At A Glance
Financial marketers serve consumers with very different financial habits, digital behaviors, and spending patterns. Experian Audiences offer approximately 400 financial segments and thousands of additional syndicated options covering various industries to help reach individuals at the right moment across generations, channels, and seasonal events. These privacy-safe audiences support acquisition, engagement, and year-round planning.In this article…
Experian Audiences help financial marketers serve consumers with very different financial habits, digital behaviors, and spending patterns. Backed by our deep insight into income, debt, and credit, digital behavior, and household dynamics, our approximately 400 financial audiences and 3,500+ syndicated segments give financial marketers the ability to engage consumers with relevance across every life stage, channel, and financial mindset.
To help financial marketers build effective, more adaptable programs, in this article, we’ll explore two approaches:
- Generational: How financial behaviors differ across life stages
- Seasonal: How consumer financial motivation spikes at key times of year
Together, these approaches help financial marketers reach the right consumers with the right message at the right moment.
Generational approach
Financial marketers face a new kind of challenge: some consumers still visit branches, while others manage nearly every financial task from their phones. That gap reflects more than a channel preference; it signals distinct financial needs, confidence levels, and expectations for how money should work across generations.
How do financial behaviors differ across generations?
Generational digital behaviors
The data below highlights key differences in how younger consumers engage with digital financial tools compared with Boomers.
| Behavior/metric | Gen Z and Millennials | Boomers |
| Use peer-to-peer transfer apps (Venmo, PayPal) | ~50% | ~20% |
| Use a mobile wallet daily | 79% (Gen Z), 67% (Millennial) | Nearly 70% have never used one |
Younger generations are driving a mobile-first approach to money management, while Boomers are far less likely to manage their finances this way. They prioritize tools that help them build credit, reduce debt, manage rising costs, and automate everyday tasks. This behavior is reshaping how financial institutions think about acquisition, product relevance, and loyalty.
Generational workforce and retirement dynamics
As Boomers retire, their focus shifts to protecting accumulated wealth, steady income, and simplified service experiences. These changes are reshaping household finances and long-term planning behaviors across the country.
The table below outlines how shifting workforce composition and retirement milestones differ across generations.
| Behavior/metric | Gen Z and Millennials | Boomers |
| Share of the U.S. workforce | Growing toward 74% of the global workforce by 2030 (younger generations collectively) | ~15% of the U.S. workforce and shrinking |
| Retirement outlook | Expected age to retire 67-69 | ~75 million people will have retired by 2030 |
Marketers need to do more than track trends; they need to act on them with confidence. That’s where Experian Audiences come in.
Turn generational insights into action with Experian Audiences
Experian Audiences turn complex generational data into actionable marketing segments, helping financial brands reach the right people with the right message across every life stage. We offer approximately 400 financial audiences, each reflecting distinct financial priorities, from debt management to wealth preservation. These audiences are built using privacy-safe data and grounded in our deep understanding of income, debt, and digital behavior.
Experian’s financial audiences blend credit, behavioral, and demographic signals to help you connect with consumers based on:
- Debt profile, including type and overall burden
- Income tier and earning stage
- Financial confidence and digital engagement habits
How can marketers activate generational insights with Experian Audiences?
Each generation has unique financial journeys, needs, and motivations that marketers can address with Experian Audiences designed to reach:
- Generation Z (Gen Z)
- Millennials
- Generation X (Gen X)
- Baby boomers (Boomers)
In addition to these four generational segments, Experian Audiences also includes segments that apply broadly across life stages. These audiences reflect core financial attributes, such as income, capacity, and lifestyle, that are consistently relevant and can be layered onto any generational strategy.
- Ability to pay
- Generational income bands
- Income
- Mosaic® USA
While Fair Lending regulations prohibit age-based targeting, these groups are not built on age itself. Instead, they’re derived from observable financial behaviors and signals that often align with different life stages; allowing marketers to engage consumers in a compliant, behavior-driven way. We also offer FLA-friendly¹ audience segments when required, alongside expanded options for non-lending campaigns, supporting initiatives such as brand and product awareness, deposit growth, credit union membership, and other programs that don’t rely on credit-based targeting.
You can find the full taxonomy paths in the appendix.

This generation is young, digitally savvy, and highly engaged. Gen Z is beginning their financial journey with a focus on independence and debt management. Their preference for mobile-first tools and peer-to-peer payments reflects an expectation for simple, accessible financial experiences. Campaigns centered on credit-building tools, savings apps, and financial literacy resources are especially relevant for this group.
Here are seven recommended audiences to target Gen Z:
- Credit Card Financial Personality
- Discretionary Spend: Dining Out
- Discretionary Spend: Education
- Discretionary Spend: Entertainment
- In Market Buy Now Pay Later
- In Market for Auto Loan or Lease
- Renter
How to use these audiences
Financial marketers can activate audiences like Credit Card Financial Personality, In-Market Buy Now Pay Later, and Renter to introduce credit-building tools and mobile-first financial products.

Millennials are entering their peak earning years while balancing family, homeownership, and digital convenience. Their preference for digital and contactless payments reflects a broader expectation for seamless, mobile-first financial experiences. Campaigns highlighting mortgage products, family insurance, and digital banking resonate across connected TV, mobile, and display.
| Behavior/metric | Millennial |
| Prefer digital or contactless payments | ~85% |
Here are ten audiences to target Millennials:
- Deposits Financial Personality
- Discretionary Spend Education
- Discretionary Spend Home Furnishings
- In Market Buy Now Pay Later
- In Market Real Estate
- Investable Assets
- Likely to Move
- Mortgage Financial Personality
- New Parents
- Student Loan Age
How to use these audiences
Financial marketers can use audiences such as Mortgage Financial Personality, New Parents, and Discretionary Spend: Home Furnishings to reach Millennials navigating homeownership, family growth, and major financial decisions.

Gen X leads in household income and prioritizes investments, education, and long-term financial stability. They respond well to data-driven offers for refinancing, college planning, and wealth management, especially across digital video, streaming, and email channels.
Here are ten audiences to target Gen X:
- Discretionary Spend
- Discretionary Spend Donations
- Discretionary Spend Entertainment
- Discretionary Spend Travel
- Equity Loan Age
- Insurance Financial Personality
- Investment Financial Personality
- Investable Assets
- Mortgage Loan Age
- Net Asset Score (Net Worth)
How to use these audiences
Financial marketers can utilize audiences like Investment Financial Personality, Equity Loan Age, and Net Asset Score to promote refinancing, college planning, and wealth-building solutions.

