A new survey of homeowners by nonbank mortgage lender-servicer Newrez found that more than half of respondents said they are losing sleep over their finances, while 61% said their credit card balances had increased over the past year.
Despite 51% of homeowners carrying credit card debt from month to month and 59% saying that debt negatively affects their financial situation, 89% are confident they can keep up with both their mortgage and credit card payments.
The survey also showed 90% of respondents with both a mortgage and credit card debt prioritize their mortgage payments over most other bills.
Newrez commissioned the study, which was conducted by global intelligence company Morning Consult among 2,203 U.S. adults in June. The survey included 486 homeowners who carry a credit card balance from month to month and were described as “representative of the U.S. general population.”
Get these articles in your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter
Get these articles in your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reported that credit card annual percentage rates (APRs) averaged 19.56% as of Sept. 9. But those rates could rise if the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, as most credit card APRs generally move in relation to the prime rate. The prime rate is an interest rate set by banks that is influenced by the federal funds rate target established by the Federal Open Market Committee.
Fed rate increases, like Wednesday’s 0.25% jump, could push average credit card rates to the low 20% range in 2027.
Amid concerns about credit card debt, 52% of homeowners said they had explored debt consolidation options over the past year, Newrez reported.
Some borrowers are considering personal loans, which is unsecured debt not backed by collateral that generally carries a higher interest rate. Others are considering home equity loans, which allow a homeowner to borrow a lump sum based on the equity they have built in their home and use the funds to pay down debt.




