Credit cards are a financial lifeline for many Americans—until the bill arrives. Whether it’s everyday expenses or a few too many impulse buys, credit card debt paints an interesting picture of spending habits across the country. According to Bankrate, the average U.S. credit card balance sits around $6,218, but that number swings widely from state to state. Some regions manage their revolving balances better, while others rely more heavily on plastic to get through rising costs of living.
Looking at state-by-state averages gives a snapshot not only of personal finance but also of local economies, housing costs, and lifestyle trends. A place with higher debt doesn’t necessarily mean people are reckless—it could point to higher prices, better access to credit, or cultural attitudes toward borrowing. Ranked from most to least, here are the states with the most credit card debt.
Alaska
Alaska tops the nation with the highest average credit card debt at $7.3K. Living in “The Last Frontier” comes with its financial challenges—higher costs for goods, limited access to certain services, and long, cold winters that make online shopping a frequent companion.
District of Columbia
Residents of D.C. carry an average of $7.1K in credit card debt, second only to Alaska. That’s not too surprising given the high cost of urban living in the nation’s capital. Rent, transportation, and everyday goods come at a premium, and professional lifestyles often mean more dining out and travel expenses.
Rhode Island
Rhode Islanders hold an average of $6K in credit card debt, putting them right around the national norm. With its compact size and proximity to more expensive New England neighbors, the Ocean State reflects moderate spending and borrowing habits. Residents juggle a mix of coastal lifestyle expenses and everyday costs without going overboard.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire also averages $6K in credit card debt. It’s a state with no sales tax, which may help residents stretch their budgets a bit further. However, the higher cost of living in parts of the state—especially near Massachusetts—means many rely on credit to fill short-term gaps.
Maryland
Maryland residents average $6.8K in credit card debt—among the top five in the country. The state’s high-income levels, especially around the D.C. metro area, often come with higher costs of living and lifestyle spending. From suburban mortgages to daily commuting expenses, the tab adds up quickly.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s average credit card debt stands at $6.7K, and anyone who’s bought groceries or gas on the islands won’t be shocked. The cost of imported goods, limited housing supply, and overall high living expenses all push residents toward heavier credit use.
Nevada
At $6.7K, Nevada’s credit card debt matches Hawaii and New Jersey. The state’s entertainment-driven economy and tourism-heavy workforce often mean unpredictable income patterns, leading to greater reliance on credit. Las Vegas alone generates billions in consumer activity, much of it fueled by credit cards—both from locals and visitors.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s average credit card debt comes in at $6.7K, reflecting its blend of high living costs and proximity to New York City. Between tolls, property taxes, and the price of everything from groceries to entertainment, it’s easy to see how balances creep up.
California
Californians average $6.6K in credit card debt, which tracks with the state’s notoriously high cost of living. From Silicon Valley to Los Angeles, everyday expenses can add up fast, and credit cards bridge the gap for many residents. The lifestyle of convenience—delivery apps, tech gadgets, dining out—often plays a part too.
Colorado
Colorado sits right beside California with an average credit card debt of $6.6K. The state’s booming economy and growing population have driven up housing and everyday costs, particularly around Denver and Boulder. As more young professionals settle in, credit cards often become part of managing an aspirational lifestyle.
Texas
Texans carry an average credit card debt of $6.6K, which mirrors other high-debt states like California and Georgia. The Lone Star State’s booming economy and sprawling cities offer plenty of opportunities to spend—from new homes to new trucks—and credit cards often help fill in the financial gaps between paychecks.
Florida
Florida’s average credit card debt also stands at $6.6K, reflecting the state’s unique mix of retirees, hospitality workers, and high tourism costs. Many residents juggle variable incomes or fixed budgets, which can lead to short-term borrowing through credit. Add in hurricanes, insurance spikes, and property expenses, and the plastic sees plenty of action.
Georgia
At $6.6K, Georgia’s credit card debt mirrors the southern trend of moderate-to-high balances paired with expanding urban areas. Atlanta, a growing economic hub, drives much of the state’s consumer spending. From new restaurants to tech start-ups, the metro lifestyle often encourages residents to swipe a bit more than planned.
Virginia
Virginians owe about $6.6K on average in credit card debt. With a strong economy tied to government, defense, and technology sectors, many residents earn enough to handle that debt responsibly. Still, living near Washington, D.C., and its pricey suburbs drives up everyday costs that often spill onto credit cards.
Connecticut
Connecticut residents average $6.6K in credit card debt. The state’s wealthier counties skew the numbers upward, but so do high living costs. From property taxes to utilities, expenses in the Nutmeg State add up quickly—especially for middle-income households who may rely on credit to bridge seasonal costs.
