gen Z), as well as a representative mix of gender (male and female) and White and non-White (Asian, Black, Hispanic, or Other) respondents.