Boomers tend to have lower debt loads and more stable income, but place a high value on security and simplicity. Their channel preferences skew traditional, focusing on direct mail, television, and formats that reinforce trust and familiarity.
| Behavior/metric | Boomer |
| Median net worth | $410,000 |
| TV consumption | 98% watch TV; 77% watch more than 2 hours per day |
| Newspaper readership | 50%+ still read print or a mix of print and digital |
Here are eight audiences to target Boomers:
- Charitable Causes
- Discretionary Spend
- Discretionary Spend Donations
- Discretionary Spend Travel
- Equity Loan Age
- Home Equity Financial Personality
- Mortgage Loan Paid Off or “Has Existing”
- Net Asset Score (Net Worth)
How to use these audiences
Financial marketers can target audiences such as Home Equity Financial Personality, Mortgage Loan Paid Off, and Net Asset Score to support messaging around wealth preservation, estate planning, and retirement security.
Seasonal approach
Alongside generation insights, financial advertisers should also capitalize on key seasonal events where financial motivation naturally spikes. Each season brings unique consumer behaviors, and Experian Audiences can be activated to align with these key seasonal moments.
Tax season
Refunds and debt payoff are top of mind as consumers prepare and file their returns.
- Experian Audiences you can activate:
- Household Tax Shelter User
- Tax Preparation Services and Software
- Tax Return: Professional Service Prepare User
- Tax Return: Self Prepare User
How to use these audiences
Use Tax Preparation Services and Software or Tax Return: Self Prepare User to reach consumers actively preparing returns, paying down debt, or planning how to use their refunds.
Home buying season
Mortgage, refinancing, and home equity activity increases as consumers enter the peak home buying window.
- Experian Audiences you can activate:
- In Market First Mortgage
- In Market Home Equity
- In Market New Mortgage
- In Market Second Mortgage
- Refinancing Homeowners
How to use these audiences
Use In Market First Mortgage or Refinancing Homeowners to connect with consumers exploring first-time home purchases, refinance options, or equity-based borrowing.
Back-to-school
Household spending increases as families manage education costs, holiday purchases, and year-end budgeting. This period also drives heightened activity around payments, credit usage, and financial planning.
- Experian Audiences you can activate:
- Back to School High Spend
- Back to School Moderate Spend
- Back to School Spend: PreK through High School
- College Tuition Geo Index High Spenders
- Credit Card Age <2 Years
- Credit Seeking Card Switcher
- In Market Credit Card
- In Market Personal Loan
- Mobile Location > College Students
- Student Loan Age <5 Years
- Student Loan Existing
How to use these audiences
Activate Back to School High Spend, Back to School Moderate Spend, or Back to School Spend: PreK through High School audiences to reach households actively preparing for the school year.
Year-end planning (October-December)
As Boomers and Gen X plan for retirement or tax optimization, focus on wealth preservation and investment management.
- Experian Audiences you can activate:
- Baby Boomer Household Income $150K–$249K
- Baby Boomer Household Income $250K–$499K
- Estimated Household Income Range $500K
- Gen X Household Income $1M Plus
- Geo-Indexed Household Income $1M Plus
How to use these audiences
Use Estimated Household Income Range $500K or Geo-Indexed Household Income $1M Plus to engage consumers focused on financial wrap-up activities.
What sets Experian Audiences apart?
Our syndicated audiences give you an advantage across channels, offering both scale and accuracy:
- Experian’s 3,500+ syndicated audiences can be sent to 200+ leading social platforms, such as Meta and Pinterest, TV, and programmatic advertising platforms, and activated directly within Audigent, a part of Experian, with private marketplaces (PMPs).
- Reach consumers based on who they are, where they live, and their household makeup. Experian ranked #1 in accuracy by Truthset for key demographic attributes.
- Access to unique audiences through Experian’s Partner Audiences available on Experian’s data marketplace, within Audigent, a part of Experian, for activation in PMPs, and directly on platforms like DirectTV, Dish, Magnite, OpenAP, and The Trade Desk.
You can activate our syndicated audiences on-the-shelf of most major platforms. For a full list, download our syndicated audiences guide.
Where can you activate Experian Audiences?
Experian Audiences can be activated on 200+ leading destinations or found directly on over 30 platforms, including:
Need a custom audience? Reach out to our audience team and we can help you build and activate an Experian audience on the platform of your choice.
Want to activate an Experian Audience on Meta, Pinterest, Snap, TikTok or on a platform not listed above? Contact us today.
Activate Experian Audiences today with Audigent
Audigent will build customized deals that combine premium Experian Audiences or Partner Audiences and inventory into a single, streamlined deal ID – tailored to your campaign needs. Plus, our powerful supply-side optimization ensures your campaigns deliver top marks in performance.
Connect with the Audigent team today at AudigentAgency_Brands@experian.com to get started.
Make every consumer part of your financial strategy
From first paychecks to retirement portfolios, every generation has its own financial story, and seasonal moments create predictable spikes in financial behavior. With Experian Audiences, you can plan across life stages and timing to meet consumers when intent is highest, building relationships grounded in trust, relevance, and meas
Reach out to us today
FAQs
Experian Audiences are pre-built, privacy-compliant consumer segments that help marketers target based on verified demographic, financial, and behavioral data.
They’re designed for flexibility across channels and can be activated on 200+ platforms, including major social, CTV, and programmatic partners.
Experian ranks #1 in demographic accuracy according to Truthset, and marketers can choose from 3,500+ syndicated audiences that capture signals such as income, spending behavior, household structure, financial attitudes, and ability to pay. These same audiences are also available through partnerships on platforms like DirecTV, Dish, Magnite, OpenAP, and The Trade Desk.
For a deeper look at our audience catalog, explore our syndicated audience guide.
Financial marketers can use Experian Audiences by aligning audience selection with generational priorities, such as digital banking for Gen Z or retirement planning for Boomers, to improve engagement and ROI.
Experian Audiences are designed to meet a variety of needs while respecting different levels of privacy standards. For example, we offer FLA-compliant segments where required, as well as broader audiences for objectives such as brand awareness, promotion, credit union membership growth, and more.
Experian’s approach to data is guided by our Global Data Principles, which reflect how we protect and manage information:
Data security: safeguarding data against unauthorized access, use, or loss
Accuracy: ensuring data is as accurate, complete, and relevant as possible
Fairness: collecting and using data responsibly and for legitimate purposes
Transparency: being open about the data we collect, how it’s used, and where it’s shared
Inclusion: using data to expand financial access and support consumer financial health
You can activate Experian Audiences are available across 200+ digital and connected TV platforms, including Meta, Pinterest, The Trade Desk, and Audigent PMPs.
Yes, you can combine Experian data with your own. You can combine your own first-party data with Experian’s 3,500+ syndicated audiences and additional segments from multiple Partner data providers, as a custom audience within a Curated Deal or self-service via Audience Engine.
