Credit card use may be ramping up

Despite high credit card interest rates, consumers appear more willing to use their cards than they have been in the recent past. Credit card usage at some stores in 2013 jumped compared to the same period in 2012. The report measures consumers' same-store spending and how they choose to pay.
Consumers also increased the overall amount they spent. Consumer spending growth bounced back despite increased payroll taxes and other headwinds facing consumers. Looking forward, sustained consumer-spending growth remains in the balance as consumers are reducing their savings and are shifting more spending onto credit cards.