Over 25 million adults now regularly make purchases online using their
credit cards, according to new research from Sainsbury's Finance shows.
Sainsbury's Finance says the research suggests we Brits are each spending on average £192 per month, equating to a total collective spend of almost £6.4 billion online each month.
The most popular items bought online with a credit card are DVDs and music, followed by books, fashion items and holidays.
Whilst the average monthly spend is £192, the vast majority of
credit card holders spend much less than this, with two-thirds of credit card holders spending less than £100 per month on their cards.
However, Sainsbury's Finance estimates that there are 1.2 million people in the UK spending more than £1,000 per month on credit cards online, significantly increasing the average for the country as a whole.
The age group that puts the most online spending on their credit cards are the 35 - 44 year olds, with a typical monthly online spend of £214. This is followed by those in the 45 - 54 age group, who put an average of £207 of online spend on their credit card each month.
18 - 24 year-olds spend least online on credit cards averaging £162.60 per month, around £30 less than the national average.
Online credit card spending habits vary drastically between locations with those in the South East spending the most online with a credit card, an average of £236 per month; more than double the typical monthly online credit card spend in Scotland (£115.9).
"The growth of online shopping in such a short time is staggering,” said Stuart McKeggie, Head of
Cards at Sainsbury's Finance.
“Our research found that 93 per cent of
credit card holders regularly use their cards online.”
Sainsbury's Finance is also reminding consumers to be vigilant when buying their Christmas gifts or January sale items online, and has compiled five simple steps for consumers to follow for safe shopping online:
1. Only use sites you trust - purchases should only be made over a secure connection, identifiable by a padlock in the corner of your web browser.
2. Keep a record of all purchases made online - Email receipts will be required if there is something wrong with your purchase.
3. Use up to date security software - Sainsbury's Finance offers free security software from Prevx for its customers, warning you if you are on a site that is not what it claims to be. Virus protection should be updated regularly.
4. Know your rights - Remember that credit card purchases (though not debit
card purchases) are guaranteed by the consumer credit act. This protects you in case of faulty or undelivered goods.
5. Use a secure connection - Be careful when shopping over wireless networks or on mobile devices; ensure you are using a secure connection, otherwise third parties may be able to obtain your payment details.
Table showing the most popular items bought online:
|
Item
|
Percentage of credit card holders who have bought this online in the last year
|
Number of card holders who have bought this online in the last year
|
|
Music and DVDs
|
38 per cent
|
13.8 million
|
|
Books
|
37 per cent
|
13.5 million
|
|
Fashion
|
36 per cent
|
13 million
|
|
Holidays
|
36 per cent
|
13 million
|
|
Electronics and white goods
|
30 per cent
|
10.8 million
|
|
Entertainment
|
27 per cent
|
9.6 million
|
|
Groceries
|
25 per cent
|
9.1 million
|
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