Clark Howard Calls Credit Card Debt an Emergency For Americans

Quick Read Credit card interest rates reached nearly 21% as of Q3 2025. Paying off 21% debt delivers a guaranteed 21% return through avoided interest charges. Credit cards charge 17 percentage points above the Federal Funds Rate. Investors rethink 'hands off' investing and decide to start making real money Consumer finance expert Clark Howard has long maintained a straightforward position on credit card debt: it's a financial emergency demanding immediate attention. His reasoning centers on a mat ...