Consumer borrowing rose in March at the fastest pace in four months, more than double the increase of the previous month.

The Federal Reserve reported Wednesday that consumers increased their borrowing at an annual rate of 7.2 percent, compared 3.1 percent in February.

The gain reflected strong borrowing on credit cards and also in the category that includes auto loans.

Consumers have been moving to put more of their purchases on their credit cards as banks have tightened lending standards for home equity loans in response to the deepening credit crisis.