Credit Cards

New delinquencies have largely stabilized after a big spike a couple of years ago, but lots of people are still carrying around old credit card debt they fell behind on.

According to a report from credit bureau TransUnion, the number of credit cards issued increased nearly 12% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to a year before.

The latest release from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the personal saving rate has dropped to its lowest point since June 2022.

According to a new study by Bankrate, 61% of people with credit card debt have been holding it for at least a year — up from 53% in late 2024.

Analysts don’t know what legal authority — if any — President Donald Trump can use to compel banks to cap rates at 10%, but they do think there will be negative consequences for consumers.

Grocers pay a lower rate than other businesses and they tend to have more recurring customers, making them less likely to implement credit card surcharges.

Many consumers will have to pare down or spend more on gifts this year, just to match what they gave last year.

And they're adding premium perks to justify the price.

Credit card and other debt rose fast in April, but low unemployment means most Americans are still spending.

“Once you get into the credit economy … you start getting exposed to hidden fees, penalties, identity theft, and it also induces overbuying,” says Ralph Nader.