Bonus Points and Other Incentives Attract Consumers to Credit Cards

Vertis has announced the results of its "Customer Focus 2005: Credit Card" study identifying the most attractive incentives for consumers.

According to the study, 29 percent of men 18-24 years old are interested in receiving points for merchandise/airline tickets, while 14 percent of women in the same age category prefer an initial sign-up bonus such as a rebate or coupon.

For 27 percent of men 25-34 the most alluring offer was money back on purchases; meanwhile, 34 percent of women 25-34 expressed most interest in receiving points for merchandise/airline tickets.

Getting an extended or higher limit on a credit card was only appealing to 8 percent of the credit card holders surveyed.

44 percent of total adults pay off their credit card balance each month, compared to 51 percent in 2002. 61 percent of adults 65+ stated they pay off their credit card balance each month, compared to 75 percent in 2002.