The recession has led many consumers to scale back their credit card use, even with the holiday shopping season in full force.

According to a new survey released by a unit of Experian, 21 percent of consumers expect to carry credit card debt after the holidays this year, compared to 26 percent from last year. The survey also found that 24 percent of those who do carry holiday debt this year are expecting to pay it if within one or two months. This compares to 18 percent last year who said they would pay off their debt within one or two months.

In another finding, the survey said that 69 percent of consumers were citing high credit interest rates as the main reason for their reduced use of plastic, while 38 percent said that widespread attention to the financial ramifications of carrying credit card debt made them more wary of charging purchases. Also, 37 percent cited concerns about losing their job as a reason they were unwilling to carry debt for a substantial period of time.

Earlier in the recession, economists had been divided on whether consumers were using credit cards less because lenders were simply unwilling to extend them new lines of credit, or if the reason was more about newfound personal financial responsibility. With the recession and credit crunch showing more and more signs of passing, it may be safe to deduce that consumer personal financial responsibility is a main driver in lower credit card use.

Still, economists have continued to ponder if the longer term will bring about a permanent change in consumer spending habits or whether they will resume their old ways as the recovery gains steam.

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Consumers are still hanging on to every dollar despite an improving economy.


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