Credit Card Rewards Influenced Consumer Spending in August

A survey of 1,499 U.S. users revealed that rewards play a growing role in financial decisions and spending habits.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Credit Cards

Credit Card Rewards Influenced Consumer Spending in August

Live Poll

Do credit card rewards provide you with meaningful help in managing your personal monthly budget?

Between August 6 and August 12, 2026, Citizens Financial Group surveyed 1,499 U.S. cardholders regarding their habits. The findings showed that 55% of users now value rewards more than they did three years ago.

Why it matters

The shift highlights how credit card perks have evolved from minor benefits into core drivers of household financial strategy. Consumers are increasingly leveraging these rewards to manage debt, bolster savings, and enable discretionary spending.

A survey of 1,499 users found that 34% utilize rewards to pay down debt, while 27% contribute those funds toward savings or investments. Additionally, 24% of respondents reported making major purchases sooner because of available perks.

The players

Citizens Financial Group

This bank holding company is headquartered in Providence and provides a range of retail and commercial banking products.

The details

The survey results were weighted to reflect the U.S. population across nine distinct demographic variables. Beyond debt management and savings, 41% of respondents indicated that rewards directly influence where they choose to spend money, while 39% use perks to subsidize dining out.

The survey was conducted from August 6 through August 12, 2026.

Market Dynamics

The increased reliance on rewards mirrors a broader shift in consumer banking where credit card programs have become central tools for managing household cash flow. This evolution reflects a long-term transition from using cards primarily for convenience to using them for active financial management.

Cardholders can optimize their personal balance sheets by aligning spending patterns with high-reward categories prioritized by their specific banking providers. This data suggests that strategic use of rewards can accelerate debt repayment and contribute to individual investment goals.

The takeaway

Consumers should verify whether the specific perks they target provide actual value, as only 11% of high-income respondents are confident they receive the full potential worth of their rewards. Evaluating your primary card against your actual spending habits can ensure you are not leaving money on the table.