Almost 70% of Brazilians have debts and 41% have not paid back friends and family after borrowing, according to Datafolha; revolving credit turns into a snowball and financial pressure affects 45%.

Written by Carla Teles

Published on 19/04/2026 at 20:36

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National survey shows debts concentrated in credit card, bank, and installments, warns of rotating credit as a snowball and reveals strong financial tightening for 45% of the population

Almost 70% of Brazilians have debts, and a significant portion also carries liabilities outside the banking system: 41% of those who borrowed money from friends and family did not repay the amount, according to a Datafolha survey. The study addresses indebtedness, default, and budget restrictions that affect daily life.

The survey interviewed 2,002 people across all regions of Brazil, between April 8 and 9, 2026, and was published on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with a margin of error of 2 percentage points and a confidence level of 95%.

Debts go beyond banks and affect personal relationships

The survey indicates that, for every three Brazilians, two have financial debts. But the problem is not limited to banks and cards: many respondents reported debts with acquaintances, such as friends and family, and a significant portion admitted not having settled these amounts after borrowing.

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Where are the debts of those already in debt

Looking only at those who have debts, Datafolha mapped the most common types of delays and liabilities. Among the indebted, the following stand out:

29% are in default on credit card installments
26% have not settled bank loans
25% have pending amounts in store installments

The picture suggests that debts spread across different modalities, often accumulated, which makes recovery slower when the budget is already under pressure.

Rotating credit gains villain status due to high interest rates

Among the respondents, 27% said they use rotating credit, in varying intensities. Of this group, 5% claim to resort to this modality habitually, while 22% use it occasionally or rarely.

The central point is the mechanism: rotating credit is automatically activated when a person pays only the minimum of the bill, and high interest rates apply to the remaining amount. It is in this scenario that the rotating credit can turn into a snowball, especially when other debts are already outstanding.

Debts in service bills also enter the radar

The survey also identified delinquency in consumption and service bills. In total, 28% of respondents reported having overdue debts. Among the most cited bills by those who are delinquent are:

Telephony and internet: 12%
Taxes, such as property tax (IPTU), vehicle tax (IPVA), and income tax (carnê leão): 12%
Electricity: 11%
Water: 9%

In practice, these debts directly affect the basics, as they involve essential services and obligations that tend to have a quick impact on daily life.

Financial tightness affects 45% and forces cuts in consumption

The research shows that the feeling of financial tightness is common. Based on an index that measures eight types of budget restrictions, such as consumption cuts and delinquency, Datafolha pointed out that 45% of the population lives under strong economic pressure.

Within this group, 27% are in a “tight” situation and 18% in a “severe” condition. Another 36% face a moderate scenario, while 19% are considered exempt or with light restrictions.

How families try to survive when debts tighten

To balance their accounts, respondents report frequent strategies. Leisure was the first item cut by 64%, followed by reducing meals out (60%) and switching brands for cheaper options (60%).

There is also an impact on basic consumption: 52% reduced food purchases and 50% cut spending on water, electricity, and gas. In terms of obligations, 40% let bills go unpaid, and 38% suspended the payment of debts or the purchase of medications, showing how the tightness can encroach on essential decisions.

In the end, concerns appear directly: when spontaneously mentioning their biggest personal problem, 37% cited financial factors, such as low income, indebtedness, and high cost of living.

Almost 70% of Brazilians have debts and 41% have not paid back friends and family after borrowing, according to Datafolha; revolving credit turns into a snowball and financial pressure affects 45%.

National survey shows debts concentrated in credit card, bank, and installments, warns of rotating credit as a snowball and reveals strong financial tightening for 45% of the population

Debts go beyond banks and affect personal relationships

Where are the debts of those already in debt

Rotating credit gains villain status due to high interest rates

Debts in service bills also enter the radar

Financial tightness affects 45% and forces cuts in consumption

How families try to survive when debts tighten

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Almost 70% of Brazilians have debts and 41% have not paid back friends and family after borrowing, according to Datafolha; revolving credit turns into a snowball and financial pressure affects 45%.

National survey shows debts concentrated in credit card, bank, and installments, warns of rotating credit as a snowball and reveals strong financial tightening for 45% of the population

Debts go beyond banks and affect personal relationships

Where are the debts of those already in debt

Rotating credit gains villain status due to high interest rates

Debts in service bills also enter the radar

Financial tightness affects 45% and forces cuts in consumption

How families try to survive when debts tighten

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