Amid High Inflation And Increasing Liquidity Struggles, Americans Are Increasingly Relying On Credit — Current Could Offer Quicker And Easier Access
New York, NY
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February 22, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga
While analysts predict we may be past the inflation peak, Americans struggle to make ends meet and are relying more and more on credit. A recent survey showed that less than 50% of Americans could afford to pay for a last-minute $1000 emergency. Inflation is hitting Americans hard, and many don’t have the financial stability and luxury to secure rainy-day funds.
For the lower-income families that cannot afford a $1,000 emergency, the rising prices of everyday necessities are acting as a further blow to their finances. Fuel prices have soared and the cost of common goods like eggs has risen by up to 60%. Electricity bills have also risen dramatically. In the past year, electricity prices have increased by 15.8%.
Simply put, the cost of living is going up and there isn’t any real promise of a change in trend. As a result, Americans are leaning more heavily on credit cards to ensure they can pay their bills. Credit card balances rose by 15% in the third quarter of 2022, the largest year-over-year increase in over 20 years. According to a new report by Bankrate, 46% of credit cardholders carry debt month to month; last year that percentage was only 39%.
To make matters worse, the average credit card rate is at an all-time high, meaning that individuals are paying far more in interest and possibly ending up in further debt.
The economic situation in Europe is reportedly just as bad, if not worse. The US is unlikely to get a boost from the global economy in the coming months. Amid such times, quick and easy access to credit can be crucial to provide some relief to the American consumer.
Current Looks To Do Its Bit To Help Through Easier Liquidity Access
A financial technology company that offers mobile banking, Current is a new type of banking alternative offering a lot of features that might be ideal for individuals who are struggling to pay the bills.
Two of the main features that have mass appeal during a period of higher inflation are faster direct deposits and better overdraft protection. Through Current, members can get direct deposits up to two days earlier.1 The mobile banking app also lets you overdraft up to $200, pending approval, with no overdraft fees. There are no minimum balance fees either.2
The app also allows for buying and selling crypto, with the cash from your crypto sales that is immediately then available to spend from your Current account. For individuals who aren’t looking to invest in a volatile market, Current offers savings pods with up to 4.00% APY.3 The company is interested in helping improve financial outcomes for everyone while making banking simple and faster.
This article was originally published on Benzinga here.
Current is a leading U.S. financial technology platform serving the needs of Americans who are working to create a better future for themselves. Our mission is to enable members to change their lives by creating better financial outcomes. Leveraging the best technology, we deliver inspirational and motivational products as we all move forward in a world of increasing digitization and complexity.
This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice.
Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC. The Current Visa Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
1Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits.
2 Please refer to Overdrive™ Features Terms and Conditions. Out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party, and adding cash fees may apply.
3 The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for Current Interest is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of January 1, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn Current Interest on up to $2000 in deposits per Savings Pod up to $6000 total. Please refer to Current Interest Terms and Conditions.
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