Credit card debt · United States
The typical family with a credit card balance owed $3,100 in 2025
About this number
Some families owe far more, which lifts the average for families with a balance to $8,000.
Among all U.S. families, about 45% still had a balance on their cards after paying their last bill, the Federal Reserve Board’s Survey of Consumer Finances found in 2025. The rest either paid in full or had no card debt.
Nationwide, the New York Fed’s count of card balances is just under its record.
We also lined up the 50 states and D.C. At the end of 2025, the places where card balances had grown fastest since 2019 tended to have a larger share of card debt seriously behind. How big the balances were said almost nothing about where people fell behind.
How much credit card debt do Americans have in total?
Americans owed $1.26 trillion on credit cards in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which reads balances from a sample of credit reports. That’s just under the record of $1.28 trillion, set at the end of 2025.
The New York Fed doesn’t adjust card balances for the time of year. They fall in the first three months of almost every year and climb again after, so the fair comparison is with the same quarter a year before.
Balances were up $54 billion from the second quarter of 2025. They’ve been higher than a year earlier for 19 straight quarters.
None of these dollar figures is adjusted for inflation.
The chart shows every quarter since 2003. Look for the drop in 2020 and the climb after early 2021; the small dips are the start of each year.
Credit card balances are just below their record, set at the end of 2025
Credit card balances on U.S. credit reports, each quarter from the first quarter of 2003 to the second quarter of 2026, in dollars not adjusted for inflation or the season.
How much of this debt is behind on payments, and how that’s changing, is on our credit card default statistics page.
Why do sites give different numbers for average credit card debt?
Each average counts different people. Spread over everyone with a credit report, card balances came to $4,350 a person at the end of 2025, by the New York Fed’s count.
That’s lower than averages counted only among people with cards, partly because it includes people with no card at all. TransUnion, a credit bureau, puts the average at $6,610 per borrower with a bank credit card, meaning a general-purpose card such as Visa or Mastercard rather than a store card, for the second quarter of 2026.
Read the “Who is counted” column first.
| Average | Who is counted | Producer | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,100 (half owed less, the median) | Families with a balance left after their last payment | Federal Reserve Board, Survey of Consumer Finances | 2025 |
| $8,000 (the mean) | Families with a balance left after their last payment | Federal Reserve Board, Survey of Consumer Finances | 2025 |
| $4,350 | Everyone with a credit report, card or not; joint accounts split in half | Federal Reserve Bank of New York | Q4 2025 |
| $6,610 | People with a bank credit card, in TransUnion’s credit files | TransUnion | Q2 2026 |
| $7,279 | Card holders in a Federal Reserve survey who agreed to have their answers matched to their credit records | Federal Reserve Board, Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking | 2025 |
The first two come from a survey of families and are in 2025 dollars. The other three come from credit reports.
The New York Fed’s figures use the balance on the last statement, which includes money people will pay off in full when the bill comes due. The family survey counts only what’s still owed after the last payment, so it comes closest to the debt people are paying interest on.
A common shortcut divides the New York Fed’s national total by the number of U.S. households. That figure doesn’t describe any real group: the total includes balances people pay in full each month, and it comes from people’s credit reports, not from households.
If you carry a balance and want to see where you stand, the family figures at the top of this page are the ones that count families like yours.
How many Americans have credit card debt?
Fewer than half, by both of the Federal Reserve’s surveys. Besides the family share at the top of the page, the Fed’s household survey found that 45% of card holders carried a balance at least once in the year before they were asked in 2025. In all, 82% of adults had a card.
The two shares look alike but count different groups: card holders at any point in a year, against families after their most recent payment.
TransUnion’s credit files give a head count instead: 176.9 million people carrying a balance on a bank credit card in the second quarter of 2026.
Homeowners who carry a balance typically owe twice what renters do
Half the homeowner families carrying a card balance in 2025 owed more than $4,000, twice the renters’ $2,000. About the same share of each group carried one: 45.9% of owners and 42.4% of renters.
Balances grew most for people struggling to get by
The same Fed survey matched some people’s answers to their credit records. Among those who said in 2025 they were finding it difficult to get by, the average card balance rose from $6,735 in 2023 to $9,265 in 2025. For people living comfortably, it barely moved.
Which states have the most credit card debt?
Among the 50 states and D.C., the District of Columbia had the highest card balance per person with a credit report at the end of 2025, at $5,500. Mississippi had the lowest, at $3,030.
Balances per person rose in every state and D.C. from the end of 2024 to the end of 2025.
The map shades each state by balance per person; darker means more. Then look at the late-share column in the table below: the darkest states aren’t near the top of it.