Footnote
- “Fair Lending Friendly” indicates data fields that Experian has made available without use of certain demographic attributes that may increase the likelihood of discriminatory practices prohibited by the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) and Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”). These excluded attributes include, but may not be limited to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, disability, handicap, family status, ancestry, sexual orientation, unfavorable military discharge, and gender. Experian’s provision of Fair Lending Friendly indicators does not constitute legal advice or otherwise assures your compliance with the FHA, ECOA, or any other applicable laws. Clients should seek legal advice with respect to your use of data in connection with lending decisions or application and compliance with applicable laws.
Appendix
Generation Z
- Financial Personalities > Credit Card Financial Personality > Uninterested, Average Credit Card Balance
- Financial Personalities > Credit Card Financial Personality > Reluctant User, High Credit Card Balance
- Financial Personalities > Credit Card Financial Personality > Loyal Rewards Enthusiast, Low Credit Card Balance
- Financial Personalities > Credit Card Financial Personality > Credit Seeking Card Switcher, High Credit Card Balance
- Financial Personalities > Credit Card Financial Personality > Complacent Card User, Low Credit Card Balance
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Dine Out Annual Spend $4302-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Dine Out Annual Spend $2084-$4301
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Dine Out Annual Spend $0-$2083
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $512-$1227
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $1228-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $0-$511
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Annual Spend $4607-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Annual Spend $2230-$4606
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Annual Spend $0-$2229
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market > Buy Now Pay Later
- Financial > In Market > Buy Now Pay Later
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market Auto Loan
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market Auto Lease
- Demographics > Homeowners/Renters > Renter
Millennials
- Financial Personalities > Deposits Financial Personality > Uninterested, Average Deposit Balance
- Financial Personalities > Deposits Financial Personality > Self-Directed Diversifier, Very High Deposit Balance
- Financial Personalities > Deposits Financial Personality > Hesitant Borrower, Low Deposit Balance
- Financial Personalities > Deposits Financial Personality > Demanding Advice Seeker, Low Deposit Balance
- Financial Personalities > Deposits Financial Personality > Conservative Branch Banker, Very High Deposit Balance
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $512-$1227
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $1228-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $0-$511
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Furnishings Annual Spend $2602-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Furnishings Annual Spend $1272-$2601
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Furnishings Annual Spend $0-$1271
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market > Buy Now Pay Later
- Financial > In Market > Buy Now Pay Later
- Publisher Derived > In-Market: Real Estate > In-Market Real Estate
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score Less Than $10000
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $10000-$49999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $50000-$99999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $100000-$249999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $250000-$499999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $500000-$999999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $1000000 Plus
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Movers > Likely to Move
- Financial Personalities > Mortgage Financial Personality > Uninterested, Slightly Below Average Mortgage Balance
- Financial Personalities > Mortgage Financial Personality > Secure, Active Refinancer, Above Average Mortgage Balance
- Financial Personalities > Mortgage Financial Personality > Disciplined, Passive Borrower, Below Average Mortgage Balance
- Financial Personalities > Mortgage Financial Personality > Conservative, Bank Loyalist, Slightly Below Average Mortgage Balance
- Financial Personalities > Mortgage Financial Personality > Advice Seeking Refinancer, Slightly Above Average Mortgage Balance
- Life Events > New Parents > Child Age 0-36 Months
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Age > 9 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Age > 8 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Age > 7 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Age > 6 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Age > 12 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Age > 11 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Age > 10 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Age > <5 Years
Generation X
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Travel Annual Spend $682-$1364
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Travel Annual Spend $1365-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Travel Annual Spend $0-$681
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Reading Annual Spend $193-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Reading Annual Spend $102-$192
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Reading Annual Spend $0-$101
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Personal Annual Spend $993-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Personal Annual Spend $525-$992
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Personal Annual Spend $0-$524
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Furnishings Annual Spend $2602-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Furnishings Annual Spend $1272-$2601
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Furnishings Annual Spend $0-$1271
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Other Annual Spend $911-$1973
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Other Annual Spend $1974-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Other Annual Spend $0-$910
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment AV Annual Spend $952-$1763
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment AV Annual Spend $1764-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment AV Annual Spend $0-$951
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Annual Spend $4607-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Annual Spend $2230-$4606
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Annual Spend $0-$2229
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Admissions Annual Spend $833-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Admissions Annual Spend $326-$832
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Admissions Annual Spend $0-$325
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $512-$1227
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $1228-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $0-$511
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Donation Annual Spend $2568-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Donation Annual Spend $1265-$2567
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Donation Annual Spend $0-$1264
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $31619-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $0-$7900
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $7901-$10930
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $21952-$31618
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $15180-$21951
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $10931-$15179
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Dine Out Annual Spend $4302-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Dine Out Annual Spend $2084-$4301
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Dine Out Annual Spend $0-$2083
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Apparel Annual Spend $2818-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Apparel Annual Spend $1459-$2817
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Apparel Annual Spend $0-$1458
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Alcohol and Wine Annual Spend $727-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Alcohol and Wine Annual Spend $331-$726
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Alcohol and Wine Annual Spend $0-$330
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 9 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 7-8 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 12+ Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 11 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 10 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > <6 Years
- Financial Personalities > Insurance Financial Personality > Uninterested, Below Average Insurance Policy Face Value
- Financial Personalities > Insurance Financial Personality > Secure Agent-Oriented Loyalist, High Insurance Policy Face Value
