BORROWING UP: Americans increased their borrowing by $11.1 billion in April to a seasonally adjusted $2.82 trillion. That's the 20th straight monthly gain to another record level.

AUTOS, STUDENT LOANS: A category that includes auto and student loans accounted for almost all of the increase, rising $10.4 billion. A measure of credit card debt rose only slightly, increasing by $682 million.

OUTLOOK: Consumers have been hesitant to run up high-interest credit card debt since the recession. And many are likely to stay cautious this year because higher Social Security taxes have reduced most paychecks.