Alaska has the highest median credit card debt ($3,384 each) in the US, according to a study released yesterday.

In second and third place are New Hampshire and Connecticut, with $2,109 and $2,094 respectively. The states with the lowest median credit card debt are Mississippi, Iowa and West Virginia.

The figures were compiled by Americans for Fairness in Lending, which lobbies for more stringent credit card regulations.

"Unfair practices by credit card companies are fueling these high debt levels," said Jim Campen, executive director of Americans for Fairness in Lending.

"Consumers are victims of a range of abuses such as doubling and tripling interest rates."

However, a report by the Federal Reserve said the pace of economic activity has slowed because consumers are reducing their spending.

Americans struggling with rising prices or debt may need to consider a debt management plan in the imminent future.

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