(Analysis of Consumers’ Use of Individual Credit Behavior)

Abstract

Purpose – In this study, individuals’ use of individual credit behavior and the impacts of some socio-economic and demographic variables on individual credit usage behaviors were investigated. Design/methodology/approach – The study was carried out with 2.242 participants aged 18 and above who live in 26 different cities that are at level 2 according to NUTS and have the capacity to represent Turkey in general. The behaviors of consumers regarding individual loan applications were evaluated in terms of the level of consciousness, gender, education and income level of consumers. In the statistical analysis of the data obtained, SPSS 23.0 statistical package program was used. Findings – According to the results, it is found that the status of credit card usage differed statistically significant according to gender and educational level. It has been found that the majority of the consumers can pay off credit card debt regularly and that there is a statistically significant correlation between educational level and regular payment status of credit card debt. In all the income groups, as well as the ratio of those who stated paying off all of their debt was the highest, this ratio was higher in the highest income group than the other income groups. It is found that approximately half of the consumers (47, 3%) use consumer loans. The ratio of consumer loan use in the high-income groups is lower than the ratio of the low-income groups. Discussion – Bankcards, credit cards and personal loans products that are ever increasingly used in recent years in Turkey, began to be used outside of its intended use. These products, which help to meet the need for cash, have become the primary source that enables many people in our country to expand their family budget.