- Financial Personalities > Insurance Financial Personality > Reluctant Insurance Skeptic, Below Average Insurance Policy Face Value
- Financial Personalities > Insurance Financial Personality > Insurance Averse, Below Average Insurance Policy Face Value
- Financial Personalities > Insurance Financial Personality > Engaged Advice Seeker, Average Insurance Policy Face Value
- Financial Personalities > Insurance Financial Personality > Confident, Self-Directed Planner, High Insurance Policy Face Value
- Financial Personalities > Investments Financial Personality > Skeptical, Fund-Oriented Investor, Low to Medium Investable Assets
- Financial Personalities > Investments Financial Personality > Savvy Sounding-Board Seeking Investor, Average Investable Assets
- Financial Personalities > Investments Financial Personality > Price Sensitive, Self-Directed Investor, Very High Investable Assets
- Financial Personalities > Investments Financial Personality > Cautious Investing Novice, Low Investable Assets
- Financial Personalities > Investments Financial Personality > Broker-Reliant Delegator, Very High Investable Assets
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score Less Than $10000
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $10000-$49999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $50000-$99999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $100000-$249999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $250000-$499999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $500000-$999999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Investable Assets > Investable Annual Assets Score $1000000 Plus
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Age > 9 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Age > 8 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Age > 7 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Age > 6 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Age > 5 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Age > 13 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Age > 11-12 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Age > 10 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Age > <4 Years
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Asset Score Net Worth $1000000 Plus
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Asset Score $2500000 Plus
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score Less Than $25000
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $750000-$999999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $75000-$99999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $500000-$749999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $50000-$74999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Asset Score $5000000 Plus
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $250000-$499999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $25000-$49999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $2500000-$4999999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $100000-$249999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $1000000-$2499999
Baby boomers
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Charitable Causes > Contributes to Private Foundations
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Charitable Causes > Contributes to Political Charities
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Charitable Causes > Contributes to Health Charities
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Charitable Causes > Contributes to Education Charities
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Charitable Causes > Contributes to Charities
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Charitable Causes > Contributes to Arts/Culture Charities
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Charitable Causes > Contributes by Volunteering
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Travel Annual Spend $682-$1364
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Travel Annual Spend $1365-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Travel Annual Spend $0-$681
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Reading Annual Spend $193-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Reading Annual Spend $102-$192
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Reading Annual Spend $0-$101
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Personal Annual Spend $993-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Personal Annual Spend $525-$992
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Personal Annual Spend $0-$524
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Furnishings Annual Spend $2602-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Furnishings Annual Spend $1272-$2601
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Furnishings Annual Spend $0-$1271
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Other Annual Spend $911-$1973
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Other Annual Spend $1974-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Other Annual Spend $0-$910
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment AV Annual Spend $952-$1763
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment AV Annual Spend $1764-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment AV Annual Spend $0-$951
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Annual Spend $4607-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Annual Spend $2230-$4606
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Annual Spend $0-$2229
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Admissions Annual Spend $833-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Admissions Annual Spend $326-$832
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Entertainment Admissions Annual Spend $0-$325
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $512-$1227
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $1228-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Education Annual Spend $0-$511
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Donation Annual Spend $2568-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Donation Annual Spend $1265-$2567
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Donation Annual Spend $0-$1264
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $31619-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $0-$7900
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $7901-$10930
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $21952-$31618
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $15180-$21951
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Discretionary Annual Spend Estimate $10931-$15179
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Dine Out Annual Spend $4302-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Dine Out Annual Spend $2084-$4301
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Dine Out Annual Spend $0-$2083
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Apparel Annual Spend $2818-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Apparel Annual Spend $1459-$2817
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Apparel Annual Spend $0-$1458
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Alcohol and Wine Annual Spend $727-$99999
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Alcohol and Wine Annual Spend $331-$726
- Financial – Analytics IQ > Discretionary Spend > Alcohol and Wine Annual Spend $0-$330
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 9 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 7-8 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 12+ Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 11 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > 10 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Equity Loan Age > <6 Years
- Financial Personalities > Home Equity Financial Personality > Uninterested, Low Home Equity Balance
- Financial Personalities > Home Equity Financial Personality > Secure, Savvy Credit User, High Home Equity Balance
- Financial Personalities > Home Equity Financial Personality > Home Equity Enthusiast, Very High Home Equity Balance
- Financial Personalities > Home Equity Financial Personality > Home Equity Averse Skeptic, Very Low Home Equity Balance
- Financial Personalities > Home Equity Financial Personality > Hesitant Borrower, Low Home Equity Balance
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Paid Off
- Financial FLA Friendly > Mortgage Loan Has Existing
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Asset Score Net Worth $1000000 Plus
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Asset Score $2500000 Plus
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score Less Than $25000
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $750000-$999999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $75000-$99999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $500000-$749999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $50000-$74999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Asset Score $5000000 Plus
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $250000-$499999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $25000-$49999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $2500000-$4999999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $100000-$249999
