More Americans are stuck with long-term credit card debt

More U.S. consumers are saddled with credit card debts for longer periods of time, according to a survey, struggling to pay down amid high inflation and rising interest rates.

Sixty percent of credit card debtors say they have been in credit card debt for at least a year, up from 50% a year ago, CreditCards.com said in a report Monday. The share of those who have been in debt for over two years also increased, to 40% from 32%, according to the online credit card marketplace.

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With inflation exceeding wage gains, more households have relied on revolving debt. Consumers in their 20s and 30s, and those in the lowest income brackets are more likely to carry a balance to cover daily expenses such as groceries, child care or utilities than older generations, the report shows.

Although total credit card balances remain slightly lower than before the pandemic, decades-high inflation has taken a toll on the precarious finances of many U.S. households. About a quarter of respondents said day-to-day expenses are the primary reason why they carry a balance. Almost half cite an emergency or unexpected expense, including medical bills and home or car repair.

The Federal Reserve is likely to raise interest rates for the fifth time this year next week. Credit card rates are typically directly tied to the Fed funds rate, and their increase along with a softening economy may lead to higher delinquencies. Total consumer debt rose $23.8 billion in July to a record $4.64 trillion, according to data from the Federal Reserve. The Fed figures include credit card debt, student loans and auto loans but do not factor in mortgage debt. Revolving credit fell sharply at the onset of the pandemic, when business and activity restrictions limited opportunities to spend, but has soared back to a record level as consumers started spending again.