Credit card balances per person are highest in the District of Columbia
Credit card balance per person with a credit report, by state, at the end of 2025.
Credit card balance per person, by state · Q4 2025
Where balances grew fastest, a larger share of card debt was seriously late
How big a state’s balances are says little about where people fall behind. Of the five places with the largest balances per person at the end of 2025, none was among the 10 with the highest share of card debt seriously late, meaning 90 days or more behind.
The late share counts card debt that lenders have written off, too. The New York Fed found in August 2026 that lenders now report that debt for longer, which pushes the share up.
How fast balances grew lines up much better. Of the 11 places where balances grew fastest from the end of 2019 to the end of 2025, seven were also among the 10 with the highest late shares at the end of 2025.
Nevada leads both lists. Its balances per person grew 39% from the end of 2019 to the end of 2025, against 28% nationwide. At the end of 2025, 16.3% of its card debt was seriously late, against 12.4% nationwide. Card debt there grew faster than anywhere else, and more of it had gone unpaid for three months or more.
Mississippi shows the same pattern from the other end. It has the smallest balances per person of any state, but they grew 35% over those six years, and it’s among the 10 states with the highest late shares.
We found a pattern across states, not proof that fast growth causes late payments. Utah is the exception among the 11 fastest-growing places: its late share ranks tied for 43rd of 51.
One possible reason we haven’t tested: fast-growing states may have more young or new borrowers, whose balances start small and climb quickly.
The table ranks all 50 states and D.C. by balance per person. Sort it by growth to compare the last two columns.
| 1 | District of Columbia | $5,500 | $4,420 | 24.4 | 11.2 |
| 2 | Alaska | $5,250 | $4,440 | 18.2 | 9.8 |
| 3 | Hawaii | $5,220 | $4,290 | 21.7 | 10.2 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $5,160 | $4,170 | 23.7 | 11.4 |
| 5 | Maryland | $5,090 | $4,120 | 23.5 | 11.7 |
| 6 | Nevada | $5,060 | $3,630 | 39.4 | 16.3 |
| 7 | Florida | $5,050 | $3,730 | 35.4 | 14.9 |
| 8 | California | $5,000 | $3,810 | 31.2 | 13.2 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $4,960 | $4,020 | 23.4 | 10.5 |
| 10 | Colorado | $4,910 | $3,820 | 28.5 | 11.1 |
| 11 | New York | $4,820 | $4,010 | 20.2 | 12.9 |
| 12 | Virginia | $4,770 | $4,000 | 19.3 | 9.9 |
| 13 | Massachusetts | $4,650 | $3,760 | 23.7 | 10.3 |
| 14 | Washington | $4,640 | $3,660 | 26.8 | 9.3 |
| 15 | Texas | $4,620 | $3,470 | 33.1 | 14.2 |
| 16 | Georgia | $4,610 | $3,470 | 32.9 | 13.9 |
| 17 | Arizona | $4,530 | $3,460 | 30.9 | 13.7 |
| 18 | Delaware | $4,520 | $3,520 | 28.4 | 12.2 |
| 19 | New Hampshire | $4,500 | $3,630 | 24 | 9.8 |
| 20 | Rhode Island | $4,490 | $3,540 | 26.8 | 11.4 |
| 21 (tied) | Illinois | $4,260 | $3,410 | 24.9 | 11.6 |
| 21 (tied) | Utah | $4,260 | $3,170 | 34.4 | 9.5 |
| 23 | North Carolina | $4,160 | $3,120 | 33.3 | 12.5 |
| 24 | South Carolina | $4,090 | $3,020 | 35.4 | 13.4 |
| 25 | Oregon | $4,030 | $3,200 | 25.9 | 9.5 |
| 26 (tied) | Minnesota | $3,990 | $3,380 | 18 | 8.6 |
| 26 (tied) | Wyoming | $3,990 | $3,130 | 27.5 | 10.5 |
| 28 | North Dakota | $3,970 | $3,200 | 24.1 | 9 |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $3,950 | $3,260 | 21.2 | 12.3 |
| 30 | Idaho | $3,870 | $2,930 | 32.1 | 9.5 |
| 31 | Montana | $3,850 | $3,060 | 25.8 | 9.8 |
| 32 | Vermont | $3,790 | $3,130 | 21.1 | 9 |
| 33 | Maine | $3,760 | $2,960 | 27 | 9.8 |
| 34 | Tennessee | $3,710 | $2,760 | 34.4 | 11.6 |
| 35 (tied) | Kansas | $3,670 | $2,930 | 25.3 | 10.7 |
| 35 (tied) | Michigan | $3,670 | $2,860 | 28.3 | 11.3 |
| 37 | Nebraska | $3,650 | $3,000 | 21.7 | 9.8 |
| 38 | Louisiana | $3,610 | $2,690 | 34.2 | 14.2 |
