WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- U.S. consumer credit growth increased sharply in June, a possible sign spending could ramp up in coming months. Consumers increased their debt in June by a seasonally adjusted $17.3 billion, down only slightly from a $19.6 billion gain in the prior month, the Federal Reserve said Thursday. The increase in June was above the market consensus. Monthly debt rose at a 6.4% annual rate in June, compared with a 7.4% rate in the prior month. This is the seventh straight month with consumer credit growth above a 6% rate. Non-revolving category of debt, especially federal student loans, led the monthly increase, rising $16.3 billion or 8.4% in June. Once again, credit-card debt rose only slightly, rising a slim $941 million or 1.3% after a gain of 2.4% in the prior month.