In what year did buying on credit become more common in the United States?

Buying on credit became more common in the United States around the year 1917 due to several significant changes in the economy and consumer behavior. Prior to this time, credit was not widely available to the average consumer; it was primarily used by businesses and wealthy individuals. The introduction of consumer credit began to reshape the marketplace, particularly with the growth of installment buying, which allowed people to purchase goods and pay for them over time instead of all at once.

The event that largely contributed to this shift was the introduction of the first credit card-like structures, which provided consumers with more access to credit. This practice grew in popularity, making it easier for individuals to buy products without needing to save the full price upfront. The societal changes following World War I, along with advancements in marketing and retailing, set the stage for credit to become a fundamental part of the purchasing process in American life.

This trend highlighted a shift towards a consumer-driven economy, where credit is available to a broader segment of the population, ultimately leading to the credit-centric society we see today.