Credit Card Delinquency Rates Rise in September
The average delinquency rate among major card issuers climbed to 2.62% during the month of September.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Credit Cards
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Credit card delinquency rates across seven major issuers increased to 2.62% in September 2026, rising from 2.51% in August. This uptick follows a period where households faced increasing pressure from elevated living costs.
Why it matters
Rising delinquency rates signal that household savings are being depleted as the cost of living continues to climb. This trend reflects growing financial strain on consumers as they struggle to manage debt obligations amid economic headwinds.
The average credit card delinquency rate reached 2.62% in September 2026, surpassing the three-month average of 2.55%. Meanwhile, the average net charge-off rate fell to 2.09% from 2.15% in August.
The players
Equifax
Equifax is a global data, analytics, and technology company that provides consumer and commercial information for financial services.
The details
The Consumer Expectations Index, which tracks consumer sentiment, fell by 0.7 points to 54.1 in September. This decline suggests a cooling in outlook as households navigate the challenges of sustained higher living costs.
Timeline
August 2026: The average credit card delinquency rate was 2.51%.
September 2026: The average credit card delinquency rate reached 2.62%.
October 20, 2026: Equifax held its earnings call.
Market Dynamics
This rise in delinquency rates follows the trend set by the Consumer Expectations Index, which serves as a barometer for household financial confidence. The data reflects a broader shift where tightening consumer sentiment aligns with increased difficulty in meeting credit obligations.
For retail investors, the rise in delinquency rates may signal a need to reassess portfolio exposure to consumer finance stocks. It also serves as a reminder to prioritize debt management and high-interest balance reduction in personal savings strategies.
The takeaway
Consumers should review their monthly budgets to identify areas for reducing discretionary spending while delinquency metrics remain elevated. Prioritizing the payment of high-interest debt can help stabilize household finances during periods of economic uncertainty.
Further reading
Learn more about managing your financial health in our Credit Cards section.
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