Brazil faces record household debt and rising insolvency in 2026

Data from Serasa Experian show that Brazil reached a record 81.7 million consumers with negative credit registrations in 2026, representing 44.8 % of adults and an average debt of R$ 6,598 per person. Overall household indebtedness rose to R$ 539 billion, with 81.6 % of families reporting at least one outstanding obligation. Credit‑card debt is the leading source of delinquency, followed by loans, financing and overdraft facilities, while the proportion of consumers using credit‑with‑home‑guarantee to refinance other debts reached 43.7 % in the first half of 2026. Super‑indebtedness – where debt payments threaten basic living expenses – has become a social concern, prompting a judicial guide on extinguishing low‑value debt lawsuits and a public‑policy response. The federal government launched the “Desenrola Brasil” program in May 2026, offering up to 90 % discounts, 48‑month parcels and the use of FGTS resources for qualifying borrowers. Regional data show nearly half of adults in Acre are delinquent, while agribusiness debt defaults hit an eight‑year high of 8.2 % nationally. Experts warn that without improvements in financial education, the risk of recurring debt remains high.