Delinquency rates for credit cards picked up in 2025 in the United States, leading to the highest rates observed since 2008. This is according to a collection of one of the United States' federal banks across all commercial banks. The high delinquency rates were joined by the highest U.S. credit card charge-off rates since the Financial Crisis of 2008. Delinquency rates, or the share of credit card loans overdue a payment for more than ** days, can sometimes lead into charge-off, or a writing off the loan, after about six to 12 months. These figures on the share of credit card balances that are overdue developed significantly between 2021 and 2025: Delinquencies were at their lowest point in 2021 but increased to one of their highest points by 2025. This is reflected in the growing credit card debt in the United States, which reached an all-time high in 2023.

Graph and download economic data for Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks (DRCCLACBS) from Q1 1991 to Q1 2025 about credit cards, delinquencies, commercial, loans, banks, depository institutions, rate, and USA.

Credit card delinquency reached its highest level since 2019 in the first quarter of 2024, whereas mortgage delinquency declined to its lowest level. This is according to consumer data supplied by large banks that have to report such figures when handling over 100 billion U.S. dollars worth of assets. **** percent of credit card balances were ** days late - the highest percentage since tracking began in 2012. First-lien mortgage origination remained historically low, likely due to high interest rates and housing prices. Note the graphic shown here is different from another source on credit card delinquency rates in the U.S., as those figures are aggregates.

Credit card debt in the United States has been growing at a fast pace between 2021 and 2025. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the overall amount of credit card debt reached its highest value throughout the timeline considered here. COVID-19 had a big impact on the indebtedness of Americans, as credit card debt decreased from *** billion U.S. dollars in the last quarter of 2019 to *** billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2021. What portion of Americans use credit cards? A substantial portion of Americans had at least one credit card in 2025. That year, the penetration rate of credit cards in the United States was ** percent. This number increased by nearly seven percentage points since 2014. The primary factors behind the high utilization of credit cards in the United States are a prevalent culture of convenience, a wide range of reward schemes, and consumer preferences for postponed payments. Which companies dominate the credit card issuing market? In 2024, the leading credit card issuers in the U.S. by volume were JPMorgan Chase & Co. and American Express. Both firms recorded transactions worth over one trillion U.S. dollars that year. Citi and Capital One were the next banks in that ranking, with the transactions made with their credit cards amounting to over half a trillion U.S. dollars that year. Those industry giants, along with other prominent brand names in the industry such as Bank of America, Synchrony Financial, Wells Fargo, and others, dominate the credit card market. Due to their extensive customer base, appealing rewards, and competitive offerings, they have gained a significant market share, making them the preferred choice for consumers.

United States - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks was 3.18% in October of 2024, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks reached a record high of 6.61 in January of 2009 and a record low of 1.48 in April of 2021. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Consumer Credit in the United States decreased to 5.10 USD Billion in May from 16.87 USD Billion in April of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States Consumer Credit Change - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Debt Balance Credit Cards in the United States decreased to 1.18 Trillion USD in the first quarter of 2025 from 1.21 Trillion USD in the fourth quarter of 2024. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United States Debt Balance Credit Cards.

Introduction

Credit Card Statistics: A credit card is a widely used financial tool that allows consumers to make purchases or withdraw cash on credit, accruing debt to be repaid later. As of Q4 2024, Americans held approximately USD 1.21 trillion in credit card debt, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. The average credit card balance per consumer reached USD 6,730, up by 3.5% from 2023.

In the same period, the number of credit card accounts in the U.S. rose to about 617 million. Globally, Visa and Mastercard have approximately 1.3 billion and 1.1 billion credit cards in circulation, respectively. Credit cards accounted for 32% of all payment transactions in 2023, reflecting their significant role in consumer spending. However, 22% of credit card users make only minimum payments, indicating potential financial strain. Additionally, credit card delinquency rates rose to 3.6% in Q4 2024, highlighting challenges in debt repayment. These statistics underscore the importance of responsible credit card usage and financial management.

Credit cards also allow customers to build a debt balance that is related to the interest being charged. Let’s shed more light on “Credit Card Statistics†through this article.

