Tag Archive for: research

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NEW REPORT: Auriemma Publishes Q1-2023 Issue of Cardbeat US

Auriemma recently published the Q1-2023 Cardbeat US report. The issue examines new card acquisition, outstanding debt, store debit and credit cards, and using rewards points with partner brands. Those interested in learning more about Auriemma’s research or about this issue should contact research@auriemma.group.

Findings include:

 

Word of mouth, third-party comparison websites, and digital channels are paramount to marketing and customer acquisition strategies.

  • Digital information sources like third-party comparison websites (91%) and social media posts (86%) are influential in deciding whether to apply for a payment card among those who used them—over half (56%-58%) ended up applying.

 

60% of cardholders say they spend multiple days considering a new credit card (38% for debit cards), and over half say the reason is because they want to compare the card to others on the market (54%) and/or do additional research on the card (53%).

  • 16% of cardholders say sign-up offers are the primary reason they applied for a credit card and 60% say they have at least a little impact on their decision.

 

Cardholders with outstanding credit card debt are strategic and intentional with their repayments—84% are paying off the balance as quickly as possible.

  • 59% of cardholders say they have an outstanding balance on their credit card(s), averaging $3,233.
  • One-fifth are not making any payments towards the balance(s) (22%) and/or are considering filing for bankruptcy (18%).

 

Tax refunds will most commonly be used to fortify savings (33%) and/or pay off outstanding debts or bills (31%).

Store card ownership has a marked impact on shopping with the brand—51% of store cardholders say their shopping with the merchant has increased since acquiring the card.

  • One-fifth (20%) say they have shopped at the store a lot more since getting their store card.

 

35% of rewards cardholders have transferred rewards to another brand at least once, and one-quarter (24%) have done so multiple times.

Expanding partnerships with brands similar to or different from the card would make over 40% of cardholders use their card more.

  • Supermarkets (85%) and gas stations (84%) are the most appealing purchase categories to be partnered with a credit card.

Survey Methodology

This Auriemma Group study was conducted online within the US by an independent field service provider on behalf of Auriemma Group (Auriemma) in February-March 2023 among 888 adult  credit cardholders. The number of interviews completed for both is sufficient to allow for statistical significance testing among sub-groups at the 95% confidence level ±5%, unless otherwise noted. The purpose of the research was not disclosed, nor did respondents know the criteria for qualifying.

 

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AMC Entertainment Launches Co-Brand Credit Card for Moviegoers

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., the world’s largest movie theatre operator, has partnered with Deserve and Visa to launch the co-branded AMC Entertainment Visa credit card. Co-branding is a well-established strategy that provides a valuable financial service, deepens customer loyalty, and drives incremental brand revenue.  According to Auriemma Group’s most recent Cardbeat® study, more than 50% of branded credit cardholders shop more at the brand as a result of having the card, and nearly 40% of that population shops a lot more at the brand. This trend is more prominent among those aged 18–34 – 76% shop more at a brand with the card. Read more about the AMC Entertainment Visa credit card here.

Survey Methodology

The Auriemma Group study was conducted online in the US in Q1 2023 by an independent field service provider. A total of 888 web interviews were conducted among credit card users. The purpose of the research was not disclosed, nor did respondents know the criteria for qualifying.

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Payment Behaviors Shift as US and UK Consumers Adjust to COVID-19 Fallout

(New York, NY and London, UK) COVID-19 has significantly impacted most aspects of consumer’s lives, including how they shop and make payments. People are concerned for their finances, their health, and are uncertain about the future. Auriemma Group conducted studies in the US and the UK to understand how payment activity and expectations are changing, and what issuers can do to meet this unprecedented moment in our history.

How Payment Activity Is Changing

Across both markets, about seven-in-ten consumers are anxious about the future. Many are specifically concerned about their personal finances, especially in the US (81% vs. 67% UK). This worry, paired with stay-at-home guidance and closures of non-essential businesses have altered the way many consumers make purchases, what they are purchasing, and their purchasing power.

