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Credit Cards

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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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Can you negotiate your credit card rate?

by Julia Schiff
May 20, 2022
Credit Counselors can work with banks to bring down interest rates in order to get debt paid off.
Your credit card interest rate is negotiable — in a way.
Creative/Getty Images Illustration by Julia Schiff
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Double whammy: Credit card debt grows as interest rates rise

by Savannah Maher
May 9, 2022
Americans have a $860 billion credit card balance, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
After paying down credit card debt for the past few years, Americans have gone back to high spending.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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How might the removal of medical collection debt from credit reports help consumers?

by Stephanie Hughes
Mar 21, 2022
Credit reporting firms say they are making changes to the way they account for medical debt. That could help improve some people's credit scores.
erdikocak / Getty Images
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