Is Your Credit Card Balance Higher Than the New Average?

Wondering how your credit card balance compares with those of other Americans? Here’s a look at the average credit card debt nationwide and by generation.

The average credit card balance was $6,519 per borrower in the first quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion.

$0$6,519 Average credit card debt per borrower in Q1 2026, according to TransUnion

How does your balance stack up against the national average? If you carry a balance from month to month, paying it down can reduce the amount you lose to interest.

Credit card balances vary considerably by generation, and Gen X carries the most debt.

Gen X had the highest average credit card balance in Experian’s June 2025 data, at $9,600. Millennials averaged $6,961, baby boomers $6,795, and Gen Z $3,493.

How does your credit card debt compare with that of others in your generation? Is your balance lighter or heavier than the average?

Here are some ways to manage and pay down credit card debt.

Free up money in your budget. Do you have five or six streaming services? Could you get by with three or four — or even one or two? Keep your favorites, cut the rest, and apply the money you save to your credit card debt.

Use the same approach when looking at other discretionary spending. If you aren’t using something or can live without it, cut the expense and put that money toward your balance.

Choose a payment strategy. Here are two ways to tackle credit card debt. Choose the one that makes the most sense for you.

Focus on paying down the credit card with the highest interest rate first. This card is costing you the most in interest. Make the minimum payment on your other cards, and put as much extra money as you can toward the card with the highest rate.

Paying down the credit card with the highest interest rate is a smart way to cut down on interest charges.

Or gain momentum by paying off the card with the lowest balance. If you feel stuck, eliminating a smaller balance can be a good way to get started.

A smaller balance may be easier to tackle, and you may be able to pay it off quickly by focusing your payments on that card. Once it is paid off, move on to the card with the next-smallest balance.

Stop charging. Do your best to avoid adding new charges to your credit cards. New purchases can make it feel as though you aren’t making progress. Ease off new charges whenever you can, and stay focused on paying down your debt.