“I still have an adequate limit for my needs.” (Photo subject is a model.) - Getty Images/iStockphoto Dear Quentin, Chase lowered the credit limit on my Marriott card because I’m not using that credit card as much as I did in the past, since I don’t travel as much anymore. I didn’t find out until after it was done. I still have an adequate limit for my needs, and I understand that if there is any impact on my credit, it should be small and temporary. But I’m wondering whether this could cause a ripple e ...

Group 1: Holiday Spending Trends - U.S. retail sales are projected to grow by 3.6% year over year according to Mastercard Economic Institute [1] - Deloitte data indicates a growth range of 2.9% to 3.4% year over year, despite a survey showing more consumers plan to reduce holiday spending compared to 2024 [1] Group 2: Consumer Financial Health Indicators - A significant warning sign for consumers is carrying a credit card balance, with the average APR on credit cards at 22.83% as of August [3] - Credit card issuers have increased average APRs beyond changes in the prime rate, and a cut in credit limits can negatively impact credit scores [3] Group 3: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Usage - BNPL services are gaining popularity, with a recent survey showing that 41% of BNPL borrowers made at least one late payment in the past year, an increase from 34% [5] - A concerning statistic is that 58% of BNPL users indicated these loans are the only way they can afford certain purchases, rising to 72% for those earning less than $50,000 [6]