One in Five Americans May Still Be Paying for Black Friday Buys After January

Black Friday can bring some of the year’s steepest discounts, but for millions of Americans, those savings may leave behind a lingering financial burden. A new survey indicates that about one in five shoppers expects to still be making payments on Black Friday purchases after January ends. In other words, gifts bought during a single shopping weekend could keep affecting household budgets long after the decorations are packed away.

Omni Calculator’s Black Friday survey for 2026 found that 22% of respondents expect to keep paying for this year’s purchases beyond January. Another 6% said they are still covering items bought during the previous Black Friday season. The results point to a growing concern about holiday-related debt, especially as consumers contend with higher living costs, credit card balances, and the growing use of buy now, pay later services. The survey also sheds light on how Americans shop for the holidays and how they can avoid stretching those purchases into the new year.

Nearly One in Four Shoppers Expect Payments to Continue Past January

The survey found that 22% of shoppers expect to still owe money on Black Friday purchases after January, meaning their holiday spending will not be fully paid off when the new year begins. Of those respondents, 15% said they expect to need one to three more months to finish paying. Another 5% said repayment would take four to six additional months, while 2% expect to owe money even longer. By contrast, 65% said they expect to finish paying by the end of January, based on the survey’s repayment breakdown. The results suggest that Black Friday debt can become a serious budgeting issue for shoppers who depend on borrowed money to finance holiday buying.

Buy Now, Pay Later Customers Face Greater Risk

Services such as Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay let shoppers split purchases into smaller installments instead of paying all at once. That convenience can make expensive items seem more manageable, but the survey suggests it may also lead to longer repayment periods. Among buy now, pay later users, 53% expect to still be paying for Black Friday purchases after January, compared with 16% of other shoppers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises consumers to understand borrowing costs and repayment obligations before agreeing to financing. For shoppers managing several installment plans, those payments can pile up alongside ordinary household bills.

Credit Cards Can Make Bargains Costlier

A discounted TV or laptop may look like a strong deal until interest begins to build. Omni Calculator found that 18% of surveyed shoppers plan to use credit cards while carrying a balance, which could add financing costs to the purchase. For example, a $600 item charged to a credit card with a 24% annual percentage rate would become much more expensive if the shopper paid only $30 a month and made no new purchases. In that case, interest could significantly increase the final cost and prolong repayment well beyond the holidays. Before financing a sale with credit, shoppers should weigh whether the discount still makes sense after interest is added.

Some Consumers Are Still Paying for Prior Holiday Spending

One of the most concerning findings is that some consumers have not finished paying for purchases made during the previous holiday season. The survey found that 6% of respondents are still paying off last year’s Black Friday purchases, even as a new shopping season approaches. Separate research from DealAid’s holiday shopping survey found that 22% of respondents were still paying off purchases from the broader holiday season. While the surveys look at different groups and time periods, both point to the risk of holiday expenses becoming long-term financial obligations. Carrying old balances into another shopping season can make it harder to save money or prepare for unexpected costs.

The Biggest Discounts Do Not Always Mean Real Savings

Black Friday promotions often emphasize huge markdowns, limited-time offers, and products that seem too cheap to ignore. Still, Omni Calculator’s survey found that 34% of respondents have bought something they did not need simply because the price looked attractive. Another 20% could name a Black Friday purchase they later regretted, with electronics making up a sizable share of those regrets. A $200 appliance marked down from $350 is still a $200 expense if the household didn’t need it in the first place. Checking prices ahead of the sale and keeping a written shopping list can help buyers separate true savings from unnecessary spending.

Many Shoppers Are Trimming Other Expenses to Cover Deals

Holiday shopping does not always lead to debt, but it can force families to make tough trade-offs. According to the survey, 55% of respondents plan to cut back in other areas to make room for Black Friday spending. Dining out and takeout are among the most common categories shoppers expect to reduce, followed by clothing, personal spending, and travel. Cutting discretionary costs can be a reasonable budgeting move when it is planned rather than driven by pressure. Even so, households should avoid giving up essentials, emergency savings, or needed medical care just to take part in holiday sales.

Five Ways to Keep Black Friday Debt from Carrying Forward

The most effective way to avoid Black Friday debt is to set spending limits before promotional emails and ads start filling your inbox. These five practical steps can help shoppers protect their finances while still taking advantage of worthwhile discounts. First, figure out how much you can spend without borrowing and divide that amount among gifts and other planned purchases. Second, compare prices across retailers. Third, review credit card interest rates. Fourth, track installment due dates. Fifth, avoid buying items that were never on your list. Finally, remember that skipping a sale can sometimes be the smartest financial decision, especially when household costs are already stretching the budget.

Why Retirees and Fixed-Income Households Should Be Cautious

For retirees and other households living on relatively predictable monthly income, holiday debt can be especially disruptive. Social Security payments, pensions, and retirement withdrawals may already be earmarked for housing, groceries, insurance, and healthcare. Adding months of credit card or installment payments can reduce the money available for unexpected medical bills or home repairs. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers educational resources to help consumers understand credit card charges, billing statements, and repayment choices. Older shoppers may benefit from setting gift budgets early and discussing realistic holiday expectations with family members before they buy.

A Discount Should Not Turn into a Long-Term Burden

The survey is a reminder that a reduced price does not automatically make a purchase affordable. With 22% of shoppers expecting to carry Black Friday debt beyond January, holiday financing choices could affect household budgets well into the following year. Credit cards and buy now, pay later plans can be convenient, but they also require close attention to interest, fees, and repayment schedules. Shoppers who set realistic limits and focus on necessary purchases may be better positioned to enjoy the holidays without months of financial strain. In the end, the best Black Friday deal is one that saves money without creating a bill you will regret later.