You pay your bills. You try to do the right things financially. And still, most months feel like a balancing act. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. New research from PROG Holdings, the parent company of Progressive Leasing, Four Technologies, and MoneyApp, confirms what many below prime consumers already know firsthand: being employed doesn’t automatically mean being financially secure.
Specifically, the data found that:
- More than 60% of below prime consumers work full-time
- More than 80% say they’re concerned about their financial outlook
- 25% skipped large purchases to focus on essentials
The Reality That Often Gets Overlooked
There’s a common misconception that people with less-than-perfect credit are unemployed, irresponsible, or careless with money. But that story doesn’t reflect reality. In fact, the research found that most below prime consumers are working and budgeting, but they’re still worried about their household’s finances. That pressure shows up in everyday spending decisions.
That’s why flexible payment options play such an important role today in helping underserved consumers get the products and services their families need.
Why Flexible Payments Matter More Than Ever
Tools like lease-to-own, buy-now, pay-later and cash advances can help bridge the gap when something breaks or an unexpected cost comes up, and waiting simply isn’t realistic. In fact, 60% of below prime consumers have used a flexible payment option in the past year to manage expenses.
For purchases that exceed $500, nearly 90% of below prime consumers say flexible payment options are important. Not because they want to overspend, but because spreading payments over time can make necessary purchases manageable without derailing the rest of the budget.
These numbers reflect the reality of covering essential needs when cash flow is tight and paying the purchase price upfront is not realistic, not impulse spending.
Relief, Not Recklessness
Public conversations sometimes frame flexible payment solutions as risky or harmful, especially for below prime consumers. But the experience of people using these tools tells a different story.
Sixty-five percent of below prime consumers say flexible payment options provide feelings of reassurance or relief.
Knowing there’s a way to manage an essential expense without draining an account or missing another bill can take some of the pressure off. It creates breathing room. It helps people stay on track rather than fall behind.
These tools don’t make consumers careless. The research shows that when flexible payments are offered, people are more likely to complete purchases thoughtfully and intentionally. They’re making considered decisions, not impulsive ones.
A Bigger Systemic Issue
The research also highlights something many working Americans are facing: rising costs are forcing people to delay purchases, downgrade choices, or skip spending altogether. Flexible payment options have become a way for underserved consumers to obtain the goods and services they need, when they need them.
When below prime consumers are portrayed as the problem, it distracts from the underlying reality: working full-time doesn’t guarantee financial stability. Misunderstanding that reality makes it harder to address the real issues facing millions of households.
What Real Support Looks Like
Real support starts with recognizing the pressure many working households are under and offering transparent, flexible, responsible ways to manage it. That means treating below prime consumers as thoughtful, hardworking individuals navigating difficult economic conditions in a way that allows them to stay in control of their finances.
That’s where solutions like Progressive Leasing, Four, and MoneyApp fit in. From payments to staying organized, the goal is to help consumers stay in control as they navigate expenses.
Working hard should count for something, and having tools that support everyday financial decisions shouldn’t feel out of reach.
Discover What New Below Prime Consumer Data Means for Retailers
New research from PROG Holdings sheds light on how below prime consumers are responding to these pressures and what it means for retailers evaluating flexible payment options like lease-to-own and buy-now, pay-later programs. The findings challenge common assumptions about this audience and reinforce that flexible payment options are becoming a critical part of the modern retail experience.