Experian Data Shows Personal Loans Are Becoming a Go‑to Tool for Financial Control

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COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 18, 2026--

As consumers continue navigating rising household expenses and record‑high credit card interest rates, recent analysis from Experian shows that fixed-rate personal loans are playing a growing role in helping consumers take control of their finances, with many seeking more cost‑effective ways to access credit or manage their debt.

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According to Experian data, 38% of U.S. consumers with a credit file currently have at least one personal loan account on file, a figure that has steadily increased since 2017.

According to Experian data, 38% of U.S. consumers with a credit file currently have at least one personal loan account on file, a figure that has steadily increased since 2017. Personal loan balances also continue to rise, increasing from $192.9 billion in 2024 to $207.1 billion in 2025 — a 7.4% jump. Interest in personal loans rose 16% in 2025 based on lender hard inquiries, signaling that more consumers are potentially exploring alternatives to high-interest credit cards.

Personal loans emerge as a helpful budgeting tool

Persistent inflation, elevated credit card rates, and shifting household budgets are driving consumers to seek predictable, lower cost financial tools. Personal loans can be a strategic option not only for emergencies but also for budgeting, refinancing high-interest debt, and planning ahead for major financial decisions.

At the same time, consumers increasingly want simpler, more transparent, and more personalized financial guidance, especially during volatile economic conditions. The Experian Marketplace can help simplify the process of finding and comparing personal loan options. Through the Marketplace, consumers can potentially find personal loans based on their credit profile, allowing them to compare personalized loan offers from multiple lenders in minutes 1.

“Consumers today are navigating a complex credit environment, and they need guidance that is personalized, transparent, and grounded in real financial insight. At Experian, we’re combining our industry‑leading data with advanced AI to help consumers feel more confident in the financial decisions they make every day,” said Rakesh Patel, Executive Vice President, Experian Marketplace. “The Experian Marketplace is a powerful example of that ecosystem: an intelligent, adaptive experience that can help people discover loan options they’re more likely to qualify for and that genuinely fit their needs. As we continue to innovate, we’re committed to leveraging trusted data and consumer‑first AI to unlock smarter, more inclusive financial opportunities for everyone.”

As consumers evaluate ways to stay on track financially, Experian offers additional tools and resources to support smarter borrowing decisions. As consumers’ “BFF”—Big Financial Friend—Experian can help in several ways:

• With Experian’s No Ding Decline™ 2 within the Marketplace, consumers have the ability to apply for a personal loan without hurting their FICO® Score 3 if they aren’t initially approved.
• A free Experian membership can help consumers stay in control of their finances. Besides access to personal loan shopping, members can monitor their Experian credit report, compare auto insurance rates, explore credit card offers, and get ongoing support from the AI-powered Experian Virtual Assistant, EVA™, to help them protect their financial well-being.

These tools, along with the insights, alerts, and monitoring available through an Experian membership, give consumers a more complete financial picture so they are better prepared to navigate the loan marketplace and choose the best fit for their needs.

For a deeper dive into Experian’s latest data on personal loan trends, click here.

Whether it’s comparing personalized loan offers or getting guidance on smarter borrowing, Experian serves as a financial co-pilot, powered by trusted data and consumer-first AI, helping people make informed decisions and stay financially empowered.

Visit www.Experian.com to learn more or download the Experian app.

About Experian

Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.

We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.

We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and to innovate. A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,200 people across 33 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.

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CONTACT: Sandra Bernardo

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KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PERSONAL FINANCE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE

SOURCE: Experian

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PUB: 03/18/2026 06:00 AM/DISC: 03/18/2026 06:02 AM

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