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Mapped: The Average Lifetime Credit Card Debt in Every U.S. State

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The Average Lifetime Credit Card Debt in Every U.S. State

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Key Takeaways

  • Americans accumulate about $398,000 in credit card debt over their adult lifetimes, on average.
  • Alaska, New Jersey, and Connecticut have the highest lifetime totals, exceeding $450K.
  • Iowa, Wisconsin, and Kentucky have the lowest lifetime credit card debt levels in the U.S.

The average American accumulates nearly $400,000 in credit card debt over their lifetime.

But the total varies significantly depending on where people live. In some states, the typical lifetime total exceeds $450,000, while in others it sits closer to $320,000.

This map, based on data from JG Wentworth, shows which states accumulate the most and least credit card debt over a lifetime.

Which States Accumulate the Most Credit Card Debt?

Check out the data, which excludes any interest charges, below:

Rank State Average Lifetime Credit Card Debt
1 Alaska $484,620
2 New Jersey $456,300
3 Connecticut $454,080
4 Hawaii $453,600
5 Maryland $449,520
6 Texas $448,020
7 Florida $443,520
8 Nevada $438,480
9 Colorado $436,020
10 Georgia $434,280
11 Virginia $432,000
12 California $424,800
13 New York $420,600
14 Washington $418,500
15 Massachusetts $411,180
16 Delaware $410,460
17 Arizona $408,000
18 Illinois $403,560
19 New Hampshire $401,520
20 Rhode Island $401,160
21 Utah $391,920
22 South Carolina $389,880
23 North Carolina $386,040
24 Wyoming $384,360
25 Louisiana $381,540
26 Oklahoma $377,460
27 Pennsylvania $374,700
28 Tennessee $374,580
29 Oregon $371,940
30 Idaho $367,860
31 Montana $367,320
32 Kansas $364,920
33 Alabama $364,440
34 Minnesota $364,080
35 Missouri $362,520
36 New Mexico $361,380
37 North Dakota $359,460
38 Nebraska $356,700
39 Michigan $355,920
40 Vermont $355,680
41 Ohio $352,260
42 Arkansas $349,560
43 Maine $349,560
44 South Dakota $343,020
45 Indiana $337,260
46 Mississippi $333,180
47 West Virginia $325,620
48 Kentucky $323,940
49 Wisconsin $322,200
50 Iowa $319,740

Alaska has the highest lifetime credit card debt at $484,620, 21.8% above the national average. The Arctic state typically ranks high in cost of living; its remoteness adds complexity to shipping in food and fuel, which elevates prices.

New Jerseyans and Connecticuters rack up $456,300 and $454,080 of credit card debt in their lifetimes, respectively, reflecting higher costs for rent, food, and utilities. Interestingly, New Jersey and Connecticut have good salaries compared with other states, suggesting higher income enables greater access to credit.

Average lifetime credit card debt exceeds $400,000 in 20 states.

Midwestern states Iowa and Wisconsin have the lowest levels of average credit card debt at $319,740 and $322,200, respectively.

Kentucky, where public school students must complete a financial literacy course before graduating, trails closely at $323,940.

Consumer Debt Has Risen in Recent Years

Consumer spending plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy; it accounted for nearly 70% of GDP in the third quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, over half (56%) of all credit card users have some kind of revolving credit card debt, which is where payments are deferred for periodic instalments, highlighting debt’s parallel role.

While consumer debt has risen alongside inflation, mortgages, vehicles, and student loans, household debt in the U.S. is much lower than in countries such as Switzerland, Australia, and its neighbor Canada.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

To learn more about global debt, check out this graphic which breaks down countries with the highest household debt.

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