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.

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.

The average amount of non-mortgage debt held by consumers in the United States has been falling steadily during the past years, amounting to ****** U.S. dollars in 2023. While respondents had ****** U.S. dollars of debt in 2018, that volume decreased to ****** U.S. dollars in 2019, which constituted the largest year-over-year decrease.What age groups are more indebted in the U.S.?The age group with the highest level of consumer debt in the U.S. was belonging to the Generation X with approximately ******* U.S. dollars of debt in 2022. The next generations with high consumer debt levels were baby boomers and millennials, whose debt levels were similar. In comparison, credit card debt is more equally distributed across all ages. There is an exception among people under 35 years old, who are significantly less burdened with credit card debt. However, most consumers expect to get rid of their debt in the short term. College expenses as a source of debtEducational expenses were not among the leading sources of debt among consumers in the U.S. in 2022. Instead, they made up about ** percent of the total. However, around ** percent of undergraduates from lower-income families had student loans, while over a fifth of undergraduates from higher-income families had student loans. Independently of how they cover these expenses, the confidence of students and parents about being able to pay these college costs was high in most cases.

United States Household Debt: Credit Card data was reported at 815.000 USD bn in Mar 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 834.000 USD bn for Dec 2017. United States Household Debt: Credit Card data is updated quarterly, averaging 703.000 USD bn from Mar 1999 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 77 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 866.000 USD bn in Dec 2008 and a record low of 480.000 USD bn in Jun 1999. United States Household Debt: Credit Card data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.KA012: Household Debt.

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

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.

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 Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized (TOTALSL) from Jan 1943 to May 2025 about securitized, owned, consumer credit, loans, consumer, 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.

The statistic shows the leading credit card issuers in the United States in 2018, by purchase volume. American Express led the ranking in that year, with credit card purchase volume amounting to 754.92 billion U.S. dollars.

Credit cards in the United States

The concept of using a card for purchases has its roots in the early 19th century, but it was sometime after that in the 1940s that the first credit card was used in the United States. Its uses back then were restricted to the selling of fuel to the growing number of automobile users as the country’s economy boomed.

Credit card adoption levels were very high in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada at the beginning of the 20th century but the cash-orientated nature of the consumer meant that usage rates were relatively low. Today this is no longer the case and card ownership rates as well as purchase volumes have been showing an upward trend.

The main benefits that credit cards supply to customers is that of convenience, they allow the consumer to take out forms of short-term loans, allowing them to pay freely without having to calculate the remaining balance before a transaction is carried out, providing of course they do not exceed the maximum credit line.

Credit cards also have a number of disadvantages to consumers - these are well known. The modern practice of living beyond our means and factors compelling us to making purchases we can ill afford are part of the reason for the suffering resulting from the 2008 global financial crisis, credit cards are the embodiment of this practice. Often banks provide low introductory rates, limited to a fixed term, after which they increase. This can cause the credit card holder to get into financial difficulty and more debt.

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

United States US: Gross External Debt: Central Bank: Long Term: Trade Credit and Advances data was reported at 0.000 USD mn in Jun 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 USD mn for Mar 2018. United States US: Gross External Debt: Central Bank: Long Term: Trade Credit and Advances data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.000 USD mn from Jun 2003 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 59 observations. United States US: Gross External Debt: Central Bank: Long Term: Trade Credit and Advances data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.QEDS: Gross External Debt: by Sector and Instrument.

This statistic shows the consumer perception of selected types of debt in the United States in 2017. In that year, only ** percent of the respondents said that credit card debt was "good debt", whereas ** percent thought it was "bad debt".

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.

Snapshot img

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?

Request Free Sample

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

United States Debt: Outs: DN: saar: NF: HH: Consumer Credit data was reported at 3,873.271 USD bn in Mar 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 3,832.740 USD bn for Dec 2017. United States Debt: Outs: DN: saar: NF: HH: Consumer Credit data is updated quarterly, averaging 539.018 USD bn from Dec 1951 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 266 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,873.271 USD bn in Mar 2018 and a record low of 25.350 USD bn in Dec 1951. United States Debt: Outs: DN: saar: NF: HH: Consumer Credit data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Reserve Board. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.AB001: Borrowing by Sector: Flows and Outstanding.

US: Gross External Debt: General Government: Short Term: Trade Credit and Advances data was reported at 0.000 USD mn in Mar 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 USD mn for Dec 2017. US: Gross External Debt: General Government: Short Term: Trade Credit and Advances data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.000 USD mn from Jun 2003 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 59 observations. US: Gross External Debt: General Government: Short Term: Trade Credit and Advances data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: QEDS: Gross External Debt: by Sector and Instrument.

The majority of customer complaints regarding debt collection in the United States in 2022 concerned agencies trying to collect debt that the consumer did not owe. Written notifications about debt followed, with over 20 percent of respondents having complaints about it that year.

Graph and download economic data for Total Credit to Non-Financial Corporations, Adjusted for Breaks, for United States (QUSNAM770A) from Q4 1947 to Q4 2024 about adjusted, credits, nonfinancial, corporate, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Personal Saving Rate (PSAVERT) from Jan 1959 to Jun 2025 about savings, personal, rate, and USA.