European Consumer Payment Report 2025
The European Consumer Payment Report 2025 is based on insights from 20,000 consumers across 20 European countries. It provides an overview of consumers' ability to pay bills on time and highlights evolving attitudes towards financial commitments. The report was released in November 2025.
Consumer confidence rises, but the debt divide widens
European households show signs of financial recovery. More consumers pay their bills on time and feel better able to manage everyday expenses. Yet caution remains. Years of cost-of-living pressures and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty continue to affect many, with nearly one-third reporting anxiety linked to economic news. Confidence is improving, but underlying fragility persists.
Financial habits and education are key factors in money management
Intrum’s Money Management Index shows that strong financial habits, confidence and early-life financial education are linked to resilience, while fragile households may struggle despite similar income levels. The findings highlight distinct behavioural patterns between consumer groups, illustrating how different groups approach spending, saving and financial decision-making.
Growing trust in AI, paired with more cautious online spending
Consumers are becoming more selective about the digital tools they trust, valuing transparency and control. Confidence in AI is increasing, though privacy and platform concerns remain. At the same time, spontaneous online spending is no longer rising at the pace seen in previous years, as consumers adopt more deliberate and mindful purchasing behaviour.
Senior Economist comments:
"Europeans are cautiously optimistic. Confidence in paying bills, saving and managing daily expenses is improving. Yet many remain careful, shaped by past inflation, uncertainty and uneven recovery. Intrum’s new Money Management Index offers deeper insight, showing that financial resilience depends not only on income but also on financial habits and behaviour."
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Contact person
Kristin Andersson
Group External Communications Director
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