Consumer filings remained elevated while commercial filings declined
New monthly bankruptcy data from G2 Risk Solutions (G2RS) shows that U.S. bankruptcy filing activity increased in July 2026, driven by continued growth in consumer filings, while commercial filings declined from June levels. Consumer bankruptcy activity remained elevated compared with the same period last year, reflecting ongoing financial pressure among households.
Consumer bankruptcy filings totaled 53,569 in July 2026, representing a 4.86% increase from June 2026. On a year-over-year basis, consumer filings were 10.80% higher than July 2025, indicating that consumer financial strain remains elevated despite normal monthly fluctuations.
Commercial bankruptcy filings totaled 1,140 in July 2026, declining 5.79% from June 2026 and 14.16% from July 2025. While commercial filing activity moderated during the month, overall levels remain above much of the post-pandemic period. Following a 2.3% year-to-date decline in 2025, commercial filings have increased 11.2% year over year through the first seven months of 2026, signaling continued normalization in business bankruptcy activity.
Combined consumer and commercial bankruptcy filings reached 54,709 in July 2026, representing the third-highest July filing total since 2018, underscoring the continued significance of bankruptcy trends across both consumer and business sectors.
Chapter-level filing trends also remained positive on a year-over-year basis. Compared with July 2025, Chapter 7 filings increased by 3,481 cases (11.33%), continuing to account for most of the overall bankruptcy growth and reflecting sustained demand for liquidation proceedings. Chapter 13 filings increased by 1,744 cases (9.73%), demonstrating continued growth in court-supervised repayment plans, though at a more moderate pace than Chapter 7 filings.