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Credit Cards

The long-expected consumer pullback may finally be materializing

by Kimberly Adams
Nov 29, 2023
We spent more over the holiday, but we bought less — thanks to inflation.
While consumers spent a couple percent more this Black Friday weekend than last, they didn’t necessarily buy more.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
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Loan applications are down, rejections are up. This could be good for taming inflation.

by Stephanie Hughes
Nov 20, 2023
The application rate for any kind of credit dropped to just over 41% this year from nearly 45% in 2022, according to a Fed survey.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Americans have almost $990 billion in credit card debt

by Stephanie Hughes
Jun 9, 2023
But with interest rates high and wage growth slowing, that level of spending is becoming unsustainable.
Between early 2021 and mid-2022, about 10 million people got credit cards who hadn’t had them before.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
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My Economy

How a college credit card signup led to $20,000 in debt

by Yanely Espinal and Sean McHenry
Apr 24, 2023
Yanely Espinal, host of Marketplace's podcast "Financially Inclined," tells the story of taking on a financial responsibility she wasn't prepared for.
"I sat down, added up all the credit card debt that I had," Yanely Espinal said. "And it was just over $20,000. That scared me half to death."
Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images
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Americans’ use of credit is growing, but slowing 

by Stephanie Hughes
Feb 8, 2023
In 2022, consumer credit increased 7.8% from the year before. But in December, the growth in borrowing decelerated.
Consumer credit increased 7.8% last year, according to recent Federal Reserve data. But some Americans appear to be getting more cautious about debt.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
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Talking credit cards help visually impaired people prevent abuse

by John Laurenson
Jan 31, 2023
Thales, a French firm, is launching a credit card that interacts with a user's smartphone to provide audio cues and transaction confirmations.
In Paris, Stephanie Khoeung tries out a new talking credit card that helps visually impaired people confirm transactions.
John Laurenson/Marketplace
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Consumer credit is up almost 7% since this time last year

by Mitchell Hartman
Dec 8, 2022
Credit card balances alone were up 15% in the third quarter. Higher prices for necessities and higher interest rates are contributing factors.
Credit card balances alone were up 15% in the third quarter.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
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Black Friday riddle: Consumers are financially stressed, but still spending

by Mitchell Hartman
Nov 25, 2022
Their debt levels are rising as the holiday shopping season ramps up. It helps that unemployment is low.
Black Friday shoppers take a moment to rest in massage chairs at the Opry Mills mall in Nashville, Tennessee.
Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images
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Credit card debt is up 13% from last year, New York Fed reports

by Samantha Fields
Aug 3, 2022
That’s the biggest year-over-year increase in 20 years. Inflation is just part of the reason.
Credit card debt increased by 13% over recent months as consumers go back to pre-pandemic spending habits, like going to restaurants or traveling.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images
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Here's why the CFPB is concerned about credit card late fees

by Justin Ho
Jun 23, 2022
Credit card companies can change their fees based on inflation.
The limit on credit card late fees changes to allow for inflation.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)
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