Washington
Washingtonians carry an average of $6.5K in credit card debt. With its booming tech industry and fast-paced growth, the Seattle area contributes heavily to that figure. Rising rents, home prices, and daily expenses have turned credit cards into an essential buffer for many households.
Arizona
Arizona’s average credit card debt sits at $6.3K, showing steady but manageable borrowing habits. With a growing population of retirees and young families, expenses vary widely, but so does income stability. The state’s mix of resort living and suburban sprawl creates a financial landscape where credit cards fill in the gaps.
Delaware
Delaware’s residents hold about $6.3K in credit card debt, putting the small state right in the middle of national rankings. As a financial hub, Delaware’s residents are no strangers to credit—many even work for the banks that issue those very cards. Still, high local costs and limited housing availability contribute to elevated balances.
New York
New Yorkers average $6.3K in credit card debt, though the number hides a wide gap between city and upstate residents. In New York City, high rents and transportation costs push balances up, while those in smaller towns and rural areas carry much less. The metro area alone heavily skews the statewide figure.
Wyoming
Wyoming’s average credit card debt comes to $6.1K, a reflection of moderate spending in a state where incomes can fluctuate with energy and agricultural markets. Residents tend to be financially conservative, using credit primarily for large purchases or emergencies rather than day-to-day living.
Illinois
Illinois residents carry an average of $6.1K in credit card debt. The state’s mix of urban and rural areas makes for a balanced picture: Chicago’s higher costs drive debt upward, while smaller towns maintain far less. Economic diversity keeps the overall figure close to the national median.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts residents average $6.1K in credit card debt. The high cost of living, especially in the Boston metro area, contributes significantly to that figure. Housing, utilities, and student loan burdens combine to create an environment where short-term credit feels necessary for many families.
Oregon
Oregonians carry an average of $5.9K in credit card debt, placing the state below the national average. While Portland’s rising cost of living has strained some budgets, the state overall maintains a culture of financial mindfulness. Many residents prefer budgeting tools or debit cards to avoid falling too deep into revolving balances.
Utah
Utah’s average credit card debt also stands at $5.9K, reflecting its reputation for conservative financial management. Many residents live within their means and prioritize low-interest debt or mortgage payments over high-interest credit balances. With a younger population and strong job growth, Utah’s approach to money tends to be forward-looking.
Oklahoma
Oklahomans hold an average of $5.9K in credit card debt. The state’s overall affordability keeps balances lower than in more expensive regions, though higher fuel and food prices have added pressure in recent years. Credit often helps families bridge those unexpected spikes.
South Carolina
South Carolina’s residents average $5.9K in credit card debt, a middle-ground figure that captures both the state’s rural conservatism and its growing urban centers. Cities like Charleston and Greenville have seen rapid growth, and with that comes higher costs and more frequent card use.
North Carolina
At $5.9K, North Carolina’s average credit card debt aligns with many of its southern neighbors. The state’s economic growth—especially in the Research Triangle and Charlotte—has brought new wealth but also higher expenses. Credit cards have become a common tool for managing daily cash flow in these booming areas.
Idaho
Idahoans carry an average of $5.8K in credit card debt. The state’s cost of living remains relatively affordable, but rapid population growth and rising housing prices have changed the landscape. Credit use has increased as newcomers adjust to higher costs and limited rental availability.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s average credit card debt sits at $5.8K, a reflection of modest incomes and steady, necessary borrowing. For many residents, credit cards cover essentials rather than extras. Between hurricane recovery costs, insurance hikes, and utility bills, many households rely on credit for short-term flexibility.
Montana
Montanans average $5.7K in credit card debt. The state’s wide-open spaces come with a high cost of distance—travel, shipping, and access to goods can all drive up expenses. Many residents turn to credit cards for convenience in areas where options are limited.
Tennessee
Tennesseans carry about $5.7K in credit card debt. The state’s strong population growth and expanding cities—like Nashville—have increased both opportunities and costs. Rising housing prices and entertainment expenses make it easy to lean on credit more than before.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s average credit card debt sits around $5.7K, representing a middle-of-the-road profile. With its mix of urban centers, college towns, and rural communities, spending patterns vary widely across the state. Higher costs near Philadelphia and Pittsburgh lift the average, while smaller towns help balance it out.
New Mexico
New Mexicans average $5.6K in credit card debt. The state’s lower median income makes even modest balances more impactful, but residents often manage debt with discipline. Credit cards tend to serve as backup for medical costs, travel, or emergency expenses rather than everyday spending.
