Consumers in the U.S. are keeping their credit cards in their wallets in favor of using debit cards to avoid building up more debt, according to a new report by Javelin Strategy & Research.
Among the 11 percent of consumers who claim they have an increased ability to put funds into savings, 46 percent have decreased the use of their credit cards, and 51 percent have decreased their spending on discretionary goods, such as entertainment, travel, luxury items and cars.
Credit card use among consumers decreased 31 percent between 2007 and 2009 (87 percent in 2007 down to 56 percent in 2009); if this rate of decline continues through year end, credit card use will fall below 50 percent.
Photo by current.com.