Credit card delinquencies easing across the U.S. ( EXPN ) (by Greg Morcroft)

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Consumer data firm Experian PLC (uk:expn) said on Friday that its data show that U.S. credit card delinquencies in the top 30 markets, and nationally, are now below levels before the recent recession. Conversely, the firm's data showed that mortgage delinquencies are rising. "Nationally, since 2007, 20% fewer credit card payments are 60 days late, but 25% more consumers are paying their mortgage 60 days late," the firm said in a press release. The cities that showed the most improvements to bankcard payments include Cleveland, San Antonio, Texas, Cincinnati, Dallas, and Houston. Riverside, Calif., Seattle, Tampa, Phoenix and Miami have made the least improvements in credit card payments, the report said.