- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
U.S. Consumer Debt Accelerates, Equifax Data Shows
Delinquency Rates Begin to Ease but Remain Elevated Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
According to Equifax's latest Market Pulse report, the rate of increase for overall U.S. consumer debt accelerated in December 2025 compared to the same month in 2023 and 2024, reaching $18.20 trillion by the end of 2025. While delinquency rates have begun to ease, they remain elevated relative to pre-pandemic norms. The report also highlights a persistent K-shaped divide, underscoring a widening financial chasm between income brackets.
Why it matters
The acceleration in consumer debt growth and the persistent K-shaped divide in financial health underscore the uneven economic recovery and the ongoing financial pressures facing many Americans. This data provides important insights into the overall state of consumer finances and the potential risks and challenges ahead.
The details
Equifax's data shows that total U.S. consumer debt reached $18.20 trillion by the end of 2025, up 3.7% from the previous year. While delinquency rates across several major lending products have begun to ease from recent highs, they remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. For example, the share of consumers with at least one payment 60+ days past due declined to 5.7% in December 2025, down from a peak of 6.8% in the third quarter. The report also highlights diverging trends, with higher-income consumers continuing to benefit from asset inflation and expanded credit availability, while many others remain under financial pressure.
- Total U.S. consumer debt reached $18.20 trillion by the end of December 2025.
- The share of consumers with at least one payment 60+ days past due declined to 5.7% in December 2025, down from a peak of 6.8% in the third quarter.
The players
Equifax
A global data, analytics, and technology company that plays an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence.
Maria Urtubey
Market Pulse Advisor at Equifax.
What they’re saying
“Average subprime credit card utilization remained flat at 75.6% from quarter three to quarter four of 2025, despite rising prices, higher interest rates, and increased delinquencies.”
— Maria Urtubey, Market Pulse Advisor (Equifax)
“Historically, consumers have prioritized mortgage and auto obligations over other forms of debt. However, renewed enforcement on student loans, persistent inflation, and high borrowing costs may begin to reshape payment hierarchies and introduce stress into credit categories that have been relatively insulated in the past.”
— Maria Urtubey, Market Pulse Advisor (Equifax)
What’s next
Equifax plans to continue monitoring U.S. consumer credit trends and providing monthly reports on originations, balances, and delinquencies across various lending products.
The takeaway
The acceleration in consumer debt growth and the persistent K-shaped divide in financial health underscore the uneven economic recovery and the ongoing financial pressures facing many Americans. This data highlights the need for policymakers and financial institutions to closely monitor consumer credit trends and develop strategies to support financial stability and inclusion.
