A recent survey from Debt.com exposes the growing financial challenges facing Americans in 2025, with mounting credit card debt revealing the deep economic pressures stemming from persistent inflation. The national poll of 1,000 adults demonstrates how credit cards have transformed from a convenience tool to a critical survival mechanism for many households.
The survey uncovered alarming trends in consumer financial health. Thirty-two percent of respondents have maxed out their credit cards, while 37% regularly use credit cards simply to make ends meet. Inflation has compelled 44% of participants to carry larger monthly balances, underscoring the ongoing economic strain.
Generational disparities in credit card usage are stark. Millennials (42%) and Gen Xers (39%) are maxing out their cards at significantly higher rates compared to Gen Z (32%) and Baby Boomers (14%). Over 63% of survey participants carry a credit card balance, with more than 20% owing more than $10,000.
The research coincides with a bipartisan legislative effort by Senators Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Anna Paulina Luna to cap credit card interest rates at 10%. Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman of Debt.com, emphasized the critical nature of this potential intervention, noting that 27% of respondents are unaware of their current Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
Despite the mounting debt crisis, 57% of respondents have never explored professional or do-it-yourself debt relief options such as credit counseling, balance transfers, or debt consolidation. This indicates a significant gap in financial education and awareness.
The survey’s findings align with the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index, which has shown a decline in consumer confidence. Economic uncertainty, persistent inflation, and high borrowing costs continue to create anxiety about financial futures for many Americans.
For those maxed out on credit cards, the situation is particularly precarious. Eighty percent would rely on credit cards during a financial emergency, with 23% owing more than $20,000 in credit card debt. These statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive financial strategies and support systems.
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