Credit Card Delinquency Rate Rises to 2.62%
Credit card holders may face tighter budgets as delinquency rates climb amid rising living costs.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Credit Cards
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The average credit card delinquency rate among seven major U.S. issuers climbed to 2.62% in September 2026, up from 2.51% in August. This rise coincides with a 0.7-point dip in the Consumer Expectations Index as households face pressure from elevated living costs.
Why it matters
Rising delinquency rates signal that more households are struggling to maintain timely payments on credit card debt as increasing living costs erode personal savings. Tracking these shifts helps families assess their own debt management strategies in an environment where financial buffers may be shrinking.
The average credit card delinquency rate reached 2.62% in September 2026, marking an increase over the 2.55% three-month average. While delinquencies ticked up, the net charge-off rate fell to 2.09% from 2.15% the prior month.
The players
Equifax
A credit reporting agency that provides data and insights on consumer credit performance and household debt trends.
The details
Delinquency rates track accounts that are behind on payments, while charge-offs represent debts that issuers have deemed uncollectible. When living costs rise, households often find it harder to cover minimum monthly payments, leading to higher delinquency counts. The decline in the Consumer Expectations Index suggests a cooling in how households view their future financial stability.
Timeline
The average delinquency rate was 2.51% in August 2026.
The average delinquency rate rose to 2.62% in September 2026.
Money Landscape
This trend highlights the strain on household budgets during a period where rising costs diminish the duration of savings. It follows a cycle of tightening credit accessibility as the Consumer Expectations Index shows a concurrent 0.7-point decline to 54.1.
If you are concerned about your ability to meet monthly payments, contact your credit card issuer to discuss hardship programs or payment adjustments before an account becomes delinquent. Speaking with a qualified financial professional can help you evaluate your debt-repayment options.
The takeaway
Rising delinquency rates serve as a warning sign for households to review their monthly credit commitments and prioritize high-interest debt repayment. Monitor your statements closely and consider building or replenishing an emergency fund to buffer against sudden changes in living costs.
Further reading
For more information on maintaining your financial health, visit our Credit Cards section.
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