US Banking Consumer Habits by Generation 2026

Patterns in Bank Choice, Channels, and Trust Across Generations

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About This Report
Generational splits shape how consumers find, research, and trust banks. Younger adults move through digital channels with ease, while older adults rely on branches, human support, and established institutions.
Table of Contents

Our third annual survey of 1,440 US banking consumers reveals the major habits and priorities of younger and older adults throughout the customer journey. These generational insights give marketers a clearer road map for winning and keeping customers.

Key Question: What generational banking behaviors should marketers understand to strengthen both acquisition and retention efforts?

Key Stat: Bank awareness splits sharply by generation, with 80% of younger adults discovering banks’ products and services through mobile apps. But among older adults, that falls to 52%—roughly the same proportion as physical branches.

Clients can find the full version of this chart later in the report.

authors

Myra Thomas

Contributors

Grace Broadbent
Suzy Davidkhanian
VP, Content
Erika Huber
Director, Report Editing
Na Li
Director, Primary Research
Penelope Lin
Director, Data Visualization
Tiffani Montez
Jennifer Pearson
VP, Research
Amy Rotondo
Director, US Research
Matt Torpey
Senior Chart Editor
Julia Woolever
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