New Jersey Ranks High for Credit Card Debt Amid Rising Balances Nationally
Recent reports from LendingTree, WalletHub, TransUnion, and Experian show New Jersey consumers have some of the highest average credit card balances in the U.S. In August 2026, LendingTree reported an average balance of $9,733 for New Jersey residents — the nation's highest. Other studies placed it fifth or higher depending on methodology and data sources. Analysts suggest that high income levels contribute to larger credit lines in states like New Jersey, which may lead to increased spending and debt accumulation. Inflationary pressures since 2022 have also played a role as consumers rely more heavily on credit cards for everyday expenses when wages fail to keep pace with rising prices. Nationally, U.S. credit card balances reached $1.263 trillion in the second quarter of 2026 — up from $1.242 trillion three months earlier. Credit card companies have responded by tightening lending standards as delinquencies rise.
Topics: credit card debt Experian LendingTree New Jersey TransUnion