The latest consumer credit report from Equifax shows thatAmerican retailers have opened the largest number of credit cardaccounts for consumers since 2009.

The nationwide credit reporting and analytical firm's NationalConsumer Credit Trends Report revealed retailers have opened 183million credit card accounts for consumers and that consumers havecharged more the $56 billion on those cards, more than a 6.4%increase year over year.

“The holiday season is almost upon us and retailers are eager tocapture the hearts and wallets of the American consumer,” saidEquifax Chief Economist Amy Crews Cutts. “Retail cards are a greatway to do both. Retailers can leverage these cards to drive trafficto their stores through special offers to cardholders and canencourage larger purchases by offering favorable interest-ratepromotions for big ticket items. As long as consumers resist theurge to overspend, these cards can be a great way to save moneywhen holiday shopping.”

The firm also reported retailers issued a total of $46.6 billionin new loans to customers between January and August of this year,a move up of 11.6% over the same period last year and that theyissued 24.6 million cards over the same period, an increase of 8.8%from the same time in 2012.

And it is not only holders of the best paper that are seeing theincrease. The credit reporting bureau reported that retail lendingto consumers with scores of less than 660 – which is where Equifaxplaces the subprime line – increased by 15.8% over one year ago,with 8.2 million loans made.