Credit cards are essential tools in modern personal finance, but how Americans use them continues to evolve. In this 2025 roundup, we break down the latest credit card statistics by age group, debt levels, approval trends, and overall usage.
Whether you’re writing a blog, conducting research, or deciding your own financial path — these stats provide real-world insights into how credit works in everyday life.
📊 Credit Card Ownership by Age in 2025
| Age Group | % with at least one credit card |
|---|---|
| 18–24 | 42% |
| 25–34 | 69% |
| 35–44 | 77% |
| 45–54 | 83% |
| 55–64 | 81% |
| 65+ | 76% |
➡️ Younger generations are more hesitant or less eligible to open credit cards compared to older age groups.
💳 Average Number of Credit Cards by Age Group
| Age Group | Average # of Cards |
|---|---|
| 18–24 | 1.5 |
| 25–34 | 2.7 |
| 35–44 | 3.6 |
| 45–54 | 4.1 |
| 55+ | 3.8 |
📈 Average Credit Card Debt in 2025 (U.S.A.)
- National average: $6,112 per borrower
- Highest debt by state: Alaska ($7,900)
- Lowest debt by state: Iowa ($4,300)
💡 More Americans are carrying balances month to month, especially in the 25–44 age range.
✅ Credit Card Approval Rates by Credit Score
| Credit Score Range | Approval Rate (Est.) |
|---|---|
| 300–579 (Poor) | 8–12% |
| 580–669 (Fair) | 35–50% |
| 670–739 (Good) | 70–80% |
| 740–799 (Very Good) | 90%+ |
| 800+ (Excellent) | 95%+ |
🧠 Gen Z and Millennials: Key Credit Trends
- Gen Z (18–27): 52% say they prefer debit over credit
- Millennials (28–42): Most likely to use rewards cards
- Both groups increasingly use “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) services
📆 Credit Card Use Trends in 2025
- 72% of Americans own at least one credit card
- 53% carry a balance month to month
- Cash back and travel rewards are top application drivers
- Secured cards growing popular among Gen Z
Below is a pie chart that represents the types of credit cards that are held by Americans as of 2024. It is clear that cash back dominates followed by reward points style credit cards.
📥 Sources & Data References
- Experian Credit Review 2024–2025
- Federal Reserve Consumer Credit Survey
- LendingTree 2025 Report
- American Bankers Association
- U.S. Census & Pew Research data
💡 Want to Start Building Credit Responsibly?
Check out our guide: Top 5 Beginner Credit Cards That Don’t Require a Credit History
🔄 Final Thoughts
Tracking credit card stats helps us understand how financial behaviors are shifting. Whether you’re trying to build credit, avoid debt, or choose the right card — these numbers show where you stand compared to the national picture.
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