U.S. Consumers Use Debit Cards Most Frequently for Grocery Shopping

BASKING RIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More people are reaching for their debit cards at the checkout counter when shopping for groceries. A recent survey by LIGHTSPEED RESEARCH, a global online market research provider to the research industry, revealed that 54.3% of U.S. respondents are paying for their groceries with a debit card or a debit/credit card combination. Second highest payment method was cash at 19.6%, followed by major credit card at 14% and check with 10.5%.

The poll collected responses from 106,784 U.S. panelists and, asked what method of payment one typically uses when grocery shopping.

Females favored using debit/credit card combination (28.6%) over males (24.6%), where as males tend to use cash more than females (23.4% vs. 18.3%).

Respondents who are under the age of 44 reach for the debit/credit card combination the most - 18-24 (30.9%), 25-34 (34.5%) and 35-44 (29.4%). Closely following with debit card for 25-34 (26.6%) and 35-44 (28.3%), where 18-24 second highest is cash (27.0%). Seniors age 65 and over use a major credit card as their typical payment method (26.9%) followed by check (19.3%).

What method of payment do you typically use when grocery shopping?

Major Credit Card	14.0%
Debit/Credit Card	27.6%
Debit Card	26.7%
Check	10.5%
Cash	19.6%
Other	1.6%

GENDER	Female	Male
Major Credit Card	12.5%	18.3%
Debit/Credit Card	28.6%	24.6%
Debit Card	27.6%	24.1%
Check	11.2%	8.6%
Cash	18.3%	23.4%
Other	1.8%	1.0%

AGE	18-24	25-34	35-44	45-54	55-64	65+
Major Credit Card	11.5%	13.1%	12.5%	12.1%	17.3%	26.9%
Debit/Credit Card	30.9%	34.5%	29.4%	24.7%	21.4%	15.4%
Debit Card	24.3%	26.6%	28.3%	28.4%	25.9%	18.9%
Check	4.1%	6.0%	9.6%	13.2%	15.5%	19.3%
Cash	27.0%	17.5%	18.7%	20.2%	18.8%	18.9%
Other	2.2%	2.3%	1.5%	1.4%	1.1%	0.60%

This Poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The results cannot be assumed to represent the opinions of Internet users in general, nor the public as a whole.

About Lightspeed Research Poll

Any opinions or advice presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the WPP Group. Lightspeed Research online poll rapidly gathers opinions about topical issues and delivers reliable results in as little as 24 hours. More information on this survey and the Lightspeed Research online poll is available at www.lightspeedresearch.com, or email us at [e-mail]. Polls are open to all in the Lightspeed Research panels and do not have any quota controls.

About Lightspeed Research

Lightspeed Research is a trusted quality online market research solutions provider delivering rapid and effective research results through global online panels. Through its network of proprietary panels and accredited panel partners, Lightspeed Research can provide access to household members across 34 countries in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

Lightspeed Research's proprietary panels are recruited and maintained to ensure quality and representative sampling to support studies that range in scope and complexity across most industry sectors. Lightspeed Research operates specialty panels covering healthcare, financial services, automotive, B2B, telecommunications, family and more. The company also provides custom panel solutions for clients, building customized panels to address specific client needs.

Lightspeed Research is a member of WPP, one of the world's leading communications services companies. For more information, please visit www.lightspeedresearch.com or send an e-mail to [e-mail].