Credit score demand slows amid rising stress

Credit score demand slowed within the June quarter as Australian shoppers started to really feel the pressure of rising dwelling prices, based on the most recent Equifax Quarterly Shopper Credit score Insights.

Unsecured credit score functions, together with bank cards, private loans, and BNPL, elevated barely by +0.8%.

“Whereas bank card enquiries elevated year-on-year, the quantity of opened accounts remained pretty secure,” mentioned Kevin James (pictured above), normal supervisor advisory and options at Equifax.

This means lenders have gotten extra cautious, and shoppers are closing accounts to handle funds higher.

Secured credit score demand drops amid housing stress

Secured credit score demand, together with mortgages and auto loans, decreased by -2.3% in Q2 2024.

Whereas auto loans noticed a +6.3% improve, mortgage demand fell by -4.2% as excessive rates of interest continued to suppress new mortgage loans.

Mortgage accounts in hardship rose by 12.6% quarter-on-quarter, highlighting rising stress amongst owners.

“We’re seeing pockets the place resilience is beginning to weaken, notably amongst higher-risk shoppers,” James mentioned.

Monetary resilience underneath strain

Regardless of the pressures, total mortgage arrears stay beneath pre-pandemic ranges.

Nonetheless, Equifax information confirmed that mortgage arrears amongst shoppers with an “common” credit score rating have been rising sooner than the general fee for the previous 4 quarters.

“With the tightening job market and potential rate of interest hikes, we might see mortgage arrears rising extra quickly,” James mentioned, indicating that monetary resilience might falter within the coming months.

Cautious lending and lively debt administration

Customers are more and more cautious, with extra bank card accounts being closed than opened.

Roughly 9.3% of closed accounts had been in arrears, reflecting lively debt administration methods.

“Customers are shutting down their bank cards earlier than they fall too far behind on funds,” James mentioned.

As Australians navigate these difficult occasions, each lenders and shoppers are taking steps to handle dangers and keep monetary stability.

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