International Survey of Adult Financial Literacy 2026

Summary

This report presents first results of the 2026 Austrian Survey of Financial Literacy (ASFL). The ASFL is Austria’s contribution to the OECD/INFE International Survey of Adult Financial Literacy. It is conducted among Austrian residents aged 16+. Participants scored 69.4 (out of 100) on financial literacy, on average, and 63.9 on financial well-being. Based on comparable sets of questions, results have remained broadly stable since 2023. The results also show that while digital financial literacy is barely related to people’s use of digital financial services, it is lower among victims of financial fraud. Financial knowledge is positively associated with financial well-being and with saving by investing in securities, but it guarantees neither, as both depend strongly on income.

Highlights

Financial literacy and wellbeing differ by age, education and income
Younger people have lower financial literacy and report lower financial well-being than the average. The group of 25- to 34-year olds stands out as having the least future-oriented attitude, the lowest level of financial satisfaction and the least scope for pursuing their goals.

Low digital skills are related to experiences of financial fraud
Survey results show that people’s digital financial literacy is only weakly related to the number of digital financial services used. People affected by financial fraud score below the average of internet users.

Where high income and financial knowledge meet, people invest
People with higher incomes more often save via stocks, bonds or funds. Only for medium- and high-income groups is financial knowledge linked to making investments.