How Does Your Credit Card Statement Stack Up Against the National Average? Find Out If You’re Spending Above the Norm

Understanding How Your Credit Card Spending Compares

Reviewing your expenses against national statistics can provide valuable perspective and help you take steps to prevent debt from becoming overwhelming.

Main Points to Remember

• In 2025, the typical credit card balance for U.S. borrowers reached $6,618, marking a 1.2% rise from 2024.
• Americans collectively owe about $1.21 trillion on credit cards, an increase of 5.9% compared to the previous year.
• Managing debt effectively involves curbing unnecessary spending, making extra payments when possible, prioritizing high-interest balances, and steadily working to reduce what you owe.

If you notice your credit card balance climbing month after month, you’re in good company. Many people across the country are experiencing higher balances due to inflation and increasing living expenses. It’s also easy to lose track of your actual spending and the interest accumulating on your accounts. Below, we break down the average credit card debt in the U.S. and offer practical strategies to help you pay it down.

How Does Your Credit Card Balance Stack Up?

The average credit card balance in the U.S. stands at $6,618, up from $6,541 at the start of 2024—a 1.2% increase. Altogether, U.S. cardholders owe $1.21 trillion, which is $27 billion more than at the beginning of the year and $67 billion higher than last year.

In summary, both individual and total balances are on the rise. If your balance falls between $6,500 and $7,000, you’re close to the national average.

Even though this figure represents a typical amount, it’s still a substantial debt load—especially with credit card interest rates often hovering around 20% or more.

For example, with a $6,500 balance at a 20% annual percentage rate (APR), you’d pay about $108 in interest each month, or roughly $1,300 annually, assuming your balance doesn’t change. Minimum payments usually only cover the interest, which can allow your debt to grow over time.

It’s important to remember that averages don’t tell the whole story. A $6,500 balance may be manageable for some households but overwhelming for others. Since these numbers don’t account for income or credit limits, use them as a reference point rather than a goal.

Steps to Regain Control Over Your Credit Card Debt

If your balance is above the national average—or simply higher than you’re comfortable with—there are ways to better manage your debt and spending. Ideally, paying your balance in full each month helps you avoid costly interest charges and keeps your debt from growing.

This approach also ensures you’re living within your means. However, not everyone can pay off their balance every month. For some, carrying a balance is unavoidable. The key is to focus on making progress, not achieving perfection.

Consistently paying more than the minimum, steering clear of new debt, and sticking to regular payments can help you make headway.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Assess Your Credit Utilization: Your credit utilization ratio measures how much of your available credit you’re using. Experts suggest keeping this below 30%, but this is just a guideline. What matters more is whether you could pay off your balance within a month or two without sacrificing essentials or dipping into savings.
• Examine Your Statements: Review your credit card statements and highlight purchases you barely remember—such as rideshares, digital subscriptions, or impulse buys. These small expenses can add up and explain why your balance isn’t shrinking.

Debt Repayment Strategies

The avalanche method focuses on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first, saving you the most on interest. The snowball method targets your smallest debts first, giving you quick wins and motivation to continue.

• Choose Your Focus: Whether you opt to pay off your smallest balance (snowball) or your highest-interest debt (avalanche), direct any extra funds to that account. Even modest additional payments can save you significant interest over time.
• Make Payments More Frequently: Instead of one large monthly payment, try making weekly or biweekly payments. This keeps your balance lower throughout the month, reducing interest charges and helping you stay mindful of your spending.
• Leverage New Credit Wisely: If you qualify, consider a 0% balance transfer card or negotiate a lower interest rate. These options are most effective if you avoid new charges and aggressively pay down your debt during the promotional period.
• Track Your Progress: Paying off debt takes time. Instead of only watching your total balance, keep track of how much interest you’ve avoided. Celebrating small victories can boost your motivation to keep going.