- Consumer Financial Insights > Net Assets Score (Net Worth) > Net Assets Score $1000000-$2499999
Tax season
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Financial Behavior > Household Tax Shelter User
- Publisher Derived > In-Market: Financial Services > Tax Preparation Services and Software
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Financial Behavior > Tax Return –Professional Service Prepare user
- Lifestyle and Interests (Affinity) > Financial Behavior > Tax Return – Self prepare user
Home buying season
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market First Mortgage
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market Home Equity
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market New Mortgage
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market Second Mortgage
- Financial FLA Friendly > Refinancing Homeowners
Back to school
- Retail Shoppers: Purchase Based > Seasonal > Back to School Apparel – High School
- Retail Shoppers: Purchase Based > Seasonal > Back to School Moderate Spend
- Retail Shoppers: Purchase Based > Seasonal > Back to School High Spend – PreK (Early Ed – PreK)
- Geo-Indexed > Discretionary Spend > College Tuition GeoIndex High Spenders
- Financial Personalities > Credit Card Financial Personality > Credit Seeking Card Switcher, High Credit Card Balance
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market Credit Card
- Financial FLA Friendly > In Market Personal Loan Consolidated
- Mobile Location Models > Visits > College Students
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Age > <5 Years
- Financial FLA Friendly > Student Loan Has Existing
Year-end planning
- Demographics > Household Income (HHI) > Baby Boomer Household Income $150K-$249K
- Demographics > Household Income (HHI) > Baby Boomer Household Income $250K-$499K
- Demographics > Household Income (HHI) > Estimated Household Income Range $500K Plus
- Demographics > Household Income (HHI) > Gen X Household Income $1M Plus
- Geo-Indexed > Demographics > Geo-Indexed Household Income $1M Plus
Latest posts

The 2026 consumer is reconsidering how they want to engage with businesses. Research from Nielsen anticipates that in 2026, people will spend more intentionally, think more critically, and expect more from the brands they invite into their lives. They want clear value, marketing experiences that make decisions easier, and personalization that respects their privacy and improves the moment they’re in. This change has big implications for marketers. Winning in 2026 will require understanding the motivations, concerns, and trust drivers behind consumer behavior. This means embracing a privacy-first identity foundation, deep audience intelligence, high-quality and ethically sourced data, omnichannel activation, and measurement that closes the loop across channels. Below, we break down consumer shifts shaping 2026 and how you can translate them into practical strategies for 2026. How will consumer behavior change in 2026, and how should marketers respond? Consumers are going into 2026 feeling deeply cautious. According to 2026 consumer outlook data, 32.8% of global shoppers say they’re financially worse off than last year, and 73% of those consumers cite rising cost-of-living pressures as the reason. Ultimately, people are spending, but they’re directing most of their dollars toward core categories like food, health, and household care. That mix of caution and restraint is shaping what they want from brands: clear value, relevant personalization, and simple, low-effort experiences that make choices feel easier and worthwhile. Want more details on how consumer caution shaped the peak buying season in 2025? Explore our 2025 Holiday spending trends and insights report for insights that can set the foundation for your 2026 strategy. Download the report Here are the consumer trends we expect to shape decision-making most in 2026 and how Experian can help you adapt. Economic stability will outweigh values Consumers are prioritizing the realities of their household budgets going into 2026. Global consumer research shows that environmental concerns fell from the #4 global worry to #9 in 2025, while financial pressures and geopolitical issues moved to the top of the list. People still care about brand values, but economic stability is becoming a stronger driver behind how they decide what to buy, where to shop, and which brands they trust. Consumers want brands to be responsible, fair, and transparent, but they also expect brand values to align with their financial reality. InsightData pointConsumers who feel financially worse off than last year32.8%Of those, consumers citing cost-of-living pressures73%Environmental concerns falling in priority (2024 to 2025)#4 to #9 in top global worries Source: Consumer Outlook: Guide to 2026 For your marketing, this means shifting from broad value messaging to audience-specific offers tailored to each group’s financial situation, understanding: Who feels financially stretched Who still has spending flexibility Who is shifting habits subtly (frequency, basket size, channel choice) How marketers should respond to this trend Experian helps brands read financial signals with accuracy. Using generational segments, income bands, lifestyle indicators, and geo-indexed audiences, you can distinguish between: Value-seeking shoppers who prioritize stretch, savings, and reliability Higher-income households motivated by sustainability, wellness, or premium experiences Multigenerational families with diverse influencers and decision drivers Urban vs. suburban households with different price sensitivities and convenience factors Paired with Experian’s privacy-first identity graph, your brand can activate audiences aligned with consumer insights across commerce media networks (CMNs), connected TV (CTV), social platforms, and programmatic channels using curated private marketplaces (PMPs). This ensures your messaging reflects the financial realities of consumers in 2026. Experian’s predictive insight capabilities also help forecast shifts in financial mindset, enabling you to anticipate change instead of reacting to it. As financial caution shapes everyday choices, the next question becomes how to remove friction and deliver value in ways that feel simple, relevant, and worth the spend. Consumers will prioritize value, simplicity, and relevance With everyday expenses still weighing on households, people will likely simplify their shopping habits in 2026. They want brands to make decisions easier, save them time, and offer clear value without extra effort. Instead of wading through endless choices or chasing promotions, shoppers are responding to experiences that feel straightforward and trustworthy, with: Transparent pricing Clear benefits Recommendations aligned to budget and needs Frictionless decision paths For your brand, it’ll be essential to deliver carefully crafted and targeted messages at the right moment, rather than overwhelming consumers with excessive messaging. Experian helps you pinpoint what value looks like for different audiences and tailor relevant experiences. How marketers should respond to this trend To meet consumers’ demand for value and simplicity, you’ll need to understand what “easy” and “worth it” mean to each audience before you activate a campaign. Experian enables this by identifying the moments, motivations, and household realities that shape how people simplify decisions. Using Experian’s lifestyle indicators, category affinities, geo-indexed spend patterns, and financial mindset segments, you can quickly pinpoint: Which audiences want streamlined choices (e.g., fewer SKUs, clearer value cues) Which shoppers expect premium quality without complexity Which households prioritize speed and convenience over price Which consumers prefer digital-first journeys vs. in-store simplicity Then, through Experian’s privacy-first identity graph, you can reliably reach these audiences across CMNs, CTV, social, and digital environments with: Product recommendations that reduce decision fatigue Promotions tuned to value drivers Creative that matches each audience’s expectations for ease Consistent messaging that aligns across all channels Experian’s AI-powered simplicity helps reduce manual effort in this process, enabling your team to uncover opportunities, streamline workflows, and focus more time on strategy and outcomes. And as Experian continues to explore agentic workflows, you’ll be able to move from manual audience setup to intelligent audience discovery — enabling strategies you may not have considered before. Once you’ve simplified the experience, consumers will expect the next layer of relevance: helpful, respectful personalization grounded in the data they choose to share. People want personalization on their terms According to Qualtrics’ 2026 Consumer Experience Trends Report, consumers still want personalization going into 2026, but they expect it to happen on their terms: InsightData pointPrefer personalized experiences64%Say benefits outweigh privacy trade-offs39%Feel uncomfortable with many data-driven personalization tactics32% Source: 2026 Consumer Experience Trends Report First-party data is now the foundation of meaningful, privacy-first engagement. Consumers are far more willing to share information when the value exchange is obvious and when they feel in control of how that data is used. They