Five of the six largest credit card issuers reported higher delinquency rates --- payments late by at least 30 days --- in September, according to Bill Hardekopf of lowcards.com.
These rates had been declining recently, which could mean that consumers are once again struggling to make ends meet. But the issuers were also reporting that charge off rates --- debts deemed uncollectable --- are lower.
I wonder how these data might correlate with the jobless rate, which has been creeping up in Maryland since May.
American Express
The delinquency rate increased to 1.5 percent in September from 1.4 percent in August. The charge-off rate was 2.3 percent, down from 2.7 percent.
Capital One
The delinquency rate increased to 3.65 percent in September from 3.43 percent in August. The charge-offs dropped to 3.9 percent from 4.1 percent.
Bank of America
The delinquency rate increased to 3.99 percent in September from 3.96 percent in August. The charge-off rate dropped to 5.99 percent from 6.79 percent.
Chase
The delinquency rate increased to 2.53 percent in September from 2.48 percent in August. The charge-off rate fell to 4.13 percent from 4.67 percent
Discover
The delinquency rate increased to 2.5 percent in September from 2.49 percent in August. The charge-off rate fell to 3.17 percent from 3.6 percent.
Citi
The delinquency rate fell to 1.7 percent in the third quarter from 1.81 percent in the previous quarter. The charge-off rate fell to 5.58 percent from 6.21 percent.