Gen Z Prefers Personal Loans; Millennials Opt for Credit Cards, Data Shows

Gen Z's Preference for Personal Loans

Gen Z, individuals aged 18 to 25, show a clear preference for personal loans, which constitute 40% of the total loans disbursed to this age group. This trend is largely driven by specific financial needs such as funding travel experiences and purchasing the latest technology. Personal loans offer a flexible and straightforward borrowing option for these purposes, allowing Gen Z borrowers to manage significant expenses without the constraints of a credit card’s revolving credit structure.

The inclination towards personal loans among Gen Z can be attributed to several factors:

1. Immediate Financial Needs: Gen Z often seeks personal loans to cover immediate and substantial expenses, such as travel or large purchases like smartphones and laptops.
2. Simplicity and Transparency: Personal loans provide a clear repayment schedule and fixed interest rates, which can be more appealing to young borrowers who prefer predictable financial commitments.
3. Building Credit History: For many in this age group, personal loans serve as an entry point into the credit market, helping them establish and build their credit history.

Millennials Lean Towards Credit Cards

In contrast, millennials, aged 26 to 38, favor credit cards, with this payment instrument accounting for 30% of their total loan disbursements. Credit cards offer millennials the convenience of revolving credit, rewards programs, and the ability to manage day-to-day expenses while earning points or cashback.

Key reasons for millennials’ preference for credit cards include:

1. Flexibility and Rewards: Credit cards provide flexibility in spending and come with various rewards programs, making them an attractive option for managing everyday expenses and earning benefits.
2. Expense Management: Many millennials use credit cards to streamline their expense management, leveraging the ability to track spending and benefit from interest-free periods.
3. Credit Building and Utilization: Credit cards play a crucial role in building and maintaining a healthy credit score, which is essential for accessing larger loans such as mortgages or auto loans in the future.

The Rise of Digital Lending

The report also highlights a notable increase in digital lending, which has risen from 1.8% of total loans in FY22 to 2.5% in FY24. Digital lending platforms offer a seamless and efficient borrowing experience, appealing to tech-savvy Gen Z and millennials who value convenience and speed.

Several factors contribute to the growth of digital lending:

1. Technological Advancements: The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in lending processes has streamlined loan approvals, making it faster and more efficient.
2. Ease of Access: Digital lending platforms provide easy access to loans, often with minimal documentation and quicker disbursal times compared to traditional banking channels.
3. Pandemic-Driven Shift: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital financial services, with more consumers turning to online platforms for their borrowing needs.

Future Projections

Looking ahead, digital lending is expected to continue its upward trajectory. The report projects that by FY28, digital lending will account for approximately 5% of total retail loans disbursed. This growth is likely driven by the increasing adoption of digital financial services, the expansion of fintech platforms, and the continued preference for online transactions among younger consumers.

The differing borrowing preferences between Gen Z and millennials underscore the need for financial institutions to tailor their products and services to meet the unique needs of these demographics. As personal loans gain popularity among Gen Z for their simplicity and targeted use, and credit cards remain a staple for millennials’ financial management, the rise of digital lending represents a significant shift in the financial landscape. By understanding and adapting to these trends, lenders can better s