New Survey Reveals Millennial Spending Habits — 69% Consider Cash Back Rewards ‘Essential’
Written by
Georgina Tzanetos
Edited by
Katie Wudel
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
New research from Citibank has been released following a survey of 1,009 U.S. adults aged 25-34 between May 5 and May 13, using Harris Poll via an email invitation and an online survey. In true millennial fashion, the survey showed that 82% of millennials’ spending varies month-to-month based on their shifting interests and priorities. Additionally, 87% expressed a desire for a credit card that does the work for them in order to maximize credit card rewards based on their changing spending patterns.
The Financially Savvy Female: How Millennial Women Can Take Control of Their Debt
Citibank Review: Lucrative Bonuses and No Minimums To Open
Most credit card companies have fairly rigid rewards structures. Some credit cards are more beneficial for travel, giving double or triple points for purchases made on airfare, hotels, and restaurants. Other cards are more geared towards the day-to-day, with double point systems for purchases made at grocery stores and pharmacies.
According to the millennials surveyed, more than a third said their spending has changed over the last year and their current credit cards don’t reward their new spending patterns. With millennials coming back into the spending economy, 66% are most looking forward to traveling, 45% are most excited about going to a restaurant, 31% are looking forward to a concert, 25% are gearing up for a party and 17% can’t wait to get back to fitness classes. The survey also showed that 69% of those surveyed said that getting cash back is “absolutely essential or very important to them when applying for a new credit card.”
More: Millennials Are Choosing Unconventional Stocks, and They’re Winning
See: What Millennials Can Learn From Gen X’s Money MistakesFind: How Much Millennials Have in Savings — And What That Means For Their Future
The shift in rewards programs suggests that cardmembers now hold the upper hand in the credit marketplace. Millennials with pent-up cash who are ready to get back to work could mean that credit card companies across the marketplace will need to start doling out better incentives to keep millennials coming back for more.
More From GOBankingRates:
- What Money Topics Do You Want Covered: Ask the Financially Savvy Female
- 5 Things Most Americans Don’t Know About Social Security
- 20 Home Renovations That Will Hurt Your Home’s Value
- What Income Level Is Considered Middle Class in Your State?
Last updated: July 26, 2021