expect brands to: Use only necessary data Explain how personalization improves the experience Offer easy preference controls Demonstrate transparent, privacy-first data practices As your brand lives up to these expectations, trust grows, and consumers become more willing to share the first-party data you need for impactful, privacy-centric personalization in 2026. Experian helps you meet these needs with Audience Engine, a self-service activation tool that enables you to quickly and accurately view and activate your first-party data and partner segments across 200+ platforms without high operational overhead. And when you need deeper insight, it also connects 3,500+ syndicated audiences and 20+ trusted third-party providers, so you can enrich your first-party data with privacy-safe insights. This includes Experian’s most recent 2025 Syndicated Audiences release, which adds 400+ updated segments — including 62 Auto Loyalists — giving you a more granular, privacy-safe view of shifting values, lifestyle preferences, and intent signals for 2026. These segments break out characteristics by generation, income, gender, and urbanicity, so your brand can analyze where demand is rising and how behaviors differ across audience groups. For example: An automaker can target Auto Loyalists: Acura with model-specific offers A luxury brand can activate Auto Loyalists: Alfa Romeo and adjust messaging by income band, age, urbanicity, or lifestyle Used together, first-party data and enriched syndicated audiences allow you to personalize responsibly, target more effectively, and respond to 2026 consumer expectations while respecting their privacy wishes. How marketers should respond to this trend The future of personalization in 2026 is first-party and zero-party data, supported by a trustworthy identity framework. Experian enables this through: Identity resolution connected to 95% of U.S. households Privacy-first activation across digital, CTV, and CMNs Data modernization that maintains accuracy and compliance Responsible automation that delivers high-performance, human-centered personalization consumers want in 2026 Mosaic® USA, our household-level consumer classification system that provides a privacy-safe view of lifestyles and preferences so you can apply personalization intelligently across channels Audience Engine, which lets you activate and enrich your first-party data for richer, permission-based insights Marketing Attributes, which gives you access to thousands of demographic, behavioral, lifestyle, financial, and interest characteristics As soon as your brand earns permission to personalize, the next expectation is to apply that personalization across channels. Omnichannel behavior and real-time micro-moments will define how people shop Consumers don’t differentiate between channels anymore. They want a seamless, cohesive shopping journey. Consumer buying trends indicate that people are shopping more frequently but purchasing fewer items per trip. This suggests more small, mission-driven decisions, often triggered by digital or mobile discovery. As shoppers move fluidly between mobile, in-store, CTV, and social platforms, they rely on time-saving cues, simple comparisons, and contextual recommendations instead of complex decision-making processes. CMNs now influence choices across the digital shelf, in-store screens, and publisher networks, blurring the lines between media and commerce. Speed also matters; anything longer than next-day delivery reduces the likelihood of a purchase. These behaviors create more micro-moments: quick, intent-driven decisions shaped by life stage, financial mindset, household composition, real-time signals, and micro-behaviors like quick trips, small-basket missions, and mobile search checks. Meeting consumers in these moments requires contextual relevance, not broad targeting. How marketers should respond to this trend Experian helps you act on omnichannel and micro-moment behavior by unifying identity and audiences across: CMNs CTV Social platforms Programmatic partners Retail media publishers In-store digital environments Meanwhile, our audience assets give you the contextual accuracy these moments demand with: Geo-indexed spenders to understand financial posture and neighborhood patterns Generational household segments to reflect digital comfort and shopping rhythms Lifestyle and interest indicators aligned to real-life needs In-market and behavioral signals to reach consumers at the moment intent appears With privacy-first identity resolution anchoring it all, your brand can deliver consistent sequencing, informed personalization, and accurate measurement across channels. This is essential when omnichannel is the expectation and micro-moments decide who wins the sale. As these real-time behaviors shift, generational differences will further shape how consumers navigate channels, interpret value, and decide which brands earn their loyalty. What’s new with Experian Marketing Data? Explore hundreds of new and updated segments now available — auto, income, lifestyle, spend, TV, and more. Syndicated Audiences Marketing Attributes How are generational shifts shaping 2026 consumer behavior? Generational dynamics are also likely to play a significant role in how people discover, evaluate, and buy in 2026. While every age group is prioritizing value, simplicity, and trust, they express these priorities differently. Experian’s Syndicated Audiences updated for November 2025 include 61 new demographic segments — broken out by generation, income band, gender, and urbanicity — to help you reach each group with accuracy. These segments are informed by decades of responsible automation and predictive modeling, giving you a clearer view of how each group behaves, even as signals shift. For example, a retail brand can use the Gen X Dual-Income Households segment to reach value-driven, digitally engaged shoppers, while another brand might activate Millennial Urban Professionals to tailor offers based on lifestyle, income, or urbanicity. Here’s how key generations will shape buying and the Experian segments that can help you act on these customer insights. Gen Z expects transparency, authenticity, and digital ease Values: Transparency, authenticity, responsible data use Digital behavior: Always-on, mobile-first, social and creator-influenced Decision drivers: Trust, clarity, seamless digital experiences Relevant Experian segments: Gen Z Urban Households, Gen Z Renters Millennials seek value alignment, financial flexibility, and reliability Values: Fair pricing, quality, reliability Digital behavior: Efficiency-focused omnichannel shoppers Decision drivers: Time savings, cost relief, trust Relevant Experian segments: Millennial Urban Professionals, Millennial Parents Gen X is increasingly digital, highly value-conscious, and loyal Values: Reliability, clarity, long-term value Digital behavior: Digitally engaged but friction-averse Decision drivers: Practicality, stability, predictable service Relevant Experian segments: Gen X Dual-Income Households As these generational differences shape how people discover, evaluate, and buy, one theme unites every age group: trust now determines whether a brand earns attention, data, and loyalty. With today’s consumers scrutinizing how their information is used, that trust might just be what helps you succeed in 2026. Why is trust the new currency in data-driven marketing? In 2026, trust will differentiate the brands that flourish. Consumers want: Clear data practices Transparent value exchanges Confidence that brands are honoring their preferences And as signals decline, first-party data strategies supported by privacy-first identity resolution and responsible automation have become the reliable, transparent foundation for trust-driven marketing. Experian’s long-standing focus on data accuracy, modernization, and compliance — from quarterly releases and updates to our twice-yearly attribute retirement process — ensures you activate with the most current, ethical, and regulation-aligned data available. These practices strengthen consumer trust and drive more accurate targeting, better match rates, and measurable performance across channels. This focus on accuracy, governance, and transparency also underpins Experian’s approach to ethical AI, ensuring innovations serve people first while giving you confidence in every decision. How can marketers apply 2026 consumer insights today? As trust becomes the deciding factor in whether consumers engage, share data, or stay loyal, marketers need clear ways to operationalize that trust. Fortunately, the insights shaping 2026 translate directly into practical actions your team can take right now. Here’s where you can start: Audit your first-party data strategy and CRM hygiene Invest in scalable, privacy-first identity resolution Tailor messaging to financial attitudes, not just demographics Use Experian’s audience segments to match consumer values, generational traits, and urbanicity Build journey-based activation across mobile, CTV, social, and CMNs Implement measurement and closed-loop analytics so every activation feeds intelligence back into planning Evaluate where predictive insight and responsible automation can reduce manual work and improve outcomes With Experian, you can reach the right people with the right message at the right moment with accuracy they can trust. Teams gain the predictive insight and