U.S. Bankruptcy Filings Rise 11% Through First Nine Months of 2026

U.S. bankruptcy filings increased 11% during the first nine months of 2026, suggesting broader financial distress among consumers and businesses as borrowing costs and household expenses remain elevated.

Individual filings rose 7% over the period. Commercial filings also rose at a similar rate.

Despite the increase, total bankruptcy filings remained below the level recorded in 2019, before the pandemic.

The filing data points to financial pressure across the U.S. economy. Future company disclosures could show whether businesses face debt-restructuring or going-concern concerns.