What falling FICO scores mean for the mortgage industry

“The data tells a different story: A higher percentage of Gen Zers open new bankcards than any other age group, which in reality positions them as the most active cohort in traditional credit card adoption.”

Consumers get more intentional about credit

At the same time, consumers appeared more deliberate about how they used credit. New polling by The Harris Poll for FICO showed 83% of Americans prioritized maintaining or improving their credit scores in 2026, even as nearly one in four reported making less than the minimum payment or skipping a card or loan payment in the prior year because of inflation.

“The findings point to a shift in how consumers relate to credit—it’s no longer passive, it’s intentional,” said Jenelle Dito, vice president of consumer empowerment programs and partnerships at FICO.

“People are monitoring their credit and thinking strategically, but many still lack clarity on the fundamentals. Closing that knowledge gap is critical because consumers aren’t just seeking better financial outcomes—they’re seeking peace of mind, making this as much about emotional well-being as credit health.”

FICO said two‑thirds of consumers either misunderstood or were unsure whether income directly affected their credit scores, a misconception that could hinder score improvement.