PROG Holdings Research Reveals Financial Pressures on Near-Prime Consumers — PROG Holdings, Inc.

Event summary

PROG Holdings released research on near- and below-prime consumer behavior, surveying 770 U.S. consumers with credit scores under 670 in late 2025.
61% of respondents work full-time, but over 80% are concerned about their financial outlook.
88% consider flexible payment solutions important for purchases over $500, with 86% more likely to complete purchases when such options are available.
Inflation, interest rates, housing affordability, and healthcare access are top economic concerns for this demographic.

The big picture

The research highlights the growing reliance on flexible payment solutions among financially constrained consumers, reflecting broader trends in fintech innovation aimed at serving underserved credit segments. As economic pressures persist, companies like PROG Holdings are positioning themselves as enablers of financial inclusion, though they must navigate regulatory and competitive challenges to sustain growth.

What we're watching

Market Positioning: How PROG Holdings will leverage this data to differentiate its flexible payment solutions in a competitive fintech landscape.
Regulatory Scrutiny: Whether increased focus on near-prime consumers will attract regulatory attention to flexible payment solutions.
Consumer Adoption: The pace at which flexible payment solutions will become a standard expectation among near-prime consumers.