The number of American cardholders paying off credit card balances in-full each month continues to rise. The trend is largely attributed to aging baby boomers who have switched gears when it comes to credit cards. Meanwhile the average credit card debt per household is quickly approaching the $8,000 mark. According to CardData (http//www.carddata.com), 44% of cardholders, based on mid-year data, pay off each month to avoid interest charges. This compares to 43% at year end 1999 and 29% at year end 1990. The average credit card balance per household, among households with at least one credit card, now stands at $7,942 at mid-year. The compares to $7,564 for year end 1999 and $2,985 for year end 1990.

CONVENIENCE  USAGE  &  CARD  DEBT 
1990  29%   $2985
1991  31%   $3223
1992  31%   $3444
1993  33%   $3601
1994  35%   $4811
1995  38%   $5832
1996  39%   $6487
1997  40%   $6900
1998  42%   $7188
1999  43%   $7564
2000 44%    $7942

Convenience usage -% of  bank credit cardholders (VISA,MC,Discover,AmEx) paying off balances in-full each month; Card Debt- outstanding balances for all credit cards including bank credit cards and private label credit cards, among U.S. households with at least one credit card.  Source CardData (http//www.carddata.com)