More college students have to use credit cards just to cover basic living expenses. Here’s what it’s costing them.

AI SUMMARY

# Investment Summary Rising consumer debt among college students—with nearly 90% of student credit card users relying on cards for basic living expenses—presents a concerning credit risk indicator for financial institutions and suggests growing economic pressure on younger consumers that could impact future spending and loan default rates. This trend may benefit debt management fintech companies and credit counseling services while potentially increasing charge-offs and provision expenses for major credit card issuers like Capital One, Discover, and American Express in coming quarters.