responsible automation needed to act on these shifts at scale. Looking for more insights into the year ahead? If you’re planning for 2026, consumer behavior is just the starting point. Experian’s 2026 Digital trends and predictions report takes you deeper into the forces reshaping marketing — from AI moving from hype to implementation and the evolution of commerce media beyond retail. Explore Experian’s 2026 Digital trends and predictions report What role does Experian play in helping brands activate data-driven marketing? As you put these 2026 consumer insights into practice, the challenge becomes turning strategy into scaled, privacy-safe execution. Experian’s data, identity, and activation infrastructure can make the difference: Identity as the foundation: Connect first-party data to 95% of U.S. households for a unified, privacy-first view. Privacy-first activation: Engage audiences safely across every channel with compliant targeting. Actionable data depth: Combine demographic, behavioral, contextual, and household-level attributes to enrich insights. Omnichannel reach: Activate at scale across CTV, CMNs, social, programmatic, and in-store environments. Closed-loop measurement: Tie exposure to outcomes across channels, enabling more effective optimization and continuous improvement. These capabilities provide your brand with the clarity, confidence, and control necessary for future success — powered by Experian’s human-centered approach to AI, which combines privacy-first clarity, predictive insight, AI-powered simplicity, real-time intelligence, and transparent innovation to deliver trust, accuracy, and measurable performance in 2026. Build your 2026 strategy with data you can trust Those who win in 2026 will be the ones who turn shifting consumer behavior into actionable intelligence rooted in trusted identity, accurate data, and measurement that proves what works. With economic caution shaping decisions, rising privacy expectations, and omnichannel journeys becoming the norm, brands that invest now in a strong data and identity foundation will be the ones that stay visible, relevant, and resilient. Experian gives you that foundation by unifying identity, high-quality data, activation, and closed-loop measurement through a human-centered approach to AI. With privacy-first clarity, predictive insight, AI-powered simplicity, real-time intelligence, and transparent innovation, Experian helps you understand your audiences deeply, reach them responsibly, and adapt in real time as the market evolves. 2026 is coming fast. Now’s the moment to build a high-performance strategy. Connect with us FAQs What are the biggest consumer trends for 2026? The biggest consumer trends for 2026 revolve around intentional spending, value-conscious choices, low-effort experiences, and personalization that feels transparent and trustworthy. Consumers are cautiously optimistic but still managing tight budgets, prioritizing essentials, and gravitating toward brands that simplify decisions with clear value and relevant experiences that meet them across channels. Personalization remains a differentiator when it’s rooted in responsible data use and clear benefits. How can marketers use 2026 consumer insights to drive next year’s strategies? You can use 2026 consumer insights to identify your highest-opportunity audiences, match your messaging and offers to their financial reality and values, and build journey-based activation across channels instead of working in silos. Experian’s identity graph and audiences help you connect online and offline behavior into a single, actionable view. How does Experian’s identity graph help marketers in 2026? Experian’s identity graph helps marketers in 2026 by providing a privacy-first, unified view of consumers across channels, connecting first-party data to 95% of U.S. households. This allows you to recognize individuals and households accurately, enrich their data with reliable attributes, and activate personalized experiences across digital, CTV, and CMNs with confidence.The result is better targeting, higher match rates, and more consistent, relevant engagement at every touchpoint. All of this is further strengthened by Experian’s human-centered approach to AI, which enhances clarity, accuracy, and real-time relevance. What is "privacy-first" marketing, and why is it important in 2026? Privacy-first marketing uses consumer data responsibly and transparently to improve the customer experience. In 2026, consumers still want personalization but are more selective about how their data is used.With privacy-first marketing, you build trust by explaining why data is collected, giving people control, and personalizing only with consented, high-quality data. Experian supports this through our Responsible Data Practices, which prioritize fairness, accuracy, transparency, security, and inclusion. Latest posts

Identity-led local advertising that works Local advertisers run on tight budgets, short timelines, and constant pressure to prove what works. Every dollar must count. In this Ask the Expert session, Aaron Brown, Chief Scientist at Madhive, joins Ali Mack, VP of AdTech Sales at Experian, to discuss how the Maverick AI platform helps local advertisers make confident decisions, act on clear recommendations, and see outcomes they can stand behind. Why local campaigns demand accuracy, and how to deliver it Local teams juggle multiple channels, changing budgets, and heavy performance expectations. To stay competitive, local teams need quick answers to three critical questions: Which households are most valuable to reach? Which channels work best in their market? Are campaigns on on track, day by day? Delivering that level of accuracy means working from a single, trusted view of households, channels, and performance, powered by clean, connected, and continuously updated data. “When you think about local, these aren’t enormous budgets. These businesses depend on success from day one and are still finding their footing. There’s a wealth of nuanced information we need to hear from advertisers to ensure their campaigns succeed, and a wealth of insights we need to deliver back. It’s a real-time matching problem at scale to make sure everything runs profitably for our customers.”Aaron Brown, Chief Scientist Why Experian data is the foundation of local planning Data is the foundation of effective local advertising, but not all data is created equal. For local advertisers, the real advantage comes from high-quality, actionable data that pinpoints likely customers and reduces wasted spend. Experian Marketing Data provides the identity and insights spine that helps local advertisers: Identify the right households in each market Build consistent, people-based audiences across partners Activate with confidence and measure outcomes on the same foundation Madhive’s data marketplace builds on this identity layer, curating trusted data sets that advertisers can integrate directly into planning and activation. “We’re focused on creating perfect matches between businesses and consumers. The right data is critical, which is why we started the data marketplace. It’s a curated, opinionated take on the best data to drive outcomes for the companies that depend on us.”Aaron Brown, Chief Scientist Madhive's Maverick AI at the core of local advertising Madhive’s Maverick AI is the AI-powered operating system for local media. Built as a foundational layer behind Madhive’s entire workflow, Maverick AI connects the dots across planning, targeting, reporting, and storytelling. Its purpose is simple yet transformative: turn fragmented data and advertiser inputs into actionable insights at scale. What makes Maverick AI different? AI-driven intelligence It doesn’t just automate tasks; it analyzes signals, connects context across markets, and refines strategies as campaigns progress. Data connectivity Maverick AI integrates diverse data sources, including Experian’s trusted identity data, so local advertisers can target households with accuracy and measure outcomes confidently. Interactive transparency Beyond dashboards, Maverick AI works alongside sellers and advertisers, surfacing insights, flagging missing inputs, and turning transparency into clear next steps. Adaptability From structured KPIs to unstructured signals like lists of recent in-store buyers or priority ZIP codes, Maverick AI uses every clue to inform smarter, faster decisions. "Maverick AI exists to connect local advertisers with data like Experian’s. Its ability to collaborate and tell stories back to advertisers is one of its greatest strengths.”Aaron Brown, Chief Scientist How Maverick AI and Experian Marketing Data turn transparency into results Maverick AI turns performance transparency into aligned plans and faster optimizations for local advertisers and agencies. Paired with Experian’s identity data, advertisers get an accurate, household-level view of real people in real locations. That lets them build consistent local audiences, reach those audiences across connected television (CTV), social, and the open web, and confidently tie ad exposure back to outcomes that matter in each market. “Maverick AI is the foundational layer behind all our operations – targeting, reporting, and storytelling. It connects data across organizations and advertisers, including trusted data sources like Experian. AI works tirelessly to pick up context, connect the dots, and