U.S. consumer debt hit $18.56 trillion in Q3 2026 as non-mortgage delinquencies stabilized
PR Newswire•11/11/2026•07:45 ET
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Key Highlights
- ➤Total consumer debt reached $18.56 trillion, up 2.9% year-over-year in September 2026
- ➤HELOC balances climbed 13.3% year-over-year to $461.9 billion
- ➤First mortgage balances reached $13.08 trillion, up 2.8% year-over-year
- ➤Non-mortgage write-offs totaled $104.9 billion year-to-date, versus $104.4 billion previously
- ➤Auto loan balances rose 3.7% year-over-year to $1.745 trillion as severe delinquencies fell
Expert Statements
Emmaline Aliff, Advisory Leader at Equifax
“Homeowners continue to leverage their accumulated home equity, as evidenced by double-digit year-over-year growth in HELOC balances”
Emmaline Aliff, Advisory Leader at Equifax
“Even as overall borrowing expands, mortgage-related debt remains the cornerstone of consumer balance sheets, offering structural stability backed by real estate assets.”
Emmaline Aliff, Advisory Leader at Equifax
“There is a remarkably resilient segment of the population managing economic pressures with steady repayment behavior, yet we cannot overlook the consumers who are experiencing real financial friction”
Emmaline Aliff, Advisory Leader at Equifax
“The top-line improvement is a positive sign, but the underlying reality is complex as elevated borrowing costs and persistent inflation continue to stretch household budgets across lower-income tiers.”
U.S. consumer debt hit $18.56 trillion in Q3 2026 as non-mortgage delinquencies stabilized PR Newswire
Equifax national Market Pulse data shows HELOC debt growth and stabilizing non-mortgage write-offs amid resilient consumer borrowing
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