Balances on credit cards rose by $27 billion to $1.14 trillion in the second quarter, and auto loan balances increased by $10 billion to $1.63 trillion

Americans are all too familiar with credit card debt, and a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York highlights how rapidly these issues are escalating. Total credit card debt in the U.S. reached an all-time high of $1.14 trillion in the second quarter of 2024, marking an increase of about $27 billion from the previous year. This represents nearly a 6% rise year-over-year.

The report also reveals a concerning increase in delinquencies. Around 7.18% of credit card users missed payments in Q2 2024, up over 2% from the previous quarter. This rise in delinquencies suggests that more cardholders are struggling with payments, especially as the average credit card interest rate hovers near 24%.

If you’ve noticed your credit card balances growing or are finding it difficult to keep up with payments, it's crucial to address your credit card debt now. While it may seem daunting, there are several effective strategies to manage and reduce your debt.

**Strategies to Eliminate Your Credit Card Debt:**

1. **Negotiate with Your Credit Card Company**

One of the simplest ways to tackle your debt is to negotiate directly with your credit card issuer. Many companies are willing to work with you to find solutions such as lowering your interest rate or reducing fees. Even a small decrease in your interest rate can lead to significant savings over time.

When contacting your card issuer, be ready to explain your financial situation. If you have a good payment history, use it as leverage during your discussion. You might be pleasantly surprised by the offers they are willing to make, particularly if they believe it will help retain you as a customer and avoid default.