53% of Americans carry credit card balances to cover essential living expenses, Achieve survey finds
Achieve's survey found that 53% of American consumers carry credit card balances to cover essential living expenses, with 25% carrying these debts for 6 months or longer. The survey also revealed that 57% of consumers estimate it would take 6 months or longer to pay off all their short-term, unsecured debt, up slightly from 55% in the first quarter of 2026. Among those facing difficulty maintaining on-time debt payments, 64% cited not earning enough income to cover spending, while 38% pointed to owing money on too many different accounts.
Key figures
- Survey sample size
- 2000
- Percentage carrying credit card balances
- 53%
- Percentage carrying balances 6 months or longer
- 25%
- Percentage uncomfortable with credit card balances
- 51%
- Percentage cannot reduce spending on bills utilities
- 48%
- Percentage financial situation improved income over 50000
- 36%
- Percentage financial situation worsened income over 50000
- 27%
- Percentage financial situation improved income up to 50000
- 29%
- Percentage financial situation worsened income up to 50000
- 35%
- Percentage facing difficulty maintaining on time debt payments
- 35%
AI analysis
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AI-generated analysis of a public disclosure. Not investment advice; verify against the original document.