BREAKING: US household debt surged +$191 billion in Q4 2025, to record $18.8 trillion. Total household debt has increased +$4.6 trillion since January 2020. The surge was driven by mortgage debt, which jumped +$98 billion, to a record $13.2 trillion. Credit card debt rose +$44 billion, to $1.3 trillion, an all-time high. Auto loan balances increased +$12 billion, to $1.7 trillion, also a record. Student loan balances increased +$11 billion, to $1.7 trillion, an all-time high. Americans are taking on record levels of debt.