VantageScore CreditGauge: May 2026 Credit Performance Healthy

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VantageScore, Stamford, Conn., released its CreditGauge for May, reporting consumer credit performance remained healthy in the month.

The average VantageScore 4.0 credit score was near flat at 701.

“While consumer sentiment has softened in recent months, the underlying credit data tells a more stable story,” said Atif Mirza, EVP and chief digital and insights officer at VantageScore. “Delinquency rates remain below pre-pandemic levels across all delinquency stages, reflecting the continued resilience of consumers despite elevated interest rates and rising household expenses. Coupled with a rebound in new credit originations, these credit trends point to a credit market that remains healthy and accessible.”

For delinquency rates, the results were more mixed for mortgages. Early-stage delinquencies improved significantly, falling 15.4%, but mid-stage delinquencies increased 8% and late-stage delinquencies increased 25.6%. This suggests fewer borrowers are falling behind, the report noted, but already-distressed borrowers are struggling to regain ground.

The average mortgage balance rose to $274,300, up $692 month-over-month and $6,600 year-over-year. That reflects continued home price growth and large loan amounts. But, the balance-to-loan ratio fell by 0.01% to 79.03%.

Overall, originations were flat for mortgages compared with April 2026 but rose by 0.05% year-over-year.

Looking month-over-month, originations increased among Gen Z (up by 0.04%), Baby Boomers (up by 0.01%) and the Silent Generation (up by 0.01%), but fell for Millennials and Gen X. Year-over-year, mortgage originations increased across all generations, led by Millennials (up by 0.05%) and Gen X (up by 0.04%).