Title:
ANALYSIS OF RISKY CREDIT BEHAVIOR PAYLATER USERS IN SURABAYA, INDONESIA

Authors:
Firsa Ayu Novita, Yuniningsih Yuniningsih and Ika Korika

Abstract:
This study aims to analyze the effect of financial literacy on risky credit behavior among Shopee PayLater users in Surabaya, as well as the role of financial stress and financial self-efficacy as mediators in this relationship. The study seeks to understand how individuals’ knowledge of financial management, debt, and credit risk influences their tendency to make risky financial decisions. This research employs a quantitative approach, using Partial Least Squares (PLS) with SmartPLS 3.0 software. The population consists of all Shopee PayLater users in Surabaya, while the sample comprises 100 respondents selected through accidental sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed to test hypotheses regarding the direct and indirect effects of financial literacy on risky credit behavior through the mediators, financial stress and financial self-efficacy. The results indicate that financial literacy has a positive effect on risky credit behavior, where individuals with higher financial literacy tend to make more prudent credit decisions. Furthermore, financial stress was found to mediate the effect of financial literacy on risky credit behavior, suggesting that low financial literacy increases financial stress and risky credit behavior. In addition, financial self-efficacy serves as a significant positive mediator, where individuals with high financial literacy have greater confidence in managing their finances, thereby reducing risky credit behavior. These findings provide important implications for government authorities, financial institutions, and fintech companies in designing financial education programs and strategies for managing financial stress.

Keywords:
Financial Literacy, Risky Credit Behavior, Financial Stress, Financial Self-Efficacy

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2026.9329

Date of Publication: 03-06-2026