Credit card industry faces growing financial strain

[UNITED STATES] Credit card companies are facing mounting challenges as they anticipate a potential economic downturn. Rising credit card delinquencies and increasing losses are prompting financial institutions to adjust their strategies and prepare for a more challenging economic environment.​

Surge in Credit Card Losses

Credit card losses have been climbing at an accelerated pace, reaching 3.63% as of early 2025, a significant increase from the low of 1.5% in September 2021. Analysts at Goldman Sachs project that these losses could peak at 4.93% by late 2024 or early 2025, marking the most significant rise in nearly three decades outside of the Great Financial Crisis.​

Recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York further underscores the trend, showing that the percentage of credit card accounts transitioning into serious delinquency—defined as 90 days or more past due—has reached 6.36%, the highest level since 2011. Economists attribute this uptick to a combination of persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and stagnating wage growth, which have eroded household purchasing power and increased financial strain on lower- and middle-income families.

Record High Consumer Debt

The surge in credit card losses coincides with record-high consumer debt levels. As of the second quarter of 2023, Americans owed over $1 trillion in credit card debt, according to Federal Reserve data. This unprecedented debt load is contributing to the increasing number of delinquencies and charge-offs.​

Compounding the issue is the shift in consumer behavior post-pandemic. As government stimulus programs ended and student loan payments resumed, many households turned to credit cards to bridge spending gaps. A 2024 study by the Urban Institute found that nearly 40% of Americans reported relying more heavily on credit to cover basic expenses such as groceries, medical bills, and utilities, up from 28% in 2021.

Impact on Financial Institutions

Major credit card issuers are experiencing the effects of rising delinquencies. Capital One reported a 4.6% increase in net charge-offs to $2.74 billion, while American Express and JPMorgan Chase have also observed upticks in charge-offs and delinquencies. These developments are prompting banks to bolster their provisions for potential losses.​

To manage the risks, several institutions are implementing tighter lending standards. According to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve, more than 60% of banks reported having tightened credit card approval criteria in the first quarter of 2025, citing concerns over borrower creditworthiness. These adjustments include reducing credit limits, increasing interest rates for new applicants, and scaling back rewards programs to mitigate exposure.

Economic Outlook and Industry Response

The broader economic outlook remains uncertain, with some analysts predicting a moderate recession. In response, credit card companies are focusing on controlling asset quality and adjusting their lending practices. For instance, the Thai Bankers' Association's credit card club anticipates a challenging year ahead, with subdued economic performance and increased non-performing loans.​

Industry analysts also note a growing emphasis on predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to identify early signs of borrower distress. By leveraging data on spending habits, payment patterns, and macroeconomic indicators, card issuers aim to proactively intervene—offering payment plans or temporary relief—before defaults occur. This shift marks a broader trend toward more data-driven risk management practices across the financial sector.

As credit card losses continue to rise and consumer debt reaches unprecedented levels, financial institutions are preparing for a potentially challenging economic period. The industry's response will be crucial in navigating the evolving economic landscape and mitigating potential risks associated with increased delinquencies and losses.