Leading cash-back credit cards need to drive acquisition in an increasingly competitive segment of the card market. Our exclusive consumer survey data reveals which emerging features issuers should invest in to win over customers.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what to make of Google turning 25 years old, how US shoppers feel about stores, why tiered rewards are all the rage, how Hispanic people think their values are reflected by advertisers and Americans, taxi drivers turning into robots, some mind-bending facts about US geography, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, forecasting analyst Zach Goldner, and director of forecasting Oscar Orozco.

The number of US BNPL users has doubled since 2021, even though firms can’t fund rewards as richly as issuers do. But they do have retail connections.

Price matters to everyone, but ease and convenience play an even bigger role in purchase decisions. Plus, retailers should consider revamping their apps to garner more sales and use their target audience to guide in-store and online strategies.

“Little treat” culture has taken over TikTok. The hashtag #littletreat has amassed 41.4 million views, and video after video shows users justifying their small purchases because they “deserve a little treat.” But little treats can add up. So Gen Z and millennial consumers are using rewards apps to pay for their little luxuries, according to Wes Schroll, CEO of the rewards app Fetch.

This highlights the popularity of the credit card’s investment feature and should continue to bring in more cardholders

The card network is hoping rewards will be enough to finally make inroads in the debit card industry

Mobile P2P payments are reaching market maturity in the US as spending soars, but security challenges threaten to reverse gains. Providers are working to assuage consumer fears while adding a robust array of features to tighten user relationships.

Powered by cloud-based APIs, modern card issuing leapfrogs traditional issuer processing to help non-financial services companies launch and customize card programs. Here’s where their offerings will be most disruptive.

Many of the pandemic-era rewards used to entice credit card spending could prove costly for issuers this year.

Despite rising prices, demand for travel continues to grow after years of pandemic lockdowns and travel restrictions. Our research team takes a look at loyalty program users by generation and how to keep them booking.

Digital payment methods continue to displace cash and checks in the US payments ecosystem. But after a pandemic-driven crest, growth is moderating amid economic uncertainty, resetting the stakes for share of wallet.

Barnes & Noble revamps its membership program: By adding a free tier, it aims to build customer loyalty and, at the same time, gather information about shoppers’ habits and preferences.

This year will push fintechs to their limits, as regulators, consumers, and investors demand change. Those that can meet heightened demands will be rewarded with a larger share of the pie.

Issuers prioritized payment flexibility, rewards, and digital co-brands. They also capitalized on travel spending and leaned into small-business solutions.

Invigorated travel has reestablished demand for travel credit card perks and benefits. But a recession could reverse gains—requiring premium card issuers to balance travel offerings with everyday utility. This second annual study reveals which of 10 leading premium travel credit cards are best positioned to attract and engage customers, based on their support of 49 emerging features.

The American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce introduced an ad campaign in opposition of the Credit Card Competition Act.

BNPL providers must develop consumer rewards programs to effectively compete within consumer payments.

Our inaugural study evaluates 49 BNPL features based on customer demand, according to results of a survey of US BNPL users.