Marqeta's 2026 State of Credit Report, based on a survey of 4,000 consumers and 1,000 SMBs in the U.S. and UK, found that static, single-product credit programs no longer match how people and businesses manage their finances. According to the report, 85% of consumers weigh multiple factors before choosing a payment method and 59% used both debit and credit within the past 90 days, while 96% of SMBs switch payment methods three to 10 times a month. BNPL is complementing rather than replacing credit, with 79% of BNPL users continuing to use it even with credit card access. Interest in “flexible credentials” (single cards that switch between debit, credit, and BNPL at checkout) reached 48% among consumers aged 18 to 44, rising to 71% among those who already carry multiple cards. The report also found growing trust in non-bank providers.
