Filipino consumers remain optimistic about their financial future, but persistent inflation and rising living costs are prompting households to become more cautious with spending, savings, and borrowing, according to TransUnion’s Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study.
The survey found that 74% of Filipinos expect their household finances to improve over the next 12 months, supported by resilient income expectations. While 38% reported higher household income over the past three months, 43% said their income remained unchanged, indicating overall financial stability despite slowing momentum.
However, affordability remains a major concern. Inflation topped the list of financial worries, cited by 84% of respondents, followed by job security (54%), recession (44%), and interest rates (44%). Nearly half (45%) also expect they may be unable to fully pay at least one bill or loan in the coming months.
As households adjust to higher living costs, consumers are cutting discretionary spending and strengthening emergency savings. More than half (55%) reported reducing expenses on dining, travel, and entertainment, while 49% increased their emergency savings. At the same time, reliance on credit continues to grow, with 17% using more of their available credit and 51% expecting higher bill and loan payments over the next three months.
The study also highlights strong demand for consumer credit. Nearly half (48%) of respondents plan to apply for new credit or refinance existing loans within the next year. Interest is highest for personal loans, which increased from 45% to 52%, followed by credit cards, rising from 31% to 35%. Mortgage demand, however, declined from 17% to 12%.
Despite growing interest in borrowing, 60% of consumers who considered applying for credit ultimately abandoned their applications. High borrowing costs, alternative funding sources, and income or employment concerns were cited as the primary reasons.
According to TransUnion, the findings suggest Filipino households are becoming more deliberate in managing their finances by balancing essential spending, savings, and responsible use of credit amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
The Q2 2026 Consumer Pulse Study surveyed 961 Filipino adults between April 29 and May 19, 2026, covering respondents from Gen Z through Baby Boomers to assess evolving consumer financial behavior across generations.
