American Bankruptcy Institute (“ABI”) on 4/11/24 reports Credit Card Delinquency Rates Were Worst on Record in Fed Study
A Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia report found that U.S. credit card delinquency rates were the highest on record in the fourth quarter, Reuters reported. Almost 3.5% of card balances were at least 30 days past due as of the end of December, the Philadelphia Fed said. That’s the highest figure in the data series going back to 2012, and up by about 30 basis points from the previous quarter. The share of debts that are 60 and 90 days late also climbed. “Stress among cardholders was further underscored in payment behavior, as the share of accounts making minimum payments rose 34 basis points to a series high,” according to the report. Nominal credit card balances set a new series high and card utilization also rose, as consumers stretched credit lines further. Inflation-adjusted credit card balances remained below fourth-quarter 2019 levels. The numbers signal added pressure on U.S. household finances amid higher costs of living. About 10% of credit card borrowers now have an account balance that exceeds $5,200, according to the Philadelphia Fed. One-quarter of active accounts have a balance of over $2,000 for the first time.