Credit card companies make most of their money off consumers

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More than two-thirds of US consumer credit card revenues came from consumers themselves in 2022, per our estimates. Interest made up the biggest chunk at about 56% of total revenues.

While the average revenue made from each merchant was much higher ($7,800, compared with $930 per card holder), total revenues from consumers were more than twice those from merchants.

Beyond the chart: Total US credit card balances hit $916 billion in September 2022, reaching pre-pandemic levels, per Equifax. As inflationary pressure continues, that number will likely grow. According to a July 2022 survey by Marqeta, 44% of US adults were struggling to make their minimum credit card payments, and 67% said they had relied on credit cards to make ends meet over the past 12 months.

But card issuers beware: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is scrutinizing credit card practices, including what it calls “junk fees.”

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