Debt and divorce: Credit card balances driving marital breakdowns, survey finds

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In this photo illustration, the Visa, Mastercard and American Express logo on various credit cards and debit cards are seen beside US one dollar bills on February 4, 2025. (Photo by Anna Barclay/Getty Images)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Credit card debt is increasingly being blamed for contributing to divorce, according to Debt.com's fourth-annual Debt and Divorce survey.

The survey found that younger generations are particularly susceptible. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z respondents said credit card debt contributed to their divorce—the highest of any group. 

Millennials were close behind, while Gen X and Baby Boomers reported lower, yet still notable, percentages.

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Methodology :

Debt.com conducted an online survey on September 1, 2025, using SurveyMonkey. The survey included 507 U.S. adults who identified as divorced. Participants were screened for marital status before completing the questionnaire. Respondents represented all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and were 18 years of age or older.
 

By the numbers:

This year, 42% of divorced Americans said credit card debt and overspending played a role in their divorce—a significant increase from 34% last year and 29% in 2023.

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Despite increasing financial strain, nearly two-thirds of respondents acknowledged they never sought professional help before divorcing—whether from financial planners, nonprofit credit counselors, or debt settlement firms.

What they're saying:

"Couples will talk about everything from where to live to how many kids to have—but too many still avoid talking about money," Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman of Debt.com, said in an online news release. "When credit card debt goes unaddressed, it doesn't just strain a budget—it strains a marriage. Our survey shows younger generations are paying the highest price for staying silent."

Financial secrets and ‘money betrayal’ fuel divorce

By the numbers:

Financial secrecy proved to be a major factor in marital breakdowns. 

More than one-third of respondents admitted that they or their spouse hid credit card debt during their marriage. Gen Z stood out once again, with over half confessing to concealing debt. For the first time, the survey asked whether hiding credit card debt should be grounds for divorce—and 38% agreed it should be.

The emotional fallout of financial dishonesty was unmistakable. Nearly 70% of respondents said hiding credit card debt amounts to "financial infidelity." Yet despite these strong feelings, most couples failed to seek help—only a small minority turned to debt management programs or financial professionals for guidance.

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The financial fallout of divorce often made matters worse. More than half of respondents said they accumulated new debt after their split, with 26% taking on balances exceeding $10,000. Many also experienced a decline in their credit scores—some dropping by more than 50 points.

Income shifts were widespread as well. Nearly one-third reported that their household income fell by more than 25% within a year of their divorce, while others saw modest increases. Regardless of direction, financial instability was a common theme.

When asked whether they bounced back faster emotionally or financially, 27% said they recovered on the financial side first. Still, 20% admitted they’re still trying to recover—either emotionally or financially.

Why you should care:

Debt.com’s findings offer a sobering conclusion: credit card debt isn’t just a financial burden—it’s a relationship breaker. And as the numbers continue to climb, the lack of professional guidance shows that many couples are facing these struggles alone.