Credit card debt in the US is now at record levels, and analysts say it's an alarming sign of financial strain on households.
That record high of $1.2 trillion came in the 2nd quarter of 2025, so new statistics are due next month, but as it stands today more people are racking up high debt on credit cards.
And more people are using their credit cards to pay everyday bills, which is also a sign of high strain on households and individuals.
Chip Rupo is a writer and analyst for WalletHub, which recently did a study on overuse of credit cards.
"Texas has a booming economy, but there are a high share of what are called 'distressed accounts,' and that means at least one credit account in forbearance or in deferred payments, and Texas is the 3rd highest rate in the US at just over 8%," he said.
Among the causes are "inflation, economic uncertainty, job instability" and even prolonged internet searches for loans and financial help.
Searching the web "out of desperation, but then when you don't qualify, that's when it's going to lead to more bankruptcy filings."