Core Insights - The rising trend of bankruptcy filings among consumers with retail credit card debt is linked to record-high interest rates, which have reached an average of 30.45% as of September [2][3] - The proportion of bankruptcy filings that include retail credit card debt has increased at a faster rate than overall new filings, with a 12% rise in such cases compared to a 5.8% increase in total consumer bankruptcy filings between 2023 and 2024 [3] Industry Context - Retail credit cards typically have higher interest rates than traditional credit cards due to the lower credit scores of their holders, making them riskier for banks [1] - The increase in interest rates was influenced by banks anticipating regulatory changes regarding credit card late fees, which ultimately did not take effect, leading to sustained high rates [2] - The Consumer Bankers Association emphasized the role of retail credit cards in helping consumers manage expenses and build credit, while also highlighting the availability of various financial tools for consumers [4]