What is the story about?
A survey by digital lending platform Moneyview shows that Indian borrowers are using credit for lifestyle and aspirational needs, signalling a shift from emergency-led borrowing to planned consumption in 2025.
The survey, which covered more than 700 districts, found that 55% of personal loan users spent on online shopping, while 52% used credit for food delivery. Around 40% of borrowers also used mobile banking apps, underscoring the growing role of digital-first financial behaviour.
The data shows the strongest rise in credit demand from Tier II cities such as Coimbatore, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, Jaipur and Nagpur. According to the survey, rising smartphone adoption and improved trust in digital lending platforms are helping non-metro markets display credit usage patterns similar to larger cities.
While healthcare and household needs remained steady borrowing triggers, categories linked to progress—such as mobility, home improvement, education and family milestones—recorded faster growth. The survey suggests this reflects higher confidence among borrowers and a broader view of credit as a tool for advancement rather than short-term support.
The survey also pointed to differences in borrowing decisions by gender. Family members played a larger role in influencing women borrowers (27%), while men were more likely to consult friends, colleagues or financial advisors (21%) before taking loans.
Commenting on the findings, Sushma Abburi, Chief Business Officer at Moneyview, said the consumption patterns indicate a growing preference for convenience-led and digital financial solutions, especially in emerging cities.
Moneyview said the findings highlight the continued expansion of digital credit adoption across India, driven by mobile-first usage and increasing participation from non-metro regions.
The survey, which covered more than 700 districts, found that 55% of personal loan users spent on online shopping, while 52% used credit for food delivery. Around 40% of borrowers also used mobile banking apps, underscoring the growing role of digital-first financial behaviour.
The data shows the strongest rise in credit demand from Tier II cities such as Coimbatore, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, Jaipur and Nagpur. According to the survey, rising smartphone adoption and improved trust in digital lending platforms are helping non-metro markets display credit usage patterns similar to larger cities.
While healthcare and household needs remained steady borrowing triggers, categories linked to progress—such as mobility, home improvement, education and family milestones—recorded faster growth. The survey suggests this reflects higher confidence among borrowers and a broader view of credit as a tool for advancement rather than short-term support.
The survey also pointed to differences in borrowing decisions by gender. Family members played a larger role in influencing women borrowers (27%), while men were more likely to consult friends, colleagues or financial advisors (21%) before taking loans.
Commenting on the findings, Sushma Abburi, Chief Business Officer at Moneyview, said the consumption patterns indicate a growing preference for convenience-led and digital financial solutions, especially in emerging cities.
Moneyview said the findings highlight the continued expansion of digital credit adoption across India, driven by mobile-first usage and increasing participation from non-metro regions.
