Gen Z Relied on Credit Rewards in 2026

A 2026 survey revealed young Canadians used credit card rewards to help offset everyday household expenses.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Credit Cards

Bold vector editorial illustration of a brass key inside an empty wire grocery basket, representing financial management for Canadian household expenses. — A 2026 Citizens Financial Group survey highlights that Gen Z Canadians are increasingly utilizing credit card rewards to manage daily household expenses. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe using credit card rewards to offset everyday costs is a smart financial strategy?

Data from a 2026 Citizens Financial Group survey indicated that credit card rewards played a significant role in managing household finances for younger generations. Among those surveyed, Gen Z consumers were notably more likely than millennials to report that these benefits made a meaningful difference in their budgets.

Why it matters

As many Canadians look for ways to stretch their income, rewards programs have become a primary tool to offset daily costs. These benefits, which can include points and cash back, also serve as a method for younger users to build credit history toward long-term goals like mortgages.

A 2026 survey found 44% of Gen Z said credit rewards made a financial difference, compared to 19% of millennials. These cards often provide between 2% and 6% cashback on specific purchase categories.

The players

Citizens Financial Group

This financial institution provides banking, lending, and investment services while conducting periodic market research on consumer habits.

The details

Consumers are increasingly using AI tools to weigh card fees against potential benefits while juggling multiple cards for specific spending categories like groceries, gas, and travel. Roughly 35% of Gen Z respondents specifically aimed to leverage these rewards to reach a predefined financial goal.

The Citizens Financial Group survey on credit rewards was conducted in 2026.

Market Dynamics

This trend follows the historical rise of cashback and rewards-based credit card adoption. The data reflects an evolution in how younger consumers engage with financial products to manage their household budgets.

By strategically using cards for different categories, consumers can earn between 2% and 6% back on necessary purchases. This practice helps individuals stretch their monthly budgets and potentially build the credit scores needed for future major investments.

The takeaway

Using rewards strategically requires research to ensure the benefits outweigh the associated fees of the cards. Regularly tracking how these points or cash back contribute to specific financial goals can help maximize their utility in a household budget.