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.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Loans: Credit Cards and Other Revolving Plans, All Commercial Banks (CCLACBW027SBOG) from 2000-06-28 to 2025-07-16 about revolving, credit cards, loans, consumer, banks, depository institutions, and USA.

Generation X was the group of people with the highest average credit card balance in the United States in the 3rd quarter of 2024. That year, the average credit card debt of generation Z amounted to approximately ***** U.S. dollars. People in the silent generation had a credit card balance of roughly ***** U.S. dollars.

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.

As of the third quarter of 2024, the levels of debt from consumer lending in the United States amounted to over five trillion U.S. dollars. The consumer credit debt of households and nonprofit organizations increased steadily in the last decade. Throughout that period, the outstanding consumer credit in the U.S. has also been growing.

Key information about United States Household Debt

• United States Household Debt reached 18,036.0 USD bn in Dec 2024, compared with the reported number of 17,943.0 USD bn in the previous quarter
• US Household Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1999 to Dec 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 18,036.0 USD bn in Dec 2024 and a record low of 4,540.0 USD bn in Mar 1999

• In the latest reports, United States Household Debt accounted for 61.7 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Dec 2024
• Money Supply M2 in United States increased 21,533.8 USD bn YoY in Dec 2024
• United States Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 34.9 USD bn in Dec 2024
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 0.1 Months of Import in Dec 2024
• United States Domestic Credit reached 30,648.3 USD bn in Mar 2024, representing an drop of 0.3 % YoY

Total credit card debt in the UK grew by over ****billion British pounds between March and April 2025, now reaching a similar level of debt as seen in early 2020. The annual growth rate of credit card debt stayed about the same in April 2025, reaching *** percent when compared to aApril 2024. The growth rate in 2024 has been decreasing until 2025 where it started to increase again, which may potentially be attributed to growing interest rates and the cost of living crisis.

This statistic presents the distribution of credit card debt in the United States in 2019, by generation. In March 2019, ** percent of Millennials had not credit card debt at all, *** percentage point lower than the national rate.

The tables and interactive maps below allow users to explore the ratio of debt to income by state, metropolitan statistical area, and county for each year since 1999. Household debt is calculated from Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY) Consumer Credit Panel/Equifax Data, and household income is reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The credit card collection service market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing credit card debt and a rising number of defaults. While precise market sizing data is absent from the provided information, considering the involvement of numerous major players like Midland Credit Management, and ARS National Services, and a study period spanning 2019-2033, it's reasonable to estimate the 2025 market size to be in the range of $15-20 billion USD. A conservative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5-7% over the forecast period (2025-2033) is plausible, reflecting steady but not explosive growth. This growth is fueled by several key factors: the persistent increase in consumer debt, technological advancements enabling more efficient collection strategies (e.g., AI-powered debt recovery solutions), and the outsourcing of collection services by financial institutions to specialized agencies. The market is segmented by various service types (e.g., first-party vs. third-party collections), collection methods (e.g., phone, mail, digital), and geographic regions. However, detailed segment breakdown data is not provided here. Despite the positive growth trajectory, the market faces certain challenges. These include stricter regulatory compliance requirements, increasing consumer protection laws, and the ethical considerations surrounding aggressive debt collection practices. Furthermore, fluctuating economic conditions and potential shifts in consumer spending habits could influence the demand for credit card collection services. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large, established firms and smaller specialized agencies. Successful players will need to balance efficient and effective debt recovery with ethical conduct and compliance to maintain profitability and sustainability in this evolving market. The continued adoption of technology to improve efficiency and customer communication will be crucial for future market leadership.

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.

In the third quarter of 2024, household debt in the United States amounted to over 71.66 percent of its GDP. It can be generally observed that U.S. households are more indebted by the end of the year than in any other quarter. The debt of households peaked in the last quarter of 2020, reaching the highest value since 2013. Debt to GDP ratio As it can be observed here, the household debt to GDP ratio decreased overall in the recent years. The steady growth of the gross domestic product in the United States could be a factor explaining this tendency. If the volume of debt grows at a slower pace than the GDP, the debt to GDP ratio would decrease. In addition to that, the overall value of mortgage debt in the U.S., which is the most significant component of the household debt, decreased from 2012 to the third quarter of 2014, but it has rebounded since then. Public debt in the U.S. Public debt in the United States, which is the amount of money borrowed by the government to finance budget deficits, has been increasing almost every single year. Not only that, but according to that forecast it is also expected to keep increasing during the coming years. The major holders of American government debt, as of December 2023, were Federal Reserve and government accounts and foreign and international holders. The ratio of national debt to GDP of the United States was higher than that of other major economies, but lower than that of Japan. Some of the lowest debt to GDP ratios were observed in Hong Kong SAR, Kuwait, and Turkmenistan.

In 2023, households in the United States with delinquent debt over 120 days late owed on average 212 U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, the average borrower with delinquent debt on derogatory owed 659 U.S. dollars. According to that, many debtors with money past its due in the U.S. owed relatively low amounts of money.