COVID-19 has caused many to shift spend online. Nearly eight-in-ten consumers are visiting fewer businesses and, as a result, many are placing more online orders than usual (45% US vs. 38% UK). However, most have reduced their non-essential spend, particularly in the UK (72% vs. 65% US).

Spend categories and payment methods have seen immediate shifts because of COVID-19. As a category, consumers understandably noted rises in grocery spend, with many saying they stocked up on food or household items (60% US vs. 49% UK). In addition, many are making more purchases with contactless or mobile payment options (34% US vs. 45% UK). This is unsurprisingly greater in the UK, given their tenure with contactless payments.

Changes in spend are similar across geographies. Over four-in-ten say they are spending less than typical (42% US vs. 47% UK), while only slightly fewer say spend stayed the same (41% vs. 35%). The remaining one-fifth say they are spending more than typical, and the average increase in monthly spend among that group was similar across both countries ($524 vs. £463).

“While sudden shifts in behavior are to be expected, the bigger question is whether these changes will be long-lasting,” says Jaclyn Holmes, Director of Research at Auriemma Group. “Many consumers are trying new purchasing channels and methods out of necessity, and some who were previously averse to online shopping are finding the experience to be surprisingly enjoyable. Only time will tell if these options truly become ubiquitous as a result.”

How Expectations Are Changing

Financial institutions play a key role in quelling the anxiety consumers in both markets face. From a communications perspective, banks and issuers are performing strongly. About three-quarters in both geographies say they are satisfied with the COVID-related communications coming from their primary bank or credit card issuer.

In addition to strong communication, consumers expect payment leniency. Over seven-in-ten said they expect their financial institutions to be understanding of late payments at this time. With some consumers unable to meet their payment obligations, about one-in-ten say they have missed a credit card, bill, or loan payment because of COVID-19.

Most issuers are meeting consumer expectation and waiving missed payment and late fees, but a handful report that the fee was not waived. This is especially true of UK consumers—36% who were charged a fee did not have it waived (vs. 27% US).

“Waiving fees is one way to show consumers that you are in their corner,” says Holmes. “And while that may not be fiscally possible for all issuers, offering support in other ways—be it via online tools and information, offers, or exemplary customer service—could go a long way to showing cardholders that you have compassion for their situation.”

What Issuers Can Do

Since its outbreak, COVID-19 has brought about many questions that lack answers. From health to the economy, there is a lot of uncertainty in what lies ahead, and customers are looking to their card issuers for guidance and reassurance. Issuers aiming to present a customer-first approach may want to communicate the following:

  1. Actions taken to help ease payment burdens (e.g., waived fees, lower rates, extended grace periods)
  2. Recommended customer service channels or resources (e.g., new channels aimed to reduce wait times, self-servicing options, updated FAQ pages)
  3. Beneficial information to aid the shopping experience (e.g., how to reduce direct contact using contactless or mobile payment options, merchant partner deals to help them save, how to maximize rewards)
  4. Steps to take when requesting a refund or filing a dispute

“Given how quickly things are changing, finding relevant and up-to-date information can become challenging for consumers,” say Holmes. “By providing thoughtful and consistent communications, issuers can help reduce rather than contribute to the mounting concern consumers are expressing.”

Survey Methodology

Cardbeat US

This Auriemma Group study was conducted online within the US by an independent field service provider on behalf of Auriemma Group (Auriemma) in March/April 2020 among 807 adult credit cardholders. The number of interviews completed for both is sufficient to allow for statistical significance testing among sub-groups at the 95% confidence level ±5%, unless otherwise noted. The purpose of the research was not disclosed, nor did respondents know the criteria for qualifying. The average interview length was 25 minutes.

Cardbeat UK

This Auriemma Group study was conducted online within the UK by an independent field service provider on behalf of Auriemma in April 2020, among 809 adult credit cardholders. The number of interviews completed on a monthly basis is sufficient to allow for statistical significance testing between sub-groups at the 95% confidence level ± 5%, unless otherwise noted. The purpose of the research was not disclosed nor did the respondents know the criteria for qualification.

