Card Balances Seen At $1.18T in 2026; Delinquencies Steady

A TransUnion study predicts moderate growth in credit card balances and stable delinquency rates in 2026. According to the 2026 Consumer Credit Forecast from TransUnion, balances on credit cards are projected to reach $1.18 trillion, up from $1.16 trillion in 2025.

This is the smallest annual increase since 2013 and excludes 2020 when relief programs during the pandemic resulted in a decline in balances.

“This moderation reflects consumers navigating persistent economic uncertainty as lenders maintain disciplined underwriting standards,” according to a TransUnion press release. 

The 2026 projected 2.3% year-over-year growth in credit card balances  is 

in sharp contrast with 2022 and 2023 when credit card balances experienced double-digit growth.

“After elevated credit card balance growth over the last 5 years, credit card balance growth is expected to moderate, driven by both measured spend growth by consumers and prudent credit extension by lenders,” said Paul Siegfried, Senior Vice President  at TransUnion, in a press release.

Consumers are expected to handle their credit cards well in 2026, according to TransUnion. 

 “While economic pressures remain, this trend suggests households are managing credit more responsibly,” Siegfried said. 

Card issuers expecting double-digit growth in card balances in 2026 will need to adjust their expectations and prepare for a more moderate year in card balances.

In 2026, the percentage of credit card customers 90 or more days late on their credit card accounts are forecast to inch up only one basis point to 2.57%. 

“This stability reflects tighter underwriting and proactive risk management by card issuers,” the TransUnion press release explains.

This means card issuers can expect more of the same when it comes to dealing with delinquent credit card accounts in the upcoming year. Issuers will want to continue their positive risk management practices in 2026.

Here’s a look at how delinquency rates are forecast for auto loans, mortgages, and unsecured personal loans in 2026.

• The number of auto loan accounts that are 60 days or more past due is expected to climb to 1.54%, up 3 basis points year over year. 

• Mortgage accounts that are 60 days or more past due are predicted to climb to 1.65%, up 11 basis points year over year in 2026.

• Unsecured personal loan accounts that are 60 days or more late are projected to stay flat, at 3.75%, up just 1 basis point year over year.

When it comes to credit card balances in 2026, only moderate growth is expected as credit card customers get a better handle on their spending. 

2026 forecasts for credit card delinquencies remain flat, increasing just 1 basis point over 2025 due to tighter underwriting and risk management by card issuers. 

And a projected modest rise in unemployment is expected to cause delinquent mortgage accounts to increase by 11 basis points in 2026.