In a financially turbulent third quarter, we’ve seen a surge in credit card debt coupled with a rise in the number of individuals missing payments. Credit card balances swelled by $48 billion, reaching an unprecedented high of $1.08 trillion, as per the latest data revealed by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The year-over-year rise of $154 billion in debt marks the largest increase since records began in 1999. Meanwhile, the 90-day delinquency rate for credit cards escalated to 5.78%, a significant rise from 3.69% a year earlier.
The Millennial Credit Crunch
Interestingly, millennials and individuals with auto or student loans experienced the most severe increase in delinquencies. This may come as a shock given our currently robust labour market and overall economy. “Millennials’ delinquency rates have seen the largest increase, significantly exceeding pre-pandemic levels,” remarked New York Fed researchers. The exact cause of this shift, whether due to a relaxation of lending standards or overextension, remains an area of future investigation and monitoring.
Repercussions for Young Borrowers
The youngest Americans are now battling more than ever to escape the tightening grip of credit card debt. The percentage of credit card users slipping from a current status in the second quarter to 30 or more days overdue in the third quarter rose to 2%, a climb from the 1.6% reported in the first and second quarters. The flow into serious delinquency on credit card debt, defined as being 90 days or more overdue, experienced the largest increases across all debt categories.
Millennials and the Credit Crunch
Higher costs of living and increased interest rates, a result of the Fed’s efforts to suppress inflation, have forced borrowers to rely more on credit. Despite this, homeownership rates among millennials remain low, potentially due to increased pressures from rising rents. This has led to a rise in credit card balances for eight consecutive quarters.
The Role of Credit Repair Services
Credit repair services offer a lifeline for those grappling with credit card debt. By scrutinizing your credit reports for inaccuracies, negotiating with lenders, and providing guidance on managing your finances, these services can help improve your credit score. Implementing credit repair strategies can help you secure better interest rates, which over time, can save you thousands of dollars.
A Deeper Dive into Delinquencies
Lower-income households are also feeling the impact, as borrowers in the least affluent regions of the US are more prone to falling behind on payments. Those with combined balances exceeding $20,000 have seen the sharpest increase in delinquency since 2022. On the other hand, during the third quarter, 68% of credit card borrowers maintained balances under $5,000 and had delinquency rates comparable to pre-pandemic levels.
Final Thoughts
Attaining financial stability is becoming more challenging for individuals burdened with student and auto loans. The anticipated resumption of student loan repayments is expected to worsen the difficulties in repayment. Unraveling the root causes, whether it be changes in lending practices, overextension of borrowers, or deeper economic distress caused by higher borrowing costs and inflationary pressures, is crucial for future research.
