U.S. Credit Card Debt Surges to $1.26 Trillion as Americans Lean Heavier on Borrowing

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief(Worthy News) – Americans added another $21 billion in credit card debt during the second quarter of 2026, pushing outstanding balances to roughly $1.26 trillion and bringing consumer borrowing close to its record high.Credit card balances increased about 1.7% from the previous quarter, reversing the seasonal decline seen earlier this year. In the first quarter, balances had fallen by $25 billion to approximately $1.25 trillion.The l