Jun 1, 2026
Tucker Carlson recently had some controversial advice for Americans with credit card debt, while comparing credit card companies to drug dealers pushing fentanyl.
During a conversation with hacker Ryan Montgomery on a joint episode of their shows, Carlson launched into a tirade against lenders, calling the credit card industry “predatory” and questioning whether consumers have any “moral obligation” to repay what they owe.
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“I think people should stop paying their credit cards,” Carlson said, while acknowledging that “no one else agrees” with him.
“It’s like just blaming the drug addict and never mentioning the dealer,” Carlson said. “Someone’s selling the fentanyl, and that person is on the hook, too.”
But there are major consequences for everyday consumers who don’t pay their credit card bills, so simply not paying could be financially devastating.
Not paying your credit card bill can spiral quickly
Carlson’s comments come at a time when many Americans are already struggling under record levels of debt.
According to TransUnion data, the average American carried roughly $6,715 in credit card debt at the end of 2025. At the same time, the total U.S. household debt increased by $18 billion to roughly $18.8 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Federal Reserve.
Walking away from credit card debt may sound tempting, but the consequences can pile up fast.
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warns that missing payments can trigger late fees, get your credit cut, and lead to negative marks on your credit report.
And for borrowers who continue to skip payments, their accounts can eventually go to collections, and creditors could pursue legal action to recover the unpaid balances. A damaged credit score can also make borrowing more expensive, raising the cost of everything from car loans to mortgages.
The issue is top of mind for many because Americans who have increasingly leaned on credit cards to cover essentials amid years of elevated inflation and borrowing costs.
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What to do about credit card debt
The growing debt load is taking its toll on everyday consumers, but there are solutions that don’t require ignoring bills.
For consumers overwhelmed by credit card debt, addressing the problem early rather than sticking your head in the sand is the first step. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has some advice for borrowers:
Review your budget.
Tally up your income and expenses, identify areas where spending can be trimmed, and determine how much you can realistically afford to pay toward your debt each month.
Contact your credit card issuer as soon as possible.
If you won’t be able to make the minimum payment, get in touch with your card issuer. Lenders may be willing to offer temporary relief, especially if you can explain your financial situation and propose a manageable payment plan.
Get professional support.
Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help you create a budget, negotiate with creditors, and develop a debt-management plan. Ask about fees and services before enrolling.
Watch out for debt-settlement firms that promise quick fixes.
Regulators have warned that companies claiming they can erase debt, guaranteeing results or encouraging borrowers to stop communicating with creditors, may be red flags. Debt-settlement companies generally cannot charge fees before a debt has been settled or resolved.
Carlson did acknowledge that he was speaking from a position of privilege, saying he personally carries no debt. For Americans living paycheck to paycheck, however, simply “stopping payment” on credit cards could turn a difficult financial situation into a long-term crisis.
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Freelance writer with an economic development and consulting background.
