Approximately half of U.S. adults report that the cost of groceries is a significant source of stress in their lives, according to a recent survey. Among those who are concerned, 19% say they have, at some point, relied on deferred payment services—commonly known as “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL)—to purchase groceries.
Overall, 29% of Americans have used BNPL services for various expenses, including health care, entertainment, groceries, and restaurant meals. Usage rates are notably higher among adults under the age of 45 compared with older generations.
The survey highlights a clear link between financial stress and the adoption of BNPL services. Adults experiencing economic strain are far more likely to rely on these payment options than those reporting little to no stress. For instance, 21% of respondents experiencing major stress have used BNPL for medical or dental costs, compared with 8% among those with minor or no stress.
Key Findings on Financial Stress
- Grocery Costs: Fifty-three percent of adults describe grocery expenses as a major stressor, while an additional 33% report them as a minor concern.
- Housing Costs: Roughly half of respondents identify housing expenses as a major source of stress.
- Income and Savings: Forty-three percent express concern over personal income levels and savings.
- Health Care Costs: Four in ten adults cite health care costs as a significant stress factor.
- Debt and Child Care Costs: Fewer respondents consider these to be major stressors compared with other financial factors.
In total, 75% of respondents report experiencing major stress from at least one of these financial pressures. Individuals under 45 are especially likely to feel stressed about earnings, housing costs, student loan debt, and child care, though stress levels related to groceries, health care, and personal savings are similar across age groups.
Survey Methodology
The nationwide poll was conducted July 10–14, 2025, by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research using the AmeriSpeak® Panel, a probability-based panel maintained by NORC at the University of Chicago. Interviews were completed online and via telephone (landline and mobile) with 1,437 adults. The margin of sampling error for the full sample is ±3.6 percentage points. To facilitate detailed analysis, respondents aged 18–29 were oversampled; the margin of error for this subgroup (386 interviews) is ±6.6 percentage points.
