IRVINE, Calif. -- A new survey by Experian Consumer Direct shows consumers have increased their debt by more than 12 percent over the past two years. At the same time, minimum monthly payment obligations have increased by 10 percent.

The survey by Experian, which provides credit reports and scores, also shows consumers are having problems managing their increasing debt, with the number of late payments up nearly 20 percent.

"This shows that as consumers took on more financial responsibility, they were not able to manage it effectively," said Ty Taylor, president of Experian Consumer Direct.

While carrying debt is not necessarily negative on its own, having a balance that's close to credit limits could lower a credit score. And high debt levels combined with late payments can be a red flag for some lenders.

Taylor said the survey results did contain some positive news.

"Our study revealed that during the same time period, each year consumers applied for credit less often and opened fewer credit cards," said Taylor.