New York Fed says overall debt delinquencies eased while card and auto stress stay high
The New York Fed reported that 4.7 percent of U.S. household debt was delinquent in the second quarter of 2026. Credit card and auto loan delinquencies remain elevated even as the overall rate improved slightly.
NEW YORK - Aggregate U.S. household debt delinquencies eased slightly in the second quarter of 2026, yet credit card and auto loan trouble remain elevated, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and coverage by Fox Business and Reuters.
The New York Fed said 4.7 percent of outstanding household debt was in some stage of delinquency. Joelle Scally, an economic policy advisor at the bank, said delinquency rates across most products have held steady for about two years while new delinquencies for auto loans and credit cards stay at levels officials continue to watch.
Credit card debt more than 30 days delinquent has been near 9 percent of balances since 2024. Auto loans near that early delinquency mark are about 8 percent, and mortgages about 4 percent, Fox Business reported. Serious delinquency, defined as 90 days or more past due, edged higher year over year for cards, autos, and mortgages.
Credit card balances reaching 90 days past due rose from 6.93 percent in the second quarter of 2025 to 6.97 percent in the second quarter of 2026. Auto loans entering serious delinquency moved from 2.93 percent to 3 percent. Mortgages entering serious delinquency rose from 1.29 percent to 1.52 percent.
Fed economists also explained a confusing card statistic. The share of card balances more than 90 days delinquent climbed from 7.6 percent in late 2022 to 12.8 percent by early 2026 when charged-off debts are kept on books longer. Looking at new flows into delinquency, the pace has been roughly steady near 3 percent of balances since 2024, with the latest reading at 2.95 percent.
Total household debt was about 18.8 trillion dollars in the second quarter. Credit card balances rose by 21 billion dollars to 1.26 trillion, and auto loans rose by 28 billion dollars to 1.71 trillion in related Fed summaries. For households, the message is mixed: the broad delinquency rate improved a little, but revolving credit and car loans remain the soft spots.
Go Deeper
What is the overall delinquency rate?
The New York Fed put 4.7 percent of outstanding household debt in some stage of delinquency in the second quarter of 2026.
Which loans look weakest?
Credit cards and auto loans. Early card delinquency is near 9 percent of balances, and auto loans near 8 percent.
Did mortgages worsen?
Serious mortgage delinquency ticked up from 1.29 percent to 1.52 percent year over year in the figures Fox Business cited.
Why do some card numbers look worse than others?
Stock delinquency that includes old charged-off balances rose more than the flow of new late payments, which has been roughly steady since 2024.
What should households do?
Prioritize credit card paydowns, avoid stretching auto loans, and contact lenders early if a payment will be late.
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