Impulse Buying Statistics 2025: How Much We Really Spend
If you think you're alone in your impulse buying, the numbers will reassure you.
You're not. Most people impulse buy. And they spend a lot more than they realize.
The Big Picture Statistics
How Much Do Americans Spend on Impulse Purchases?
- Average person: $314 per month on unplanned purchases ($3,768/year)
- Average impulse buy: $50-$100 per transaction
- Frequent impulse buyers: Can spend $1,000+ per month
How Often Do People Impulse Buy?
- At least once per week: 73% of Americans
- Multiple times per week: 51% of Americans
- Daily: 27% of Americans
By Age Group
| Age Group | Avg Monthly Impulse Spending | Primary Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24 years | $272 | Social media, trends, FOMO |
| 25-34 years | $394 | Online shopping convenience, sales |
| 35-44 years | $412 | Emotional regulation, stress relief |
| 45-54 years | $356 | Sales, seasonal updates |
| 55+ years | $218 | Limited-time offers, convenience |
By Gender
- Women: Average $382/month on impulse purchases
- Men: Average $298/month on impulse purchases
- Both genders: Spend more during sales events and emotional distress
By Income Level
This might surprise you: Higher income earners impulse buy more than lower income earners.
- Under $35,000/year: $184/month
- $35,000-$74,999: $298/month
- $75,000-$124,999: $412/month
- $125,000+: $518/month
Why? Higher income means more available funds. Paradoxically, more money doesn't mean more restraint.
What People Impulse Buy Most
| Category | % of Impulse Purchases | Average Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion & Accessories | 28% | $65 |
| Food & Beverages | 24% | $35 |
| Electronics & Tech | 18% | $145 |
| Home & Decor | 15% | $75 |
| Entertainment | 9% | $55 |
| Other | 6% | $40 |
Where People Impulse Buy
- Online: 64% of impulse purchases (and the number is growing)
- In-store: 24% of impulse purchases
- Mobile apps: 12% of impulse purchases (often the same as online, but mobile-specific)
Most Common Online Platforms
- Amazon: 45% of online impulse buys
- Fashion/specialty retailers: 28%
- Social media (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest): 22%
- Subscription services: 5%
Time Patterns
When Do People Impulse Buy Most?
- Most likely time: Evening (6pm-midnight) - 58% of online purchases
- Peak days: Weekends (Friday-Sunday)
- Peak events: Sales events, holidays, payday
- Peak emotions: Stress, boredom, sadness
Regret Statistics
- 40% of impulse purchases are never used or worn
- 62% of people regret at least some of their impulse purchases
- Average regret value: $400-$500 per person per year (items they wish they hadn't bought)
- Repeat offenders: 75% of people who impulse buy say they'll try to stop, but most continue the pattern
Impact on Financial Health
- Impulse buying is correlated with: Higher debt, lower savings rates, higher stress about finances
- Average credit card debt from impulse buying: $2,500-$5,000 per household
- People who reduced impulse buying reported: 30% more savings, 25% less financial stress, better sleep
The Good News
If impulse buying is a behavior, it can be changed. And the statistics on people who DO change the pattern are encouraging:
- People who use the 30-day rule reduce impulse spending by 52%
- People who track their spending reduce impulse buys by 47%
- People who use checklists reduce impulse buys by 43%
- People who remove saved payment methods reduce impulse buys by 61%
- People who use visual tracking or apps are 3x more likely to stick to spending goals
What This Means for You
You're in good company. 73% of people impulse buy at least once a week. It's normal.
But that doesn't mean you have to accept it. The strategies that work show real results. And people who implement them save thousands of dollars per year.