Consumers Added $86 Billion In Credit Card Debt In 2025

Americans added tens of billions in credit card debt in 2025, highlighting ongoing financial pressure despite slower year-over-year growth.

Credit card debt remained a major financial challenge for U.S. consumers in 2025, with balances continuing to grow even as the pace of increase slowed compared to the previous year.

According to WalletHub’s latest Credit Card Debt Study, consumers added roughly $28 billion in credit card debt during the second quarter of 2025, and $86 billion during the full year.

While the increase is significant, it’s not as sharp as the increases seen in prior years. WalletHub found that the rise in debt during the third quarter was smaller than the same period a year earlier, suggesting some consumers may be pulling back on spending or becoming more cautious.

At the same time, credit card debt remains widespread. The average U.S. household has a balance of more than $11,000, showing that many consumers are still leaning on credit for everyday expenses.

WalletHub’s broader findings point to ongoing financial strain for many consumers. In a related WalletHub Credit Card Debt Survey, nearly one-third of Americans said they expect to have more credit card debt by the end of the year, while more than two in five are still paying off balances from the previous year.

That trend points to a bigger reality: even as conditions change, many households are still trying to keep up with rising costs and existing balances.

Ultimately, the data makes it clear that credit card debt continues to play a major role in how consumers spend and manage their finances.