The Plastic Nightmare: A Shocking 24% of Americans Say This One Debt Is Their Biggest Regret, and It's Getting Worse

If you've ever looked at your finances and felt a pang of regret, you are far from alone. A staggering new survey reveals that the vast majority of Americans are haunted by past money mistakes, but one specific financial blunder is causing more sleepless nights than any other—and the problem is only growing.

For the second year in a row, amassing credit card debt has been crowned America's number one financial regret, according to the 2025 Financial Regrets Survey released by Debt.com. The poll of over 1,000 adults found that nearly one in four people (24%) identified overspending on credit as their single biggest money mistake. This represents a significant uptick from the 21% who felt the same way last year, signaling a worrying trend in household finances.

Experts point directly to the relentless pressure of the current economic climate as the primary driver behind this surge in plastic-fueled remorse. Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com, explained the connection.

"In a time of economic uncertainty, it's not surprising that credit card regret has risen," Dvorkin stated. "When everyday essentials—from groceries to gas—cost more, people rely on credit cards to close the gap. The problem is that those balances grow fast and so does regret."

This immediate debt stress is nearly matched by anxiety about the future. Running a razor-thin second in the survey is the regret of not saving for retirement earlier, with 23% of respondents citing it as their top financial error. This highlights a powerful dual anxiety gripping Americans: the crushing weight of present debt and the looming fear of an insecure future.

The survey's findings paint a broad picture of financial unease across the country. A massive 78% of all respondents admitted to having at least one significant financial regret. This isn't a niche problem but a shared American experience, reflecting a challenging economic landscape where financial stability feels increasingly out of reach.

As high interest rates continue to compound already swelling balances, this national nightmare of debt shows no signs of abating, leaving millions trapped in a cycle of spending and regret.