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.

The generation X was the group of people with the highest average credit card balance in the United States in the 3rd quarter 2024. That year, the average credit card debt of the 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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

This statistic presents the credit card debt outstanding in the United States from 2000 to 2010 and a forecast thereof for 2018, by credit card type. The credit card debt outstanding on Visa credit cards amounted to approximately *** billion U.S. dollars in 2010 and it was projected to increase to *** billion U.S. dollars in 2018.

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.

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.

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, Alaska and Hawaii were the states in the U.S. with the highest credit card debt. While the average credit card debt in Alaska amounted to ***** U.S. dollars, people from Mississippi only had on average ***** U.S. dollars of credit card debt.

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.

This statistic presents the average credit card debt of Americans in 2017, by income. In that year, the credit card debt of Americans who earned more than *** thousand U.S. dollars amounted to ****** U.S. dollars.

Graph and download economic data for Charge-Off Rate on Credit Card Loans, Banks Ranked 1st to 100th Largest in Size by Assets (CORCCT100S) from Q1 1985 to Q1 2025 about charge-offs, credit cards, assets, loans, banks, depository institutions, rate, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Large Bank Consumer Credit Card Balances: Total Balances (RCCCBBALTOT) from Q3 2012 to Q1 2025 about FR Y-14M, consumer credit, credit cards, large, balance, loans, consumer, banks, depository institutions, and USA.

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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 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.

This report analyses the ratio of credit card debt to discretionary income. Credit card debt covers all personal advances on credit and charge cards, both interest-bearing and non-interest bearing, that are outstanding. Discretionary income is the amount of income remaining after deducting necessary household expenses and can be used to repay debt. The data for this report is sourced from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Te Putea Matua) and Statistics New Zealand (Tatauranga Aotearoa). The data is presented as credit card debt as a percentage of discretionary income for each financial year.

Consumer Credit in Canada increased to 786799 CAD Million in April from 783297 CAD Million in March of 2025. This dataset provides - Canada Consumer Credit - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.