deliver great results end-to-end for our customers.”Aaron Brown, Chief Scientist Your next local campaign starts with Madhive and Experian Local advertising performance starts with a trusted identity foundation. With Experian data and Madhive’s Maverick AI platform, local advertisers can define the right households once, activate their campaigns across CTV and digital channels, and measure outcomes with confidence. Many brands are increasing investment in AI-powered planning to cut waste and grow on-target reach. Let’s work together to make your next campaign a success. Let's solve your local advertising challenges today About our experts Aaron Brown Chief Scientist, Madhive Aaron Brown is Chief Scientist at Madhive, where he leads Mad Labs, the company’s advanced innovation division. With a background spanning mathematics, computer science, and law, Aaron specializes in applying complex technical and theoretical breakthroughs to real-world business challenges. Before joining Madhive, he worked at the machine learning startup Intelligent Life. A graduate of Boston University with degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, he also holds a J.D. from the University of Southern Queensland and lives in New York City. Ali Mack VP of AdTech Sales, Experian Ali Mack leads Experian’s AdTech business, overseeing global revenue across the company’s expansive tech and media portfolio. With over a decade of experience in digital and TV advertising, Ali drives strategic growth by aligning sales, customer success, and solutions teams to deliver impactful outcomes for clients and partners. She has successfully guided teams through two major acquisitions, integrating sales organizations and product portfolios into unified go-to-market strategies. Under her leadership, Experian has consistently exceeded revenue targets while fostering collaborative, results-driven teams and mentoring emerging leaders. Working closely with finance, product, and marketing, Ali develops strategies that support a diverse ecosystem of publishers, brands, and technology partners, positioning Experian at the forefront of data-driven advertising and identity resolution. FAQs What makes local advertising so challenging? Local advertisers face tight budgets, short timelines, and high pressure for results. They must reach the right households, tailor messaging, and optimize campaigns across zip codes. Experian’s data solutions and Madhive’s Maverick AI platform help overcome challenges like location targeting and data activation without losing signal. How does Madhive’s Maverick AI platform help advertisers achieve better results? Madhive’s Maverick AI platform centralizes operations, targeting, and reporting while enabling granular local planning at scale. It integrates Experian’s data to target households accurately, optimize campaigns across markets, and deliver measurable results, even for advertisers with limited budgets. How do Experian and Madhive foster collaboration in local advertising? Madhive’s Maverick AI platform provides transparency and clear recommendations, aligning advertisers on goals. Experian’s data solutions further enhance this process by providing a unified view of audience behavior, ensuring campaigns remain cohesive and effective across all channels. Latest posts

Audigent, a part of Experian, Dun & Bradstreet, and Experian are collaborating to help business-to-business (B2B) marketers target more effectively. Now, B2B marketers can reach verified decision-makers, keep the same audience across channels, and activate on connected TV (CTV) and digital via the Experian data marketplace. Together, Dun & Bradstreet’s trusted business data, Audigent’s curation and Deal ID activation, and Experian’s identity resolution drive efficient, measurable results. Unify identity and engage B2B audiences With Audigent, Dun & Bradstreet, and Experian working together, you get one dependable way to recognize the same companies and roles everywhere you run. Dun & Bradstreet's D-U-N-S® Number, serves as a stable company identifier, so offline business details map to the right digital profiles, and you can reach verified decision-makers with confidence. Through Audigent and Experian, you can access 400+ Dun & Bradstreet B2B audience segments, matched to a Deal ID and activated via Audigent’s curation engine and Experian’s data marketplace. This provides real-time B2B targeting across connected television (CTV), display, native, audio, and online video (OLV). Utilize differentiated data Dun & Bradstreet audiences are built on verified offline signals (e.g., company, industry, size, role, seniority) linked to the proprietary D-U-N-S® Number for deterministic matching. High-quality firmographic attributes become actionable segments you can activate in leading programmatic platforms. The result: privacy-compliant, performance-driven campaigns with omnichannel B2B targeting. Unmatched scale Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud spans over 600 million businesses across industries and regions, offering unparalleled depth for B2B targeting. Verified business identity The D-U-N-S® Number links verified offline business data to digital environments, enabling accurate and scalable activation. Privacy-first design Data undergoes rigorous validation and is compliant with major global regulations (General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)), enabling responsible activation. Trusted by the enterprise Over 85% of Fortune 500 companies rely on Dun & Bradstreet B2B data for its depth, accuracy, and broad coverage of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Three ways unified B2B identity improves media performance Target with accuracy: Use deterministic firmographics. Dun & Bradstreet’s D-U-N-S® Number anchors a consistent way to recognize the same company, linking offline signals to authenticated business entities. Reduce waste: Activate curated PMPs for efficient spend. Audigent’s curation engine packages those audiences into Deal IDs and routes through cleaner, more predictable supply paths, so more budget reaches the buyers that matter. Publishers see up to 75% net revenue increase after fees, while brands save 36–81% on data segments and achieve 10–30% higher video completion rates. Stay consistent: Maintain identity across all channels. Use the same audience criteria across CTV, display, native, audio, social, and OLV to improve match consistency without relying solely on third-party cookies. Improve addressability with Experian's Digital Graph Advertisers can use Dun & Bradstreet’s off-the-shelf segments to target specific audiences accurately across channels. By connecting Experian’s Digital Graph with Dun & Bradstreet’s company and contact data, marketers gain a clear advantage: one durable identity that improves match rates, keeps reach consistent across CTV and digital, and aligns targeting with measurement. What that means in practice: Higher match rates without third-party cookies. Expect consistent reach across CTV and digital with one audience anchored to the same identity. Cleaner measurement because activation and identity stay in sync. Suggested use cases Below are simple ways to put this to work, using Dun & Bradstreet business data and Audigent Deal IDs so the same audience runs and measures the same everywhere. Target key decision-makers Reach professionals in Finance, Sales, Healthcare, and IT/Technology by job role, company size, and industry, driving awareness and consideration across complex buying committees. Reach SMB owners Target companies with fewer than 50 employees to connect with small-business owners and operators. Activate across channels via Audigent Deal IDs for consistent delivery and measurement. Achieve more with Audigent, Dun & Bradstreet, and Experian Together, Audigent, Dun & Bradstreet, and Experian allow marketers to activate high-quality B2B audiences with confidence, delivering relevant and efficient campaigns. By pairing Dun & Bradstreet’s trusted business data and proprietary D-U-N-S® Number with Audigent’s curation engine, you get deterministic, privacy-compliant targeting at scale, now boosted by Experian’s identity for consistent cross-channel reach. Ready to activate your next B2B audience? Talk to an Experian expert today FAQs What makes Dun & Bradstreet's data unique for B2B targeting? Dun & Bradstreet's data is anchored by the D-U-N-S® Number, a persistent business identifier that links offline signals like company size, industry, and role to digital environments. This ensures accurate, scalable, and privacy-compliant targeting. How does Experian enhance cross-channel reach? Experian's Digital Graph connects devices and IDs at the household level, enabling consistent audience identity across channels, even in cookieless environments. This ensures higher match rates and reliable measurement. What is Audigent's role in this collaboration? Audigent's curation engine creates audience-aligned Deal IDs and PMPs, optimizing supply paths for efficient media buying. This reduces waste and improves campaign performance with cleaner, more predictable targeting. How does this solution support ABM strategies? Marketers can build role-based segments (e.g., IT Directors at mid-sized companies) and activate them across CTV and digital channels. Sequential messaging tailored to buying stages helps accelerate pipeline and drive engagement. Latest posts