These charts include data for Q2/11 that was released today. What they show is a dramatic improvement in consumers' credit card health. Delinquency rates have plunged to close to the lowest levels seen in the past 20 years, and that presages further declines in credit card chargeoff rates. (Since delinquency rates are still declining, we are likely to see chargeoff rates decline in the future, since borrowers that eventually go bust must first become delinquent.) From this we can infer that not only have consumers undergone some significant deleveraging, but that incomes and debt service have now come back into some semblance of balance. Moreover, banks can look forward to lower credit card losses.
A radio news story commented that banks are recognizing that consumers are showing a much greater tendency to use debit cards instead of credit cards these days. This costs banks revenue in lost interest charges, and possibly transaction fees. So some banks are charging fees for using debit cards in an attempt to drive consumers back to using credit cards.
ReplyDeleteMore use of debit cards points to an even healthier consumer (funds must be in the bank vs. payment in 20-45 days for credit cards).
ReplyDeleteI am glad to know these things.Its truly pleasant to be part of this blog.Credit Card PPI Claims
ReplyDelete