In 2022, consumer credit increased 7.8% from the year before. But in December, the growth in borrowing decelerated.

Thales, a French firm, is launching a credit card that interacts with a user’s smartphone to provide audio cues and transaction confirmations.

Credit card balances alone were up 15% in the third quarter. Higher prices for necessities and higher interest rates are contributing factors.

Their debt levels are rising as the holiday shopping season ramps up. It helps that unemployment is low.

That’s the biggest year-over-year increase in 20 years. Inflation is just part of the reason.

Credit card companies can change their fees based on inflation.

Credit Counselors can work with banks to bring down interest rates in order to get debt paid off.

Americans have a $860 billion credit card balance, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Credit reporting firms say they are making changes to the way they account for medical debt. That could help improve some people’s credit scores.

“Marketplace Tech” is exploring the credit score system and its algorithm. And we want to hear from you!