Credit card charge-off rates reached their highest level in over 14 years by Q2 2024, as borrowers struggled to keep up with debts. This is according to figures gathered by the Federal Reserve from U.S. chartered commercial banks. Credit card became an increasingly more common way to pay after the coronavirus pandemic, as is shown in the distribution of different types of loans in the United States. U.S. consumers had built up their cash reserves, making them eligible to get a credit card. The high charge-off rates were joined by the highest U.S. credit card delinquency rates since the Financial Crisis of 2008.

United States - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, Banks Not Among the 100 Largest in Size by Assets was 7.37% in October of 2024, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, Banks Not Among the 100 Largest in Size by Assets reached a record high of 8.16 in October of 2023 and a record low of 2.88 in October of 2015. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, Banks Not Among the 100 Largest in Size by Assets - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

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Debt Settlement Market Size 2024-2028

The debt settlement market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.07 billion at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing trend of consumers seeking relief from mounting credit card debts. One-time debt settlement has gained popularity as an effective solution for individuals looking to reduce their outstanding debt balances. However, the time-consuming nature of negotiations between debtors and creditors poses a challenge for market expansion. Despite this, the market's strategic landscape remains favorable for companies offering debt settlement services. Key drivers include the rising number of consumers struggling with debt, increasing awareness of debt settlement as a viable debt relief option, and the growing preference for affordable and flexible debt repayment plans.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on streamlining the negotiation process, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, and building trust and transparency with clients. Effective operational planning and strategic partnerships with creditors can also help companies navigate the challenges of a competitive and complex market.

What will be the Size of the Debt Settlement Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses a range of companies offering financial wellness programs to help consumers manage and reduce their debt. These programs include medical Debt collection, consumer debt relief, and financial education resources. Online financial resources and debt management software are increasingly popular, providing consumers with affordable debt solutions and debt negotiation strategies. However, it's crucial for consumers to be aware of debt settlement scams and their settlement success rates. Debt consolidation loans and financial planning tools are also viable options for responsible debt management. Furthermore, financial literacy education and workshops are essential for consumers to understand debt reduction calculators and credit reporting errors.
Consumer financial protection agencies offer financial counseling services and financial planning advice to promote financial wellness strategies and responsible borrowing. Student loan forgiveness programs are also gaining traction in the market. Overall, the market for debt settlement and financial wellness solutions continues to evolve, with a focus on providing accessible and effective debt relief options for consumers.

How is this Debt Settlement Industry segmented?

The debt settlement industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Credit card debt
  Student loan debt
  Medical debt
  Auto loan debt
  Unsecured personal loan debt
  Others


End-user

  Individual
  Enterprise
  Government


Distribution Channel

  Online
  Offline
  Hybrid


Service Type

  Debt Settlement
  Debt Consolidation
  Debt Management Plans
  Credit Counseling


Provider Type

  For-profit Debt Settlement Companies
  Non-profit Credit Counseling Agencies
  Law Firms
  Financial Institutions


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America



  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The credit card debt segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experiences significant activity due to the escalating credit card debt among consumers. In India, for instance, the rising financial hardships faced by borrowers are evident in the increasing credit card defaults. The latest data indicates that credit card defaults in India reached 1.8% in June 2024, a notable increase from 1.7% six months prior and 1.6% in March 2023. This trend underscores the mounting financial pressures on consumers. The outstanding credit card debt in India mirrors this trend, with approximately USD3.25 billion in outstanding balances as of June 2024, a slight increase from the previous year.

Debt elimination and negotiation strategies, such as debt relief programs and debt consolidation, have become increasingly popular among consumers seeking financial relief. Credit reporting agencies play a crucial role in this process, as they maintain and report consumers' credit histories to lenders. Student loan debt, medical debt, tax debt, and payday loans are other significant contributors to the market. Consumers often turn to debt validation, credit repair, and financial coaching for guidance in managing their debts. Online platforms, mobile apps, and budgeting tools have become

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Loans: Credit Cards and Other Revolving Plans, All Commercial Banks (CCLACBW027SBOG) from 2000-06-28 to 2025-07-02 about revolving, credit cards, loans, consumer, banks, depository institutions, and USA.

More than half of consumers in the United States pointed to one clear reason in 2024 why their credit cards had maxed out that year. A survey held by a personal finance firm in October 2024 named inflation as the most likely rason why consumers had reached their credit card spending limit, ahead of emergency expenses. The total credit card debt in the United States was over 1.1 trillion U.S. dollars - up 26 billion U.S. dollars between Q2 2024 and Q3 2024. The source adds that people who maxed out their cards were likely to fall into credit card delinquency.

