U.S. Debt Statistics & Data Reference
Verified debt statistics for 2026 with direct source citations. Every figure links to its original source so you can confirm the data yourself.
How This Page Works
Every statistic on this page was verified on July 8, 2026, with its primary source linked directly. Data is refreshed from authoritative sources: the Federal Reserve, the New York Fed, Experian, TransUnion, Bankrate, FICO, and the IRS. Figures are revisited every 60–90 days to prevent staleness. If a source updates its data, the figure here is updated to match.
Quick Reference Table
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total U.S. Household Debt | $18.8 trillion |
| Total U.S. Credit Card Debt | $1.25 trillion |
| Average Credit Card Debt Per Consumer | $6,595 |
| Average Credit Card APR | 21.52% |
| Average FICO Score (U.S.) | 714 |
| Average Personal Loan Debt Per Borrower | $11,768 |
| Average Personal Loan Interest Rate | 12.16% |
| Total Student Loan Debt | $1.66 trillion |
| Average Mortgage Debt Per Borrower | ~$258,000 |
| Average HELOC Rate | 7.46% |
| Average Home Equity Loan Rate | 8.09% |
| Average Cash-Out Refinance Rate (30-yr fixed) | 6.76% APR |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 3%–5% of transferred amount |
| Debt Settlement Fees | 15%–25% of enrolled debt |
| Cancelled Debt Tax Threshold | $600 |
| Cash-Out Refinance Closing Costs | 2%–6% of loan amount |
Full Citations & Context
Total U.S. Household Debt
$18.8 trillionTotal household debt increased by $18 billion (0.1%) in Q1 2026. Includes mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, student loans, and home equity lines of credit.
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit, Q1 2026
Verified: May 2026 (reporting Q1 2026 data)
Total U.S. Credit Card Debt
$1.25 trillionCredit card balances fell by $25 billion in Q1 2026. Reported by CNBC based on the NY Fed report.
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit, Q1 2026
Verified: May 2026 (reporting Q1 2026 data)
Average Credit Card Debt Per Consumer
$6,595Average balance per consumer with a credit card. LendingTree and TransUnion report similar figures ($6,500–$6,800 range).
Source: Forbes Advisor / Capital One, citing Federal Reserve data
Verified: Q1 2026
Average Credit Card APR
21.52%Commercial bank interest rate on credit card plans, all accounts. Forbes Advisor's weekly survey of new card offers reports an average of ~25.16% for currently marketed cards.
Source: Federal Reserve Board, G.19 Consumer Credit (TERMCBCCALLNS series)
Verified: February 2026 (most recent G.19 data)
Average FICO Score (U.S.)
714The average FICO 8 score dipped to 714, down from 716 in 2024. Experian reports 713 as of September 2025. Scores range from 300 to 850.
Source: FICO Score Credit Insights (Spring 2026), confirmed by NerdWallet and Motley Fool
Verified: March 2026
Average Personal Loan Debt Per Borrower
$11,768Experian reports a separate figure of $19,333 (September 2025) which includes all personal loan balances, not just new originations.
Source: TransUnion Q4 2025 Credit Industry Insights Report, confirmed by LendingTree and WalletHub
Verified: Q1 2026
Average Personal Loan Interest Rate
12.16%Typical APR range is 8%–36% depending on credit score. Borrowers with excellent credit may access rates as low as 6.20%.
Source: Bankrate national lender survey
Verified: July 2026
Total Student Loan Debt
$1.66 trillionLendingTree reports $1.87 trillion including private loans (Q1 2026). Average federal student loan borrower owes approximately $38,787 (Education Data Initiative).
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit, Q1 2026
Verified: May 2026 (reporting Q1 2026 data)
Average Mortgage Debt Per Borrower
~$258,000Total U.S. mortgage debt is approximately $13.19 trillion (LendingTree). Bankrate reports the median mortgage balance at $398,000 as of February 2026.
Source: Investopedia, citing Experian data (mid-2025)
Verified: Mid-2025 (latest available)
Average HELOC Rate
7.46%Curinos reports 7.25% as of June 12, 2026. HELOC rates are variable and tied to the prime rate.
Source: Bankrate national lender survey
Verified: July 1, 2026
Average Home Equity Loan Rate
8.09%Home equity loan rates are fixed, unlike HELOCs which are variable.
Source: Bankrate national lender survey
Verified: July 1, 2026
Average Cash-Out Refinance Rate (30-yr fixed)
6.76% APRFreddie Mac PMMS reports the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage average at approximately 6.43% for the week ending July 2, 2026. Cash-out refinances typically carry a slightly higher rate than rate-and-term refinances.
Source: Bankrate national refinance survey
Verified: July 8, 2026
Balance Transfer Fee
3%–5% of transferred amountMost cards charge 3% with a $5–$10 minimum. Some cards offer introductory fees as low as 0% for transfers completed within the first few months.
Source: Bankrate / Experian
Verified: July 2026
Debt Settlement Fees
15%–25% of enrolled debtThe FTC prohibits debt settlement companies from collecting fees before a settlement is reached and approved by the consumer. Some companies charge up to 30%.
Source: FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule; confirmed by Debt.org, InCharge, and CNBC
Verified: Current as of 2026
Cancelled Debt Tax Threshold
$600Creditors must issue Form 1099-C when they cancel $600 or more of debt. The cancelled amount is generally taxable as ordinary income, with exceptions for bankruptcy and insolvency.
Source: IRS Form 1099-C requirements; IRS Publication 4681; IRS Topic 431
Verified: Current (2025 tax year publication)
Cash-Out Refinance Closing Costs
2%–6% of loan amountOn a $300,000 refinance, closing costs typically range from $6,000 to $18,000. Costs can be rolled into the loan but increase total debt.
Source: Forbes Advisor / Rocket Mortgage / LendingTree
Verified: 2026
Use These Statistics In Context
Educational content only: The information on this website is for general educational purposes and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Individual circumstances vary. Always consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.