Determinants of Households’ Credit Behavior in Russia

Purpose: The main goal of this work is to substantiate the need to consider microeconomic statistics when analyzing consumer lending to the population, as well as implementing approaches to modeling household credit behavior at the micro level. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article proposes and implements a comprehensive statistical approach that allows identifying the specificity of the influence of demographic, socio-economic characteristics of households on their credit activity. Findings: The article states that loan borrowings are more often found in households with children of preschool age who are in relatively high-income groups, who much more often inform about cash incomes that do not correspond to the declared level of consumption. Members of these households are more likely to work. The age range of borrowers expanded during the study period, and no prevalence of any age group was observed. Practical Implications: This result is of great practical importance, since, as already indicated, in assessing the solvency of the borrower, credit organizations are mainly focused on individual characteristics. Originality/value: It was found that the hypothesis that individual characteristics are important determinants of household lending activity has not been confirmed. And variables that characterize households significantly affect their credit behavior.