Consumer Credit Delinquency Bulletin

The Consumer Credit Delinquency Bulletin is a quarterly newsletter produced by the American Bankers Association (ABA). The purpose of the newsletter is to help banks assess their loan portfolio performance and allow banks to benchmark their operations against peers in their state and across financial asset categories. For that reason, the newsletter’s primary audience includes chief executive officers, senior bank executives and loan officers, among others operating in the financial services industry. 

The Consumer Credit Delinquency Bulletin, which be accessed via paid subscription, is a survey that tracks eight types of closed-end consumer loans across 300 U.S. banks. It looks to provide information about factors that can affect overall loan portfolio performance. Of course, one of the factors that can affect a loan portfolio is delinquency, i.e., overdue payment on debt.

The bulletin intends to shed light on consumer credit trends and inform participants in the credit market. According to the American Banking Association, “the bulletin covers a wide range of past due loans as a percentage of loans with outstandings and as a percentage of dollars outstanding.” The types of loans covered by the survey include personal, automobile (direct and indirect), mobile home, recreational vehicle, marine, property improvement, home equity and second mortgages, home equity lines of credit, bank credit card, non-card revolving credit and education.

In addition, the bulletin provides information about delinquencies, such as detailed overviews and bankruptcy petitions according to geographic region and state. The Consumer Credit Delinquency Bulletin is offered by paid subscription. Consumers interested in subscribing to the bulletin can call 1-800-BANKERS (800-226-5377) or visit the ABA’s website.

The American Bankers Association, based in Washington, D.C., is a trade association that is designed to serve as a voice of the banks that comprise the American financial system. Using that voice and its platform, the ABA seeks to disseminate insight, including the Consumer Credit Delinquency bulletin, to help inform decision-making related to small, regional and large banking centers. Similar to other trade associations, the ABA devotes significant resources to lobbying efforts, professional development for member institutions, maintaining industry standards and products designed to educate. 

Formed in 1875, the ABA continues to evolve with the financial services industry. In 2007, the ABA merged with community bank-based trade association America’s Community Bankers to form what is generally regarded as the nation's largest trade association representing the financial services industry.