The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) today released its Chart Book for the first quarter of 2026, which shows a continued mixed economic outlook. Consumer sentiment has weakened amid persistent inflationary pressures as elevated prices continue to weigh on household budgets. And, though consumer spending remains strong, it seems to be moving from a post-pandemic “K-shaped” recovery—where higher-income consumers significantly outpaced lower-income consumers—to a more balanced pace of spending growth across income groups, reflecting a more “E-shaped” spending pattern.

Balances on credit cards continue to increase at a slower pace. A higher percentage of consumers are paying off their full credit card balance each month compared to before the pandemic, despite elevated balances. Delinquencies for credit card and auto loans show signs of continued stabilization and improvement as growth in consumer loan demand led primarily by prime and super-prime credit card borrowers.

Key Findings

This edition of the Chart Book highlights:

• Consumers: Total consumer debt increased in the first quarter of 2026, largely driven by increases in mortgages and home equity balances. Credit card balance growth continues to moderate and the share of consumers paying off their full balance every month remains above pre-pandemic levels. Delinquency transitions for credit card and auto debt continue slight declines but are still above pre-pandemic levels. The number of auto loan accounts increased in the fourth quarter. Student loan delinquencies remain at record levels, driven by federal borrowers in repayment who continue to fall further behind on payments and transition to default.

• Small Business: Small business loan demand remained flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2025 as reported credit quality remains sluggish. SBA 7(a) loan volume remained steady, trending closer to the pre-pandemic average after remaining elevated throughout 2024.

About the CBA Chart Book

This is the sixth iteration of the CBA Chart Book; a quarterly snapshot of aggregate data and resources related to the retail banking industry.

As the lead voice on consumer finance issues, the CBA Chart Book is produced quarterly to equip retail banking industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the future of the industry. To view the latest edition of the CBA Chart Book, click HERE.