US credit card debt climbs, New Jersey and New York rank among highest

A recent analysis by personal‑finance firm Achieve, using data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, finds that average credit‑card debt in the United States has risen to about $4,350 per person. The increase was observed in all 50 states over the past year.

New Jersey now sits third nationally with an average balance of $5,160 per person, while New York ranks tenth with $4,820. Alaska and Hawaii lead the list with averages of $5,250 and $5,220 respectively. California recorded the largest year‑over‑year jump, adding more than $260 to the average balance.

Achieve co‑founder and co‑CEO Brad Stroh warned that the rise reflects growing financial pressure on millions of households, noting that more than half of those carrying credit‑card balances rely on the debt for essential expenses such as food, housing and utilities.