Graph and download economic data for Commercial Bank Interest Rate on Credit Card Plans, All Accounts (TERMCBCCALLNS) from Nov 1994 to May 2025 about consumer credit, credit cards, loans, consumer, interest rate, banks, interest, depository institutions, rate, and USA.

The consumer debt settlement market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer debt levels globally and a rising awareness of debt relief solutions. The market's expansion is fueled by several factors, including the rising prevalence of unsecured debt like credit card and personal loans, economic downturns impacting individual financial stability, and the increasing availability of debt settlement services through both online platforms and traditional financial advisory firms. The segment encompassing open-end loans (like credit cards) and closed-end loans (like personal loans) constitutes a significant portion of the market, reflecting the widespread nature of consumer debt. Within these segments, credit card debt relief remains a dominant area, given the high interest rates and often overwhelming balances associated with these products. Medical and private student loan debt settlement are also exhibiting significant growth, driven by escalating healthcare costs and rising tuition fees respectively. Competition among companies like Freedom Debt Relief, National Debt Relief, and others is intense, leading to innovative service offerings and increased consumer choice. This competition, however, also presents a challenge in terms of maintaining profit margins and ensuring ethical practices within the industry. Regional variations exist, with North America and Europe currently leading the market, but developing economies in Asia-Pacific are poised for substantial growth as consumer credit markets mature. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued market expansion, although the rate of growth might slightly moderate compared to the historical period (2019-2024) as the market matures. Factors potentially influencing this moderate growth include increased regulatory scrutiny of debt settlement companies, the potential for economic recovery in certain regions leading to reduced consumer need for debt relief, and ongoing efforts to educate consumers about alternative debt management strategies. Despite these factors, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by the persistent issue of consumer debt and the ongoing need for professional debt resolution services. Further segmentation by loan type and the emergence of new technological solutions for debt management are expected to shape the market landscape in the coming years.

The debt settlement service market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer debt levels and a rising awareness of debt relief solutions. While precise market size figures for the base year (2025) are unavailable, considering industry reports and trends indicating a substantial market, a reasonable estimate for the 2025 market size could be $5 billion USD. Assuming a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8% (a conservative estimate based on historical growth and future projections accounting for economic fluctuations and regulatory changes), the market is projected to reach approximately $8 billion USD by 2033. Key drivers include the rising prevalence of unsecured debt, such as credit card debt and medical bills, coupled with stagnant wage growth for many. Furthermore, the increasing availability of online debt settlement services and improved marketing strategies are contributing to market expansion. The market is segmented by service type (negotiation, counseling, etc.), customer demographics (age, income), and geographic regions. Competition is intense, with established players like Freedom Debt Relief, Rescue One Financial, and National Debt Relief competing against smaller, regional firms. Market restraints include stringent regulations, consumer skepticism, and the potential for negative impacts on credit scores. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, although the pace might vary depending on macroeconomic conditions. The increasing sophistication of debt settlement techniques and the evolving regulatory landscape are shaping the competitive dynamics. Companies are focusing on technology integration to improve efficiency and customer experience. The successful companies will be those that can navigate the regulatory environment, build trust with consumers, and offer transparent, effective solutions. Growth opportunities exist in expanding into underserved markets, developing innovative solutions, and enhancing client engagement through technological advances and personalized services. Further research into specific regional data would provide a more precise understanding of the market's nuances.

Graph and download economic data for Household Debt Service Payments as a Percent of Disposable Personal Income (TDSP) from Q1 1980 to Q1 2025 about disposable, payments, debt, personal income, percent, personal, households, services, income, and USA.

The consumer debt settlement market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer debt levels globally and a rising need for professional debt management solutions. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $15 billion, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors: the increasing prevalence of high-interest debt (credit cards, medical loans, student loans), economic uncertainties leading to financial distress, and the increasing awareness of debt settlement services as a viable alternative to bankruptcy. The market is segmented by debt type (credit card, medical, student loans, and others) and loan type (open-end and closed-end). North America currently holds the largest market share, primarily due to higher consumer debt levels and a well-established debt settlement industry. However, growth in other regions, particularly Asia-Pacific and Europe, is expected to be significant, driven by rising middle classes and increased access to financial services. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large national firms and smaller regional players. Companies like Freedom Debt Relief, Rescue One Financial, and National Debt Relief are key market leaders, leveraging their brand recognition and established processes. However, the market also presents opportunities for smaller firms specializing in niche areas like medical debt settlement or student loan consolidation. The market faces challenges, including stringent regulatory environments, concerns about ethical practices within the industry, and the need to build trust with financially vulnerable consumers. To mitigate these challenges, companies are focusing on transparent pricing, improved customer service, and enhanced technological solutions to streamline the debt settlement process. Future growth will depend on factors such as economic conditions, regulatory changes, and the continued evolution of financial technologies that support consumer debt management.