Credit card issuers are facing intense competitive forces in 2008: downward pressure on fee income and interchange revenue, coupled with fallout from the subprime meltdown and questions surrounding the overall creditworthiness of their cardholder base. The Federal Reserve reported on January 8, 2008 that credit card borrowing is at its highest level in six months, reflecting that borrowers are relying more heavily on credit card debt to finance purchases since the availability of equity loans has tightened. With growth increasing but delinquencies expected to rise, it is imperative that issuers extract as much efficiency and employ effective cost-saving measures for their card portfolios. This report analyzes Javelin consumer data—segmented by various demographics and behaviors—to provide insight that will enable issuers to drive profitability and expand cost saving measures through enhanced targeting of the online channel.
Primary Questions
What percentage of consumers has a credit card and which population segments are particularly underserved?
How do credit cardholders apply for their cards?
How can Issuers leverage the online channel for cost savings?
Which consumer segments are prime targets for online channel migration?