Verified Confidence: medium
Primary source found; it says the same thing, the scope matches, and it is reasonably current.
Safe rephrasing
BrightLocal's 2026 survey found 68% of US consumers say they will only use a business with four or more stars (up from 55%), and 31% require 4.5 or more.
What the source says
In 2026, 31% of consumers will only use a business with 4.5 stars or more. This is up from 17% last year, meaning a drastic increase in consumer expectations in just one year. Seven in ten (68%) will only use a business with four or more stars, up from 55% in 2025.
BrightLocal — Local Consumer Review Survey 2026
- Commonly cited as
- "Customers won't pick a business under 4 stars"
- True origin
- BrightLocal — Local Consumer Review Survey 2026
- Type
- Reference fact: A frequently needed number or rule taken directly from a primary source (e.g. Pew, Census, IAB/PwC, FTC), with its as-of date.
- Year
- 2026
- Data as of
- BrightLocal survey, 2026
- Last checked
- Method & sample
- BrightLocal's annual online survey of US consumers about local business reviews.
- Drift between quote and source
- Stated intention, not observed behavior
- Interest
- BrightLocal sells local SEO and review-management software.