The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that U.S. credit card debt hit a record $1.29 trillion in the third quarter of 2026. Consumer credit card balances rose by $22 billion, with total household debt reaching $19.1 trillion. Although the rate of seriously delinquent credit card debt decreased to 6.9%, it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, especially in lower-income areas where 10.3% of balances are seriously overdue.
Key facts
- Credit card balances reached $1.29 trillion in Q3 2026.
- Consumer credit card balances increased by $22 billion, or 1.7%.
- Total household debt rose to $19.1 trillion, up $5 trillion since 2019.
- The rate of seriously delinquent credit card debt is 6.9%.
- 10.3% of credit card balances in lower-income neighborhoods became seriously delinquent.
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