| 39 | Ohio | $3,560 | $2,890 | 23.2 | 11.1 |
| 40 | Missouri | $3,550 | $2,800 | 26.8 | 11.4 |
| 41 | South Dakota | $3,530 | $2,970 | 18.9 | 9.1 |
| 42 | New Mexico | $3,520 | $2,860 | 23.1 | 11.9 |
| 43 | Oklahoma | $3,460 | $2,710 | 27.7 | 13.3 |
| 44 | Indiana | $3,410 | $2,700 | 26.3 | 11.7 |
| 45 (tied) | Alabama | $3,400 | $2,550 | 33.3 | 12.2 |
| 45 (tied) | Wisconsin | $3,400 | $2,770 | 22.7 | 8 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $3,310 | $2,530 | 30.8 | 13.8 |
| 48 | Iowa | $3,250 | $2,650 | 22.6 | 10.3 |
| 49 | West Virginia | $3,180 | $2,390 | 33.1 | 13.7 |
| 50 | Kentucky | $3,140 | $2,480 | 26.6 | 11.8 |
| 51 | Mississippi | $3,030 | $2,240 | 35.3 | 13.4 |
Per person with a credit report; joint accounts split in half. Dollars not adjusted for inflation. Growth and ranks are our calculations from New York Fed figures. Texas and West Virginia tie for 10th on growth, at 33.1%, so the fastest-growing group counts 11 places.
The New York Fed’s state figures for the end of 2026 will show whether the states where balances grew fastest still have the highest late shares. Every state’s full household debt is on our household debt by state page.
Where can you get help with credit card debt?
If your card balance keeps growing, a nonprofit credit counselor can go over your budget with you for free or a low fee, and many can set up a repayment plan with your card companies. Our directory lists free and low-cost help near you.
If a card has been sent to a debt collector, your rights under federal law are on our help page. If card bills are making the mortgage hard to pay, start with what to do when you’re behind on your mortgage.
Card interest rates: see interest rate statistics →
Credit card balances by quarter
The full national record, newest first. Not adjusted for inflation or the season. The first quarter of 2026 was revised from $1.25 trillion to $1.24 trillion in the August 2026 report.
| Quarter | Credit card balances ($ billions) |
|---|---|
| Q2 2026 | 1,263 |
| Q1 2026 | 1,242 |
| Q4 2025 | 1,277 |
| Q3 2025 | 1,233 |
| Q2 2025 | 1,209 |
| Q1 2025 | 1,182 |
| Q4 2024 | 1,211 |
| Q3 2024 | 1,166 |
| Q2 2024 | 1,142 |
| Q1 2024 | 1,115 |
| Q4 2023 | 1,129 |
| Q3 2023 | 1,079 |
| Q2 2023 | 1,031 |
| Q1 2023 | 986 |
| Q4 2022 | 986 |
| Q3 2022 | 925 |
| Q2 2022 | 887 |
| Q1 2022 | 841 |
| Q4 2021 | 856 |
| Q3 2021 | 804 |
| Q2 2021 | 787 |
| Q1 2021 | 770 |
| Q4 2020 | 819 |
| Q3 2020 | 807 |
| Q2 2020 | 817 |
| Q1 2020 | 893 |
| Q4 2019 | 927 |
| Q3 2019 | 881 |
| Q2 2019 | 868 |
| Q1 2019 | 848 |
| Q4 2018 | 870 |
| Q3 2018 | 844 |
| Q2 2018 | 829 |
| Q1 2018 | 815 |
| Q4 2017 | 834 |
| Q3 2017 | 808 |
| Q2 2017 | 784 |
| Q1 2017 | 764 |
| Q4 2016 | 779 |
| Q3 2016 | 747 |
| Q2 2016 | 729 |
| Q1 2016 | 712 |
| Q4 2015 | 733 |
| Q3 2015 | 714 |
| Q2 2015 | 703 |
| Q1 2015 | 684 |
| Q4 2014 | 700 |
| Q3 2014 | 680 |
| Q2 2014 | 669 |
| Q1 2014 | 659 |
| Q4 2013 | 683 |
| Q3 2013 | 672 |
| Q2 2013 | 668 |
| Q1 2013 | 660 |
| Q4 2012 | 679 |
| Q3 2012 | 674 |
| Q2 2012 | 672 |
| Q1 2012 | 679 |
| Q4 2011 | 704 |
| Q3 2011 | 693 |
| Q2 2011 | 694 |
| Q1 2011 | 696 |
| Q4 2010 | 730 |
| Q3 2010 | 731 |
| Q2 2010 | 744 |
| Q1 2010 | 762 |
| Q4 2009 | 795 |
| Q3 2009 | 812 |
| Q2 2009 | 824 |
| Q1 2009 | 843 |
| Q4 2008 | 866 |
| Q3 2008 | 858 |
| Q2 2008 | 850 |
| Q1 2008 | 837 |
| Q4 2007 | 839 |
| Q3 2007 | 817 |
| Q2 2007 | 796 |
| Q1 2007 | 764 |
| Q4 2006 | 767 |
| Q3 2006 | 754 |
| Q2 2006 | 739 |
| Q1 2006 | 723 |
| Q4 2005 | 736 |
| Q3 2005 | 732 |
| Q2 2005 | 717 |
| Q1 2005 | 710 |
| Q4 2004 | 717 |
| Q3 2004 | 706 |
| Q2 2004 | 697 |
| Q1 2004 | 695 |
| Q4 2003 | 698 |
| Q3 2003 | 693 |
| Q2 2003 | 693 |
| Q1 2003 | 688 |
Who carries a credit card balance, by age, income and homeownership
Balances among families that carry one, in 2025 dollars. Age is the age of the family’s head. Federal Reserve Board, Survey of Consumer Finances, 2025.
