Credit card balances increased by $50 billion, or roughly 5%, in the fourth quarter of 2023, the New York Fed found.
As the federal funds rate rose, the prime rate did, as well, and credit card rates followed suit.
Why credit card debt keeps rising"Even though $1 trillion in credit card debt is a staggering number to wrap your brain around, the unfortunate truth is that it is only going to keep climbing from here," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree.
Despite the steep cost, consumers often turn to credit cards, in part because they are more accessible than other types of loans, Schulz said.
What to do if you're in credit card debt
Persons:
millennials, Wilbert van der, Matt Schulz, Schulz
Organizations:
Federal Reserve Bank of New, New York Fed
Locations:
Federal Reserve Bank of New York