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US Credit Card Debt Reaches $1.26 Trillion

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 · 2 sources

US credit card debt has increased to $1.26 trillion, nearing last year's record high. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported this growth in a recent report, which also noted small declines in mortgage and student loan balances.

Credit card debt in the United States has climbed to $1.26 trillion, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This figure is close to the record high of $1.28 trillion reached last year. The report, which compared data from April to June with the same period last year, showed an increase of $54 billion. While credit card debt is nearing a record high, mortgage and student loan balances saw a small decline during the same period. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York releases regular reports on household debt and credit, providing insights into the financial health of American consumers.

The growth in credit card debt is a significant trend, as it indicates that many Americans are relying on credit to cover their expenses. The report does not provide detailed analysis of the reasons behind the increase, but it suggests that consumers may be facing financial challenges. The Federal Reserve's data is widely followed by economists and policymakers, who use it to assess the overall health of the US economy.

The 50+ takeaway: Rising debt affects retirement savings

Go Deeper

What is the current level of US credit card debt?

The current level of US credit card debt is $1.26 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This figure is close to the record high of $1.28 trillion reached last year.

What other types of debt were affected during the same period?

Mortgage and student loan balances saw a small decline during the same period, according to the report. This suggests that consumers may be prioritizing certain types of debt over others.

Why is the growth in credit card debt significant?

The growth in credit card debt is significant because it indicates that many Americans are relying on credit to cover their expenses. This can be a sign of financial stress and may have implications for the overall health of the US economy.

Who releases the report on household debt and credit?

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York releases regular reports on household debt and credit. These reports provide insights into the financial health of American consumers and are widely followed by economists and policymakers.

What is the source of the data on credit card debt?

The data on credit card debt comes from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's report on household debt and credit. The report is based on a comprehensive dataset that includes information from a variety of sources, including credit reports and other financial data.