A recent survey indicates that a substantial number of American workers are increasingly relying on their savings to cover immediate expenses, with hourly employees facing the most acute pressure. The research, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Chime, found that 27% of all workers polled have had to access their savings unexpectedly within the past day, and 12% have done so within the last few hours.
Despite 84% of workers identifying building savings as a primary financial goal, the study highlights a disconnect between aspiration and reality. Hourly workers, in particular, are drawing down savings to bridge the gap until payday. Data shows that 20% of hourly workers accessed savings in the last few hours, compared to just 5% of salaried workers.
More than half of hourly workers (55%) reported withdrawing money from savings on a weekly basis, averaging $216 per month. This money is often used for everyday necessities. Over one-third (34%) of hourly workers have tapped their savings for items such as groceries, medications, and gas.
"Hourly workers aren’t telling us they don’t want to save. They’re telling us they can’t keep their savings saved," said Bill Gartland, head of go-to-market at Chime Enterprise. "When money set aside for the future repeatedly has to cover groceries, medication or the days before payday, it becomes much harder to build a financial cushion."
Financial concerns also appear to be a significant distraction for hourly workers, who estimated spending 20 hours per week preoccupied with financial issues. The strain extends to retirement savings, with two-thirds of eligible hourly workers (66%) having taken a 401(k) loan or hardship withdrawal at least once.
When asked how $1,000 in savings would impact their lives, hourly workers with little or no savings responded with sentiments of increased mental stability, reduced stress, and a sense of overall improvement.
The survey also explored the impact of earned wage access (EWA) tools. Among all respondents utilizing employer-sponsored EWA, 86% found it made saving easier. When EWA was combined with a savings account, 92% of respondents reported it helped them save more.
Furthermore, hourly workers who could save from their paychecks reported higher job satisfaction (74%), productivity (75%), and a greater likelihood of remaining with their employer (72%). Nearly three-quarters (74%) also indicated increased participation in their retirement fund.
Looking ahead, hourly workers remain optimistic about their savings potential, with the average surveyed worker hoping to increase their savings by 42% over the next five years.
"The findings suggest that when you give American workers access to the right tools, it’s much easier for them to save and to keep saving," Gartland added. "The bigger opportunity with earned wage access is helping workers manage the gap between paychecks while still building savings for the future. Over time, the goal should be needing that early access less, not more."
The survey was conducted online by Talker Research between September 3 and September 8, 2026, polling 1,000 hourly and 1,000 salaried workers who have internet access.