Using a unique administrative level dataset from a large and diverse U.S. financial institution, we test the impact of rewards on credit card spending and debt. Specifically, we study the impact of cash-back rewards on individuals before and during their enrollment in the program.
We find that with an average cash-back reward of $25, spending and debt increases by $79 and $191 a month, respectively during the first quarter. Furthermore, we find that cardholders who do not use their card prior to the cash-back program increase their spending and debt more than cardholders with debt prior to the cash-back program. In addition, we find that 11 percent of cardholders that did not use their cards in the previous 3 months prior to the cash-back program spent at least $50 in the first month of the program.
Finally, we find heterogeneous responses by demographic and credit constraint characteristics. (Download Entire Publication)
(Courtesy of the From the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago)
Do Card Reward Programs Deal Low Income Households An Unfair Hand?
Payment Card Rewards Programs and Consumer Payment Choice
Exclusive Interview: Andrew Ching on Payment Rewards and Loyalty
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More