Survey: Americans Increasingly Relying on Credit Cards Amid Inflation

Debt.com's 2026 survey finds over half of U.S. adults using credit cards for basic necessities as high-interest debt grows.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:12pm

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Debt.com's 2026 Credit Card survey highlights a growing "survival gap" in American finances, with more than half (55%) of U.S. adults now using credit cards as a primary financial lifeline to cover basic necessities like groceries, rent, and utilities. The survey found a sharp rise in financial strain, with 46% of respondents having completely maxed out at least one credit card and 57% reporting that persistent inflation has forced them to carry a larger monthly balance than a year ago.

Why it matters

The survey results underscore the need for Credit Education Month, as Americans' reliance on high-interest credit cards to make ends meet raises concerns about financial stability and the potential for a debt spiral. The findings also highlight generational differences, with younger consumers like Gen Z and Millennials more likely to be maxing out cards and carrying larger balances due to inflation.

The details

According to the data, 46% of respondents have completely maxed out at least one credit card, and 57% report that persistent inflation has forced them to carry a larger monthly balance than they did a year ago. The survey also shows a sharp rise in financial strain, with Americans carrying a five-figure credit card balance ($10,000 or more) jumping from 23% in 2025 to 29% in 2026. Additionally, 41% of respondents now report an average Annual Percentage Rate (APR) above 21%, up from 33% one year ago.

  • The survey was conducted in 2026.

The players

Debt.com

A trusted source for consumers seeking help with credit card debt, student loans, tax debt, credit repair, and more. Debt.com connects people with vetted financial professionals and educational tools to empower Americans to make smart money decisions and regain control of their finances.

Howard Dvorkin

CPA and Chairman of Debt.com.

President Trump

The former U.S. president who called for banks to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year and urged Congress to draft legislation to implement the proposal.

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What they’re saying

“When nearly half of those who have maxed out their cards owe more than $10,000 and a staggering 15% are carrying balances over $30,000, we aren't just looking at a budgeting issue; we're looking at a financial emergency. At these levels, the interest alone can become a barrier to financial stability.”

— Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman of Debt.com

“A 10% cap or other legislative measures may provide future relief, but the immediate solution is education and aggressive debt management. Knowing your numbers is the first step toward regaining control.”

— Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman of Debt.com

What’s next

On January 20, President Trump called for banks to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year and urged Congress to draft legislation to implement the proposal. The idea has sparked debate between consumer advocates and banking leaders over whether such a cap would help consumers or reduce access to credit.

The takeaway

The survey findings highlight the growing financial strain on Americans, particularly younger consumers, as they increasingly rely on high-interest credit cards to cover basic necessities amid persistent inflation. This underscores the need for greater financial education and debt management solutions to help people regain control of their finances and avoid a debt spiral.