European Consumer Payment Report 2024

The European Consuymer Payment Report 2024 is based on insights from 20,000 consumers across 20 European countries. It provides an overview of consumers' ability to pay bills on time and highlights evolving attitudes towards financial commitments. This report was released in November 2024.

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Most consumers meet their monthly commitments

Europeans today have higher confidence in their ability to meet their financial commitments than has been the case for years, with 74 % of Europeans stating they can meet all their financial commitments on time, highest sine 2019. However, a growing number (37%) are relying on credit to cover essential costs, and the same proportion (37%) may need to rely short-term borrowing to cover an unexpected cost €200 or more.

Young adults face new challenges and temptations

The ECPR 2024 reports a generational divide, with only 69% of millennials paying bills on time, compared to 83% of baby boomers. Younger consumers face greater challenges, including heightened concerns about job security, as many fear job loss to automation and AI. Additionally, social media and online shopping have encouraged overspending, particularly among younger demographics.

Europeans are beginning to embrace AI

Europeans show cautious acceptance of AI in finance, with 25% of consumers feeling more comfortable negotiating payments with AI due to its impartiality, which reduces judgement and embarrassment. While AI’s objective approach is viewed as beneficial, particularly in debt management, significant privacy concerns persist, as many are worried about data security and AI’s lack of empathy in sensitive financial decisions.

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Download the ECPR 2024

Previous editions of the report:

White Paper 2024: Striving for a brighter future

Published in March 2024, new data indicate a positive development since the 2023 ECPR findings, as some consumers feel that their household finances are improving. Many do, however, remain extremely worried about how they will make ends meet.

European Consumer Payment Report 2023

The European Consumer Payment Report 2023 provides an in-depth analysis of the financial challenges faced by consumers amidst an ongoing economic downturn. With insights drawn from 20,000 respondents across Europe, this report highlights critical shifts in consumer attitudes towards payment behaviours and the increasing need for improved financial literacy.

CEO Point of View 2023: Turning Europe's payments crisis into customer trust

Our President and CEO, Andrés Rubio, comments on the fresh results of consumer payment trends. The POV was released in September 2023, serving as a precursor to the full ECPR 2023, set to be published in November.

European Consumer Payment Report 2022

The European Consumer Payment Report 2022 reveals a concerning decline in consumer confidence as inflation and rising interest rates create widespread anxiety regarding financial stability. This report highlights the challenges faced by households, the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and the urgent need for improved financial literacy.

European Consumer Payment Report 2021

The European Consumer Payment Report 2021 examines the financial realities of consumers following the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The report reveals how rising inflation and evolving consumer behaviours are shaping financial wellbeing across Europe, highlighting the urgent need for improved financial education and sustainability practices among businesses.

European Consumer Payment Report 2020

The European Consumer Payment Report 2020 delves into the financial challenges faced by consumers amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This report highlights the significant impacts on household income, the increasing reliance on borrowing, and the growing need for financial literacy as consumers navigate an uncertain economic landscape.

White Paper 2020: Special edition Covid-19

Based on a pulse survey conducted already in May 2020, this edition reveals how the pandemic has disrupted household incomes, increased debt levels, and shaped new financial realities across 24 European countries.

European Consumer Payment Report 2019

The European Consumer Payment Report 2019 highlights the growing financial stress among consumers as rising bills outpace incomes across Europe. This report examines the increasing reliance on borrowing, the need for improved financial literacy, and the urgent call for consumers to navigate their financial wellbeing amidst economic uncertainty.

European Consumer Payment Report 2018

The European Consumer Payment Report 2018 reveals the financial realities faced by 24,000 consumers across Europe. While many have experienced improved financial situations amidst rising economic confidence, significant numbers continue to struggle with tight budgets and increasing debt levels. This report sheds light on the duality of the European economic landscape and highlights the urgent need for enhanced financial education.

European Consumer Payment Report 2017

The European Consumer Payment Report 2017 examines the financial behaviours and attitudes of over 24,000 consumers across Europe. With a noticeable shift towards digital consumption and increased social pressure to spend, this report highlights the challenges faced by consumers in managing their finances and the importance of financial education.

European Consumer Payment Report 2016

The European Consumer Payment Report 2016 explores the financial behaviours and attitudes of over 21,000 consumers across Europe. As economic uncertainty and consumer debt levels rise, this report highlights the challenges of managing household finances and the pressing need for financial education to empower consumers.

European Consumer Payment Report 2015

The European Consumer Payment Report 2015 provides insights into the financial behaviours and challenges faced by over 22,400 consumers across Europe. As economic conditions fluctuate, this report highlights the pressing need for financial education and the impact of social pressures on spending habits.

European Consumer Payment Report 2014

The European Consumer Payment Report 2014 explores the slow recovery from the economic crisis affecting millions of consumers across Europe. With over 21,000 respondents surveyed, this report highlights the lack of confidence in financial recovery, rising consumer debt, and the urgent need for effective financial education.

European Consumer Payment Report 2013

The European Consumer Payment Report 2013 examines the financial challenges faced by over 10,000 consumers across Europe amidst ongoing economic instability. This report reveals declining consumer confidence, the impact of rising costs, and the critical need for improved financial literacy to help consumers navigate their economic realities.

Contact person

Kristin Andersson

Global External Communications Director

kristin.andersson@intrum.com