TransUnion Anticipates Slight Increase in Mortgage Delinquencies in 2026
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TransUnion, Chicago, released its 2026 Consumer Credit Forecast, predicting that mortgage delinquencies in the 60-plus days past due category will increase slightly by the end of next year.
TransUnion anticipates mortgage delinquencies in that category will reach 1.65% by year end, compared with 2025’s predicted 1.54%, 2024’s 1.39% and 2023’s 1.11%. However, the 2026 anticipated rate is in line with pre-pandemic 2019’s 1.64%.
It’s also consistent with TransUnion’s predictions across some other credit products. For one, auto loan accounts 60-plus days past due are expected to reach 1.54%, up three basis points year-over-year and the fifth straight year of higher delinquencies.
Unsecured personal loans held by consumers 60-plus days past due are forecast to end the year at 3.75%, up one basis point year-over-year.
“Delinquency rates across most credit products are expected to see slight increases, which is not surprising given the unsettled economic environment,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. “The growth in serious delinquency rates remains measured, and consumers appear to be managing their finances reasonably well. We’ll continue to monitor these trends closely to determine whether this signals a broader improvement in consumer credit health.”
TransUnion also predicts credit card balances to increase 2.3% year-over-year, to reach $1.18 trillion. That’s the smallest annual increase since 2013, if pandemic-onset 2020 is excluded.
However, credit card delinquencies are anticipated to remain near flat, with consumers 90-plus days past due hitting 2.57%, up just one basis point.
“The smallest year-over-year growth in credit card balances in more than a decade, combined with stable delinquency rates, underscores the relative strength and resilience of consumer credit behavior–even amid broader economic uncertainty,” said Jason Laky, executive vice president and head of financial services at TransUnion. “For lenders, these trends present an opportunity to build deeper relationships with responsible borrowers while continuing to prioritize prudent risk management.”
