U.S. Credit Card Debt Surpasses $1 Trillion

On the heels of a global pandemic, people are turning to their credit cards more than ever before to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this has resulted in Americans’ credit card debt hitting a record $1 trillion. Debt is a stressful issue and can lead to significant financial struggles, making it important to understand your options.

Third Man / Pexels / In an unprecedented move, the total credit card debt in the U.S. crosses $1 trillion.

In this blog post, we will discuss what credit card debt is, why it is increasing, and what you can do about it. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Credit Card Debt Actually?

Credit card debt is when you owe money to a credit card issuer. This can occur when you cannot pay off the entire balance before the end of the billing cycle. When this happens, interest is charged on the unpaid balance, and it begins to grow over time.

Anete Lu / Pexels / Credit card debt means you owe money to a credit card issuer – because of insufficient money.

Nonethelss, it is essential to note here that credit card debt usually comes with high-interest rates. Thus, it makes it difficult to pay off quickly.

Why is Credit Card Debt Increasing?

There are several reasons why credit card debt is increasing, with one of the main ones being the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic has caused financial strain for many people who are struggling to make ends meet. Thus, leading to an increase in credit card usage. It is sensible to say that average Americans are paying the hefty costs of the pandemic in the new normal era.

Additionally, credit card companies have been offering enticing rewards programs and low introductory interest rates, making it easy for people to accumulate debt. Finally, a general lack of financial literacy can lead some people into debt traps, which can be difficult to escape.

What Can You Do About It?

If you are struggling with credit card debt, there are several things you can do to manage it effectively. First, create a budget and stick to it. This will help you determine your expenses and allow you to see where you can cut back.

Anete / Pexels / Living below your means and creating a budget can help you overcome credit card debts.

Second, consider consolidating your debt into a single loan with a lower interest rate to make it more manageable. Lastly, seek help from a financial advisor or credit counseling service to learn strategies for managing your debt.

Credit Card Debt and Your Credit Score

Remember, credit card debt can negatively impact your credit score, which is a crucial factor for obtaining loans and other forms of credit. High credit utilization (the amount of credit you are using compared to the total amount available) can significantly reduce your credit score.

Why? Well, this is because it may signify to lenders that you pose a higher risk of defaulting on payments. If you are carrying a balance on your credit cards, be sure to pay it off as soon as possible to avoid damaging your credit score.

So, credit card debt can significantly impact your finances, causing stress and limiting your financial freedom. The best way to avoid credit card debt is to use your credit cards responsibly. Only paying for things that you can afford to pay back.

However, if you currently have significant credit card debt, there are things you can do to take control of your finances. By creating a budget, consolidating your debts, and seeking help from a financial advisor, you can make progress toward financial freedom and improve your credit score.