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The amount Americans are paying each month on their credit card bills continues to hover at record levels. After dipping in May, the average is now about 18.5% of the outstanding balance. One-year ago the monthly payment rate was about 17.3%. Approximately 42% of consumers pay-off credit card balances in-full each month, while 33% pay more than the minimum, according to a recent American Bankers Association survey. As a result of the steep rise in payments, the bank credit card industry has experienced sluggish growth in card loans. Most large issuers are posting growth around 3% to 4% per year in total credit card balances. The increase in the monthly payment rate has largely been attributed to debt consolidation via home equity loans. However, a significant portion is driven by cardholder behavioral changes due to penalty interest rates, universal default policies and rising fees.