56% of Gen Z Doubt They Can Reach the American Dream in 2026

1 articles · Updated · mitú · Aug 14

A 2026 Intuit Credit Karma survey found 56% of Gen Z say they may never have enough money to achieve the American Dream, as inflation and weak entry-level pay reshape expectations.
Traditional milestones like moving out or buying a home are slipping further away, pushing many young adults to define success more narrowly as stable work, paid bills, savings and debt reduction.
More than 17 million people are considered credit invisible or thin-file, adding another barrier for young adults trying to build financial independence in an already expensive economy.
Interest in practical help is high: 52% of adults want detailed steps to improve credit and finances, while 82% of young adults want tools that turn routine payments like utilities and phone bills into credit-building history.
The report frames apps such as Credit Karma and its Credit Spark feature as part of that shift, reflecting a broader move from inherited ideas of wealth toward day-to-day financial stability.