Late card payments and minimum payments are at a record high, the Philadelphia Fed says. Seasonal and longer-term factors have led to the rise.

It’s a sign that higher prices are still weighing on many household budgets.

The amount includes money owed on things like credit cards, auto loans and student loans. Delinquencies are also rising.

Adobe Analytics projects that buy now, pay later loans could drive as much as $84 billion in spending in 2024. But the debt shoppers are racking up is basically hidden from credit bureaus, lenders and economists.

The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index turned positive in February for the first time since February 2022. That’s a sign that the economy will avoid a recession this year, even if it slows down.

Debt levels are rising and interest rates remain high. Delinquencies are also on the rise.

Card debt, which fell during the pandemic, is at a record $986 billion, according to the New York Fed. Delinquencies are rising too.

Consumer debt levels have been rising. While wage gains have helped people pay off debt, those gains have been slowing down.

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.