Credit Card Delinquency Rate

## What this measures

This measures the percentage of credit card loan balances at all U.S. commercial banks that are delinquent. The rate is seasonally adjusted and reported at the end of each quarter.

## Why it matters

Credit card delinquency signals stress in household finances, as it rises when borrowers struggle to meet payment obligations. Organizations use it to anticipate shifts in consumer spending, defaults on other obligations, and broader credit conditions that affect demand and counterparty risk.

## How to read it

A rising rate indicates more borrowers falling behind on payments, which typically accompanies economic weakness or tightening credit standards. A falling rate suggests improving household finances or easing stress. Compare successive quarters to identify trends in consumer credit health.

## What it does not say

It does not indicate how many borrowers are delinquent, the dollar volume of delinquent balances, or whether delinquencies will lead to charge-offs. It reflects only credit card loans, not other consumer debt.

## Source

The Federal Reserve publishes this series, which Palanor pulls nightly from the FRED API operated by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The FRED series identifier is DRCCLACBS.