The States With the Most Credit Card Debt

The list of states whose residents carry the most credit card debt hasn’t changed much in the last few years — Alaskan credit card holders consistently carry the highest average balances, and most of the 10 states with high debt are along the East Coast. America’s average credit card debt per person has gone up recently, with most of these states following suit solidifying their places on the top 10 list.

Data from the Experian-Oliver Wyman Market Intelligence Reports shows that the average credit card balance among U.S. cardholders increased slightly to $3,769 in the third quarter of 2014 from $3,734 in the third quarter of 2013. The average was higher in 2012, at $3,782. Many states’ credit cardholders average credit card balances well over $4,000, including all the states in the top 10.

10. Colorado (#8 in 2013)
Average credit card debt per cardholder: $4,152
Chance since last quarter: +$19
Change since last year: -$21

9. Rhode Island (#10 in 2013)
Average debt: $4,178
Chance since last quarter: +$46
Change since last year: +$59

8. Virginia (#9 in 2013)
Average debt: $4,225
Chance since last quarter: +$50
Change since last year: +$79

7. Georgia (#7 in 2013)
Average debt: $4,251
Chance since last quarter: +$25
Change since last year: +$14

6. Delaware (#5 in 2013)
Average debt: $4,272
Chance since last quarter: +$66
Change since last year: +$15

5. District of Columbia (#6 in 2013)
Average debt: $4,332
Chance since last quarter: +$56
Change since last year: +$84

4. Maryland (#4 in 2013)
Average debt: $4,355
Chance since last quarter: +$36
Change since last year: +$50

3. Connecticut (#3 in 2013)
Average debt: $4,500
Chance since last quarter: +$66
Change since last year: +$71

2. New Jersey (#2 in 2013)
Average debt: $4,593
Chance since last quarter: +$79
Change since last year: +$63

1. Alaska (#1 in 2013)
Average debt: $4,653
Chance since last quarter: +$44
Change since last year: -$7

These are the average outstanding balances for the quarter, but the balances aren’t necessarily incurring interest — even if you pay your balance every statement, you’re still building a balance during the billing cycle, which is accounted for in these numbers.

Still, how much of your available credit you use has a significant impact on your credit score, so even if you’re paying your balance off each month, keep your credit utilization low to maintain good credit. Curious about your own credit score? You can get two of your scores for free, updated every 14 days from Credit.com, along with personalized recommendations for maintaining or improving it.