United States Ranked Low in Global Financial Literacy Study
The U.S. placed 25th out of 27 nations, as many households struggle with money management and rely on credit for living costs.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Financial Planning
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The United States ranked 25th out of 27 countries in a global financial literacy study published in October 2026. While American respondents answered 72% of financial questions correctly, the findings highlight broad challenges in managing personal finances.
Why it matters
The study underscores significant gaps in household financial knowledge, as 46.1% of American respondents reported using credit to cover basic living expenses over the past year. With 41.2% of Americans expressing ongoing money worries, the results emphasize the difficulty many face in navigating daily financial requirements.
American respondents answered 72% of financial questions correctly, compared to the top-ranked score of 90.9%. With 46.1% of Americans using credit for living costs in the last 12 months, the study highlights a reliance on borrowing for essential needs.
The players
Remitly
A financial services company that published the global literacy study.
The details
The study tested participants on complex topics including compound interest, inflation, investing, and cryptocurrency. Despite the rise of digital tools, with 51.7% of respondents globally turning to AI for help, many households still struggle with foundational concepts like currency conversion, where Americans maintained an accuracy rate of 56.2%. The findings suggest that most people view themselves as self-taught, as 82.9% of global respondents indicated they did not learn core money management in school.
Timeline
October 2026: Study publication.
Past 12 months: Americans used credit for living expenses.
Past year: Respondents used AI tools for financial questions.
Money Landscape
The study provides a snapshot of global economic competency that contrasts with the 93.6% of respondents who advocate for mandatory financial education for children. This data highlights a persistent gap between the desire for formal instruction and the reality that most adults remain self-taught.
The findings suggest that households should review their reliance on credit for routine living costs, as 46.1% of Americans reported doing so this year. Consider consulting a qualified financial professional to assess your debt-to-income ratio and identify gaps in your own financial knowledge.
The takeaway
The data reveals that most adults are self-taught, yet a strong majority believe financial education should be a mandatory school subject. Readers should verify their own understanding of interest rates and inflation by reviewing their primary financial statements with a qualified professional.
Further reading
For more on managing your budget and developing long-term strategies, visit our Financial Planning section.
More information
You can review the full details and methodology in the Full financial literacy study.
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