Household Debt and Delinquency Reach Alarming Heights as Rates Surge in Q1

Household debt and delinquency rates increased in the first quarter, according to data from the New York Federal Reserve. Credit card balances in serious delinquency, or more than 90 days late, reached the highest level since 2012 while delinquency rates across all debt types rose. Overall household debt grew to over $17 trillion driven by rising mortgage balances, though credit card debt dipped post-holidays. Delinquency transition rates remain below Great Recession peaks but are higher than pre-pandemic levels.