PayPal Survey Reveals Holiday Spending Isn't Slowing Down, But Shoppers Are Changing How They Spend

As shoppers start earlier, seek more value and prioritize flexibility, PayPal offers more ways to help them make the most of their holiday budgets.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Holiday shoppers aren't necessarily spending less this year. They're changing how they spend. PayPal today released its 2026 Holiday Shopping Survey, revealing that nearly six in 10 Americans (58%) feel greater financial concern heading into the holidays, yet 64% still expect to spend the same or more than they did last holiday season. Faced with that tension, shoppers are planning earlier, setting budgets and looking for more ways to get value from every purchase.