Business
Marqeta Research Reveals Consumer and SMB Credit Behavior Has Evolved Beyond Traditional Models, Creating New Opportunity for Providers
OAKLAND, Calif., June 02, 2026--Marqeta, Inc. (NASDAQ: MQ), the modern card issuing platform, today released its 2026 State of Credit Report. Based on a survey of 4,000 consumers and 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US and UK, the report reveals that static, single-product credit programs no longer match how consumers and businesses actually manage their finances, creating a significant opportunity for providers who build for the full credit journey.
About this update from Marqeta, Inc.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS OAKLAND, Calif., June 02, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marqeta, Inc. (NASDAQ: MQ), the modern card issuing platform, today released its 2026 State of Credit Report. Based on a survey of 4,000 consumers and 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US and UK, the report reveals that static, single-product credit programs no longer match how consumers and businesses actually manage their finances, creating a significant opportunity for providers who build for the full credit journey. A Patchwork of Credit Providers Consumers and SMBs are using multiple products across different providers, and switching between them based on specific needs for each purchase rather than dissatisfaction with the product itself. BNPL and Flexible Credentials Gain Momentum BNPL is complementing credit, not replacing it. 79% of BNPL users continue to use it even when they have credit card access, and among consumers without a credit card, 23% turn to BNPL when they can't pay in full, using it to finance purchases without taking on revolving debt. The demand for flexibility is also showing up in the appetite for flexible credentials: single cards that can switch between debit, credit, and BNPL at the point of purchase. "Credit is no longer a single product consumers and SMBs either have or don’t have. It’s become a portfolio of tools they are assembling themselves, often from multiple providers, because most providers don’t offer the full range of products they need," said Todd Pollak, Chief Revenue Officer, Marqeta. "Marqeta enables our customers to meet this challenge head-on, offering credit, debit, and flexible credentials from a single platform – reducing friction, protecting the brand experience, and serving consumers and SMBs throughout their credit journey." Keeping Customers Through Credit Transitions Customers move between credit products for many reasons: a denied application, an improved credit score, a business crossing a revenue threshold, a change in life circumstances. The report finds that most providers aren't prepared to keep customers during these transitions, but there are new flexible product offerings that can help keep customers when their credit needs change. Additionally, co-brand debit with BNPL serves a second underserved group: consumers who want a branded product but can’t or don’t want to engage with ...