Average credit card debt in the U.S. (2026 data)

Searches for average credit card debt usually want a national benchmark. U.S. household credit card balances were about $1.25 trillion in Q1 2026, per the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit. That total includes households with zero revolving balance and others carrying thousands in assessed-interest debt.

Per-household averages are misleading

National totals divided by adult population produce a single number that hides wide dispersion. Median balances for cardholders who revolve are often lower than mean figures quoted in headlines — what matters for your plan is your balance, APR, and fixed payment.

Assessed-interest APR context

Fed G.19 reported about 21.52% average APR on accounts assessed interest in Q1 2026. If your rate is above that, avalanche-style payoff saves more per extra dollar. Model your timeline in our credit card debt calculator or credit card payoff calculator.

Sources

See methodology for data refresh dates and links to NY Fed and Federal Reserve G.19 releases.