North Dakota
North Dakota’s average credit card debt comes in at $5.6K. The oil and agriculture sectors dominate its economy, and that brings fluctuating incomes that sometimes require short-term borrowing. Residents generally use credit to manage cash flow rather than to overspend.
Kansas
Kansas residents carry about $5.6K in credit card debt. The state’s moderate cost of living keeps balances manageable, though inflation and interest rate hikes have added strain. Families often rely on credit for home repairs, vehicle costs, or seasonal expenses.
Minnesota
Minnesotans owe an average of $5.6K in credit card debt. The state’s strong economy, high education levels, and stable job market make this amount easily manageable for most households. Credit cards are often used for travel rewards and convenience rather than necessity.
Alabama
Alabama’s average credit card debt stands at $5.6K, a bit below the national mean. Incomes here are generally lower than in other states, but so is the cost of living. That balance helps keep borrowing at sustainable levels, even when families face financial pressure.
Missouri
Missouri residents average $5.5K in credit card debt. The Show-Me State’s moderate cost of living helps keep balances reasonable, even as inflation has nudged up household expenses. Urban centers like St. Louis and Kansas City see slightly higher numbers, but overall, Missourians maintain steady control of their finances.
Michigan
Michigan’s average credit card debt sits around $5.5K. The state’s mix of manufacturing, tech, and healthcare jobs offers stable income sources for many families. Still, rising costs for vehicles and home utilities have pushed some residents to lean on credit more heavily.
Vermont
Vermonters carry about $5.5K in credit card debt, putting them near the lower-middle range nationally. The state’s rural setting and slower pace of life contribute to moderate spending habits. While heating costs and grocery prices can run high, residents are generally careful about how they use credit.
South Dakota
South Dakotans owe about $5.4K on average in credit card debt. The state’s affordability and steady employment rates help keep borrowing low. With many residents working in agriculture, finance, and service industries, spending tends to be consistent and practical.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s average credit card debt stands at $5.4K, one of the lowest in the Midwest. With a cost of living below the national average and a culture that prizes financial caution, Nebraskans keep balances under control. Many prefer budgeting over borrowing, keeping credit use minimal.
Arkansas
Arkansans average $5.4K in credit card debt. While wages in the state tend to be lower, so are day-to-day expenses. The result is a population that largely avoids excessive borrowing, even when times get tough. Many use credit cards sparingly, relying instead on cash or debit for most purchases.
Ohio
Ohio’s residents owe about $5.4K in credit card debt. The state’s affordability helps keep borrowing manageable, though economic transitions in manufacturing towns have pushed some households to lean more on credit. Urban centers like Columbus and Cincinnati tend to carry slightly higher averages.
Maine
Maine’s average credit card debt is $5.4K, a reflection of steady, moderate financial behavior. The state’s small population and modest income levels mean most residents keep close track of their budgets. Credit is often used to cover seasonal expenses, particularly during harsh winters when costs spike.
Indiana
Indiana’s average credit card debt stands at $5.3K. The Hoosier State’s strong manufacturing and logistics sectors help provide income stability, keeping most families on solid financial footing. With an affordable cost of living, residents can manage debt comfortably compared to national trends.
Mississippi
Mississippians carry about $5.3K in credit card debt, among the lowest in the country. While wages remain below the national average, so do living costs. Residents generally avoid taking on unnecessary credit, focusing instead on stretching every dollar as far as possible.
West Virginia
West Virginians owe roughly $5.3K in credit card debt. Economic challenges and lower wages mean most households can’t afford to carry large balances. Instead, they tend to keep spending in check, using credit only when absolutely necessary.
Iowa
Iowa’s average credit card debt is $5.1K, a mark of Midwestern moderation. With a relatively low cost of living and a stable agricultural economy, residents generally avoid heavy borrowing. Credit cards serve as convenience tools rather than a financial lifeline.
Kentucky
Kentuckians hold an average of $5.1K in credit card debt. While wages lag slightly behind the national average, so does the cost of housing and daily life. That balance helps residents maintain manageable credit levels, even when inflation cuts into budgets.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has the lowest average credit card debt in the nation at $4.9K. The state’s frugal culture, strong employment, and moderate living costs contribute to responsible credit behavior. Residents here are less likely to carry month-to-month balances and often pay off cards in full.
That doesn’t mean Wisconsinites don’t use credit—they just use it wisely. With steady incomes and sensible spending habits, they manage to enjoy financial flexibility without falling into high-interest traps. It’s a quiet success story in the world of personal finance, proving that modesty pays off.
