Recent national survey data reveals a troubling shift in how many Americans cover their most essential expense – housing. In a 2026 poll of 2,000 U.S. adults carrying at least $10,000 in unsecured debt, 33% reported using a credit card or borrowing money to pay rent or mortgage payments in the past year.
Credit use spreads beyond rent
The same respondents indicated that credit cards are also being used for other necessities: 66% for groceries, 47% for gas or transportation, and 45% for utilities. Housing joins these categories as a major expense financed through credit.
Hard choices for families
When asked what they have cut back on to meet debt obligations, 41% said they have postponed vacations, and 40% have reduced savings. More concerning, 45% reported cutting back on groceries or household essentials, 25% delayed utility payments, and 16% skipped or delayed rent or mortgage payments.
Paying rent with credit carries hidden costs
Most landlords and mortgage servicers do not accept credit cards directly, so borrowers often rely on third‑party platforms that charge processing fees, or they take cash advances that accrue interest immediately at higher rates than ordinary purchases. These added costs mean the amount paid exceeds the lease figure, and because housing is a recurring expense, the debt balance can grow rapidly.
Financial pressure and paycheck‑to‑paycheck living
Nearly half (49%) of those surveyed said they are living paycheck to paycheck because of debt payments, and 31% are only making minimum payments without reducing the principal balance. This underscores how debt is not only a result of everyday costs but also a force that displaces essential spending, including the very housing payments families strive to protect.
Implications for households
While individual circumstances vary, the data suggests that a growing number of households lack sufficient income to meet basic costs without turning to credit. The traditional budgeting principle that rent is paid first remains, but the source of those funds is increasingly borrowed money.
These findings were compiled by Atomik Research for Accredited Debt Relief and reviewed by Stacker. They highlight a broader trend of financial vulnerability that may warrant attention from policymakers, consumer‑protection advocates, and community organizations seeking to support families in need.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