About Auriemma Group

For more than 30 years, Auriemma’s mission has been to empower clients with authoritative data and actionable insights. Our team comprises recognized experts in four primary areas: operational effectiveness, consumer research, co-brand partnerships, and corporate finance. Our business intelligence and advisory services give clients access to the data, expertise and tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex environment and maximize their performance. Auriemma serves the consumer financial services ecosystem from our offices in New York City and London. For more information, call Jaclyn Holmes at (+1) 646-454-4200.

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Why Challenger Bank Customers Haven’t Left High Street

(London, UK): In a short time, challenger banks have won cardholders over with their unique mobile-only banking model, differentiated from High Street offerings by touting foreign exchange features, budgeting tools, spend analytics and easy cheque splitting. But consumers aren’t breaking up with High Street just yet. According to new research published by Auriemma Group, challenger banks are being used as a complement to, not a replacement for, traditional banking products.

Currently, 13% of credit cardholders have a mobile-only current account with Monzo, Revolut and/or Starling. And 44% of credit cardholders without a mobile-only current account could be persuaded to switch to one. This small, but notable figure shows curiosity in the mobile-only banking model.

“Challenger banks market themselves as innovators in the payments space,” says Jaclyn Holmes, Director of Research at Auriemma Group. “From graphic cues like bright-coloured and vertical cards to their digitally focused approach, these banks are trying to visually and experientially differentiate themselves from their High Street counterparts.”

These benefits and differentiators alone, however, are not enough to instill full confidence in challenger banks. Nearly all (96%) of those who had a current account with a traditional bank prior to opening one with a mobile-only provider say that they have kept their traditional account open.

There are several factors likely at play in this decision. Many who are uninterested in challenger banks express satisfaction in their current offerings (58%), prefer banks with physical locations (42%) or don’t know enough about them (28%).

In effect, challenger banks are charged with informing the consumer about who they are and what makes them better. While some focus on the strength of their digital offerings to make this point, others have taken innovative steps to address the perceived need for in-person service.

Starling Bank, for example, partnered with the postal service to offer cash deposits in a physical location for its account holders. This partnership offers a consistent physical footprint (i.e., the post office) for the bank as traditional bank branches continue to close across the UK.

While offering a physical location for some banking activities is one solution, other mobile-only providers focus squarely on self-service options. These are especially important for younger cardholders, who, according to Auriemma’s research, are less likely to see branches as a critical component of the banking relationship.

“Although the absence of a branch footprint is currently an obstacle for challenger banks, its importance may wane as the industry becomes more digital,” says Holmes. “As the industry shifts, we can expect consumers to become more comfortable with mobile-centric banking solutions.”

Challenger banks cultivated enthusiasm around innovative tools and features, many of which currently exist in the High Street digital experience. It appears even basic tools could be enough to keep these cardholders from looking elsewhere. Many of those who find tools important most often cite bread-and-butter functionalities that are already a part of online banking—spend alerts, reports, and automatic transfers.

“Challenger banks are bringing digital tools to the forefront of the customer experience, but consumers will continue looking to legacy providers for everyday banking needs,” says Holmes. “High Street Banks have given little reason to look elsewhere, and although challengers have their merits, it’s unlikely that cardholders will transition their entire banking relationship to them in the near term.”

Survey Methodology

This Auriemma Group study was conducted online within the UK by an independent field service provider on behalf of Auriemma in November 2019, among 855 adult credit cardholders. The number of interviews completed on a monthly basis is sufficient to allow for statistical significance testing between sub-groups at the 95% confidence level ± 5%, unless otherwise noted. The purpose of the research was not disclosed nor did the respondents know the criteria for qualification.

About Auriemma Group

For more than 30 years, Auriemma’s mission has been to empower clients with authoritative data and actionable insights. Our team comprises recognised experts in four primary areas: operational effectiveness, consumer research, co-brand partnerships and corporate finance. Our business intelligence and advisory services give clients access to the data, expertise and tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex environment and maximise their performance. Auriemma serves the consumer financial services ecosystem from our offices in London and New York City. For more information, visit us at www.auriemma.group or call Jaclyn Holmes at +44 (0) 207 629 0075.

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