Who profits from the interest on credit card debt?

Credit card companies profit from the interest on credit card debt because they charge cardholders interest on any outstanding balances that are not paid in full by the due date. When individuals carry a balance, the credit card issuer calculates interest on that amount, creating a revenue stream for the company. This process is part of the business model for credit card issuers.

The interest paid by consumers effectively acts as compensation for lending money and taking on risk. It contributes significantly to the profitability of financial institutions. In contrast, while consumers might face higher debt burdens, the government typically does not directly profit from the interest accrued on private credit cards, and nonprofit organizations do not benefit financially from such transactions. The focus on credit card companies highlights their role as the primary beneficiary of the interest charges associated with credit card debt.