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> The real question is how much of the accounts are delinquent

Wouldn't how many people are carrying a balance each month (and thus paying interest, implying they very likely can't afford to pay off the balance each month even if they wanted to) be a better measure? The average worker in the US barely nets $6,500 in three months, they're definitely not charging and paying that much off every month.

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Sure, you could look at that, but just because you carry a $6,500 balance isn't too terrible as long as you are paying it off. If you're just paying the minimum payments and not charging anything new, it could take many years to pay off that debt. The number might also look very similar for many years, even though you are paying it off. I think that's why people who can't even pay the minimum or aren't paying is a truer sign of economic distress. If you aren't paying off your credit card, it's likely you aren't paying off other debts as well, things like rent or mortgage - or will be soon if things don't improve.

Which gets a little more complicated when some people have grace periods, and others dont because they carried a balance. You cant just use average statement balance.

The number to look for would be: average balance subject to interest.

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