| Group | Families with a balance (%) | Typical balance (median) | Average balance (mean) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All families | 44.7 | $3,100 | $8,000 |
| Under 35 | 48.2 | $2,200 | $4,900 |
| 35 to 44 | 51.9 | $3,000 | $7,800 |
| 45 to 54 | 48.9 | $5,100 | $11,400 |
| 55 to 64 | 49.4 | $4,200 | $9,100 |
| 65 to 74 | 37.8 | $3,000 | $8,000 |
| 75 and older | 27.6 | $2,500 | $6,500 |
| Lowest fifth of incomes | 29.5 | $1,200 | $3,900 |
| Top tenth of incomes | 27.3 | $8,000 | $12,200 |
| Homeowners | 45.9 | $4,000 | $9,200 |
| Renters | 42.4 | $2,000 | $5,500 |
Questions about credit card debt
Is there more than one count of total credit card debt?
Yes. The Federal Reserve Board publishes a second total, revolving credit, which was $1.35 trillion in August 2026, a preliminary figure. It counts what lenders hold, mostly credit cards, and is adjusted for the season. The New York Fed’s total counts balances on people’s credit reports.
What is the average credit card debt by age?
In the Federal Reserve’s 2025 survey, families headed by someone 45 to 54 owed the most: half of those carrying a balance owed more than $5,100. Families headed by someone 35 to 44 were the most likely to carry one, at 51.9%. The table above has every age group.
How often is credit card debt data updated?
The New York Fed publishes the national total four times a year and state figures once a year. The next national figures usually come out in November. The Federal Reserve Board’s Survey of Consumer Finances, the source of the family figures, comes out every three years; the 2025 survey was published in October 2026.
Sources and method
The family figures are the Survey of Consumer Finances’ median and mean among families with a card balance after their last payment; the survey counts families, not people. Card balances from credit reports are dollars as reported, not adjusted for inflation; the New York Fed does not adjust them for the season. “Seriously late” means 90 or more days behind, as a share of each state’s card balances. Growth since 2019 is ranked at one decimal, ties included. Across the 50 states and D.C., the correlation between balance per person and the late share was 0.08, and between growth since 2019 and the late share it was 0.68. A correlation of 1 would be a perfect match and 0 no relationship. These are our calculations.
- Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System The Survey of Consumer Finances (2025 survey, published October 2026) for families carrying a balance and what they owe, in 2025 dollars. The Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (2025) for card holders and credit-record balances, and Consumer Credit (G.19) for revolving credit. Changes in U.S. Family Finances from 2022 to 2025 Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 Consumer Credit (G.19)
- Federal Reserve Bank of New York Household Debt and Credit Report (national, quarterly since 2003) and State Level Household Debt Statistics (by state, yearly). Both read balances from the New York Fed Consumer Credit Panel/Equifax, a sample of credit reports; per-person figures cover people with a credit report, with joint accounts split in half. State ranks, growth since 2019 and the comparison with late shares are our calculations. Household Debt and Credit Report State Level Household Debt Statistics Reconciling diverging credit card delinquency measures
- TransUnion Q2 2026 Credit Industry Insights Report: average debt per borrower and the number of consumers carrying a balance on bank credit cards, from TransUnion’s own credit files. Its total differs from the New York Fed’s. Q2 2026 Credit Industry Insights Report
We write with assistance from AI tools. Figures come from the data and sources named on this page.