The percentage of credit card balances that were at least 90 days delinquent rose to 13.12% in the first quarter of this year, according to data released in May by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. As the Wall Street Journal reported: “That’s the highest level in 15 years, and the most since the period following the 2008 financial crisis.” The report went on to highlight cases of individuals drowning in too much credit card debt.
There’s no argument that this is a concern. Delinquent credit card balances are rising. And some people are struggling. But are Visa and Mastercard to blame?
