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NY Fed survey finds highest credit application rate in nearly five years

By Thomson Reuters Jul 20, 2026 | 10:39 AM

By Michael S. Derby

July 20 (Reuters) – Americans’ application rate for new credit over the last year ​hit its highest level ‌in nearly five years in June, new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released Monday said.

The bank ‌said ​that the rate ⁠of applying for new ⁠credit of any type was at its highest level since October 2021, based on findings from ​its latest Survey of Consumer Expectations Credit Access Survey.

“Compared to ⁠February 2026 readings, the average ⁠likelihood of applying for ​a new credit card, auto loan, higher ​credit card limit or mortgage ‌refinance declined somewhat, while the likelihood of applying for a mortgage rose slightly,” the bank said in ⁠its report.

The New York Fed also said that in its June survey respondents said ⁠that ‌the likelihood of needing ⁠to come up with $2,000 for ​an ‌unexpected expense ticked up ​to 34%, ⁠up slightly from the last finding in February, but under the 36% reported in June a year ago.

(Reporting by Michael S. DerbyEditing by ​Nick Zieminski)