Equifax: Total U.S. consumer debt rises 3% y/y to $18.45 trillion in August 2026
EFX•Equifax reported that U.S. consumer debt rose 3% year over year to $18.45 trillion in August 2026. Mortgage balances totaled $13.69 trillion, while auto debt rose 3.3% to $1.73 trillion and bankcard balances increased 3.6% to $1.12 trillion.
1. Debt balances rise
Total U.S. consumer debt reached $18.45 trillion in August 2026, up 3% year over year. Mortgage balances were $13.69 trillion, or 74.2% of the total; non-mortgage debt was $4.76 trillion, led by auto loans and leases at 36.4% of that category. Auto debt rose 3.3% to $1.73 trillion, while severe delinquency fell to 1.32% from 1.54%. Bankcard balances increased 3.6% to $1.12 trillion, and utilization eased to 20.3% from 20.9%.