United States - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, Banks Ranked 1st to 100th Largest in Size by Assets was 3.06% in October of 2024, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, Banks Ranked 1st to 100th Largest in Size by Assets reached a record high of 6.71 in January of 2009 and a record low of 1.41 in April of 2021. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, Banks Ranked 1st to 100th Largest in Size by Assets - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on June of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Large Bank Consumer Credit Card Balances: 30 or More Days Past Due Rates: Accounts Based (RCCCBACTDPD30P) from Q3 2012 to Q1 2025 about 30 days +, accounts, FR Y-14M, consumer credit, credit cards, large, balance, loans, consumer, banks, depository institutions, rate, and USA.

Households Debt in the United States decreased to 69.20 percent of GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 70.50 percent of GDP in the third quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - United States Households Debt To Gdp- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about India Household Debt

• India Household Debt reached 617.3 USD bn in Mar 2024, compared with the reported number of 486.7 USD bn in the previous year
• India Household Debt: USD mn data is updated yearly, available from Mar 1998 to Mar 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 617.3 USD bn in Mar 2024 and a record low of 8.8 USD bn in Mar 1998

CEIC converts annual Household Debt into USD. The Reserve Bank of India provides Household Debt in local currency. The Federal Reserve Board period end market exchange rate is used for currency conversions. Loans are used due to the lack of Flow of Funds statistics. Household Debt includes Consumer Durables, Housing and Rest of Personal Loans. Household Debt is in annual frequency, ending in March of each year.


Further information about India Household Debt

• In the latest reports, India Household Debt accounted for 17.4 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Mar 2024
• Money Supply M2 in India increased 760.6 USD bn YoY in Apr 2024
• India Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 572.6 USD bn in May 2024
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 9.2 Months of Import in May 2023
• India Domestic Credit reached 3,045.9 USD bn in Apr 2024, representing an increased of 11.1 % YoY

In the first quarter of 2025, roughly **** percent of all consumer loans at commercial banks in the United States were delinquent. The delinquency rate on this type of credit has been rising again since 2021. Loans are delinquent when the borrower does not pay their obligations on time. One of the reasons for the delinquency rate decreasing during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic was that the personal saving rate in the U.S. soared during that period. What is the trend in consumer credit levels in the United States? Consumer credit refers to the various types of loans and credit extended to individuals for personal use, often to fund everyday purchases or larger expenses. When credit levels rise, it often signals that consumers are more confident in their ability to manage debt and make future payments. After a period of strong growth between 2021 and early 2023, consumer credit in the United States has been growing at a slower pace. By early 2024, consumer credit levels reached over **** trillion U.S. dollars. What is the main channel for acquiring consumer credit? In 2024, the leading type of consumer credit among consumers in the U.S. was credit card bills. Credit card usage in the North American country was substantial and credit card penetration was expected to reach over **** percent by 2029. Car loans ranked next as a common source of consumer credit, while other types of debt, such as medical bills, home equity lines of credit, and personal educational loans, had lower percentages.

Graph and download economic data for Charge-Off Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks (CORCCACBN) from Q1 1985 to Q1 2025 about charge-offs, credit cards, commercial, loans, banks, depository institutions, rate, and USA.

Key information about Italy Household Debt

• Italy Household Debt reached 1,145.1 USD bn in Sep 2024, compared with the reported number of 1,099.6 USD bn in the previous quarter
• Italy Household Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1995 to Sep 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 1,326.6 USD bn in Jun 2011 and a record low of 277.4 USD bn in Mar 1995

CEIC converts quarterly Household Debt into USD. The Bank of Italy provides Household Debt in EUR. The Federal Reserve Board period end market exchange rate is used for currency conversions. Household Debt includes NPISH.


Further information about Italy Household Debt

• In the latest reports, Italy Household Debt accounted for 48.0 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Sep 2024
• Money Supply M2 in Italy increased 2,268.4 USD bn YoY in Nov 2024
• Italy Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 51.6 USD bn in Dec 2024
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 0.9 Months of Import in Oct 2024
• Italy Domestic Credit reached 3,386.4 USD bn in Oct 2024, representing an increased of 2.9 % YoY