A comprehensive national survey by Debt.com has exposed the deepening financial strain Americans are experiencing, with credit card debt reaching alarming levels as inflation continues to impact household economies. The 2025 study of 1,000 adults reveals that 37% of Americans now use credit cards regularly just to make ends meet, signaling a fundamental shift in financial survival strategies.
The survey's most striking findings indicate that 32% of respondents have maxed out their credit cards, with 44% reporting they are carrying larger monthly balances directly attributed to inflationary pressures. Generational data shows particularly acute challenges for Millennials and Gen Xers, who are maxing out credit cards at rates of 42% and 39% respectively, compared to 14% for Baby Boomers.
The economic implications are profound, with over 63% of survey participants reporting they currently carry a credit card balance, and more than 20% owing in excess of $10,000. Particularly concerning is that 80% of those with maxed-out cards would still rely on credit during a financial emergency, underscoring the precarious financial situation many Americans face.
These findings coincide with emerging legislative efforts to address high credit card interest rates. A bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Anna Paulina Luna seeks to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, responding to current rates that often exceed 24%. Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman of Debt.com, emphasizes the critical nature of this proposal, noting that 27% of respondents are not even aware of their current Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
The survey also reveals a significant gap in financial literacy, with 57% of respondents never having considered debt relief options such as credit counseling, balance transfers, or debt consolidation. This lack of awareness compounds the financial challenges faced by many Americans, suggesting an urgent need for increased financial education and proactive debt management strategies.
Against the backdrop of the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index showing declining consumer confidence, the Debt.com survey provides a stark illustration of the ongoing economic challenges facing American households. The data suggests that while inflation may be moderating, its long-term impacts continue to reverberate through personal financial landscapes.
As policymakers and financial experts grapple with these trends, the survey serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing economic pressures confronting millions of Americans, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address mounting consumer debt.
