Chilean debt rises as self-care consumption increases

A growing trend of spending on self-care and wellness is contributing to rising personal debt in Chile. According to the 2026 Delinquent Debt Report from Universidad San Sebastián and Equifax, nearly 4 million people in the country have unpaid debts, with an average delinquency exceeding $2.4 million pesos.

Financial wellness specialist Paola Schiaffino notes that self-care has transitioned into a financial obligation, where individuals feel pressured to consume expensive therapies, supplements, and lifestyle experiences to meet social standards. This consumption often serves as a compensatory mechanism for stress, yet the resulting debt creates further mental strain.

Retail credit, specifically department store cards, accounts for the highest concentration of unpaid documents, suggesting that credit is being utilized to sustain daily consumption and lifestyle standards.