US Consumer Credit Rose by $9.7 Billion in December

U.S. consumers increased their borrowing in December by $9.7 billion, as Americans took out loans to buy autos or finance their educations.

This Aug. 11, 2019, file photo shows Visa credit cards in New Orleans. Jenny Kane/AP Photo

WASHINGTON—U.S. consumers increased their borrowing in December by $9.7 billion, as Americans took out loans to buy autos or finance their educations.

But credit card use declined for the third consecutive month.