Squeezed by inflation, more Americans are falling behind on debt payments
October 12, 2026 / 4:29 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Record highs in seriously delinquent auto loan balances and near-peak credit card delinquencies are reported.
- Mortgage delinquency rates have reached a six-year high, and student loan delinquencies have jumped.
- A growing percentage of household income is being spent on debt repayment, and more households are late on payments.
- Individuals over 70 are experiencing the highest levels of auto loan and credit card delinquency in years.
- Over half of Americans use credit cards for basic needs like groceries and rent, with inflation increasing their balances.
- Despite solid economic indicators like GDP growth and low unemployment, Americans are frustrated with rising prices, which they deem the most important factor in their economic outlook.
- Wage growth is not keeping pace with inflation, reducing purchasing power and consumer sentiment.
- Many consumers plan to cut back on spending for necessities and discretionary items in the next year.