The Velera Payments Index March 2026

Summary: Spending stayed strong across both debit and credit in February, even as job growth softened, consumer confidence lagged and global tensions rose. Inflation held steady at 2.4%, while a notable rise in gasoline prices began to squeeze household budgets. This month’s Velera Payments Index features a deep dive into delinquency trends, where overall rates continue to climb year over year — driven especially by younger and lower-income consumers — highlighting the importance of modernized, data-driven collections strategies for credit unions.