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VantageScore CreditGauge™ March 2025 Report

In the midst of notable fluctuations in the financial markets, the latest CreditGauge™ report by VantageScore reveals that consumer credit health remains remarkably stable. The average VantageScore, a key indicator of consumer creditworthiness, rose by one point to 702 in March 2025, reflecting a disciplined approach to credit management by consumers.

Consumer Behavior Amid Financial Volatility

Despite concerns regarding economic instability, consumers have shown remarkable resilience in their credit behavior. The research underscores that while banks are tightening lending standards, the consumers' credit card balances have remained predominantly flat, registering only a small decline of $95, bringing the average credit card debt to $6,200. This steady credit balance is crucial, especially against a backdrop of ongoing inflationary pressures.

As reported by Susan Fahy, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at VantageScore, there is a distinct contrast between the stable behaviors of everyday consumers and the volatile conditions on Wall Street. She mentions, "Consumers are gradually moderating their borrowing and concentrating on updating their accounts, as financial institutions appear to be adopting a more cautious stance in their lending practices."

Key Insights from CreditGauge

Stable Credit Balances

The report highlighted that overall consumer credit balances remained unchanged month-over-month during March 2025. The decreasing credit utilization ratios across different credit products indicate that borrowers are effectively paying down their debts. This development suggests that consumers are managing their finances more prudently, thereby maintaining their credit health amidst economic uncertainty.

VantageScore Trends

The average VantageScore, now at 702, marks a rebound from a slight drop to 701 in February 2025. This shift is significant as it indicates a declining rate of credit delinquencies. For the first time since April 2024, overall credit delinquencies decreased across various categories of payment overdue (Days Past Due). This trend reflects improvements in consumer financial habits, contributing positively to their credit scores.

Decline in New Credit Originations

Interestingly, new credit origination has experienced a slowdown. The origination of new credit cards and personal loans diminished in March 2025, suggesting that financial institutions are taking a more cautious approach to lending. This shift could potentially affect consumer access to credit in the coming months, as lenders recalibrate their strategies in response to market dynamics.

CreditGauge serves as a monthly indicator of the overall health of consumer credit in the United States, providing valuable insights for stakeholders in the finance and credit sectors. For anyone interested in reading the complete report, it is available for download from the VantageScore website. Furthermore, VantageScore shares its insights through a monthly video series, CreditGauge LIVE, which highlights trends and analyses concerning consumer credit data.

About VantageScore

VantageScore is recognized as one of the fastest-growing credit scoring companies in the U.S., noted for its innovative and inclusive credit score models. As of 2024, VantageScore usage increased by 55%, reaching an impressive 42 billion credit scores generated. Its 4.0 scoring model extends credit evaluations to millions more individuals than traditional models, helping institutions make more informed lending decisions. Additionally, with mandates for using VantageScore in mortgage lending by major government entities, VantageScore continues to play a pivotal role in addressing homeownership challenges across the nation.