BofA Data Finds Consumers Proved Resilient in 2022 and Poised to Start 2023 in Decent Financial Shape

Bank of America Institute released a new publication which shows that the American consumer continues to remain in good shape throughout the course of 2022 and is starting 2023 similarly.

Median household savings and checking balances remain well above pre-pandemic 2019 levels across all income cohorts. While there are increasing signs that these “buffers” are being drawn upon – likely due to high inflation and rising housing costs – they should be available for some time yet. Most consumers across the income distribution are not spending more on credit relative to debit cards compared to 2019 levels. Only those with incomes above $100k appear to be spending relatively more on credit cards, though this is likely a function of increased spending instead of accumulation of higher credit card debt.

Turning to the holiday shopping season, November saw continued growth in total card spending per household across retail and services, up 1.7% YoY last month. This compares to an increase of 3.1% YoY card spending per household in October, indicating a slower pace of growth. But retail spending is significantly weaker than total card spending growth, suggesting resilience in services spending. Despite a slow start to November, holiday sales appear to have picked up by the end of the month. Additionally, the increasing use of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options means that some holiday spending may be spread out over future months.  Bank of America internal data shows that card payments to BNPL companies accounted for approximately 2% of total online card spending volume, a small share but a sharp increase from the 2019 annual average of 0.3%.

Other highlights of the publication include:

• Bank of America total payments increased 4% year over year (YoY) in November; this figure offers a holistic view of money flow and includes credit card, debit card, ACH (automated clearing house), wires, bill pay, person-to-person, cash and checks.
• Within this, overall credit and debit card spend, which makes up over 20% of total payments, was also up 4% YoY.
• Total card spending per household was up 1.7% YoY in November, down from 3.1% YoY in October, and remained lower than inflation.
• The weakening in overall payments growth is due partly to a slowdown in the growth of wire payments, down 31% YoY in November.

“As we take a temperature check of the American consumer, we find they have proven resilient throughout 2022,” said David Tinsley, senior economist for Bank of America Institute. “While 2023 is likely to be more challenging, especially if the labor market deteriorates, consumers are starting the year in good overall financial health.”

About the Consumer Checkpoint

Consumer Checkpoint is a regular publication from Bank of America Institute. It aims to provide a holistic and real-time estimate of US consumers’ spending and their financial well-being, leveraging the depth and breadth of Bank of America proprietary data. Such data is not intended to be reflective or indicative of, and should not be relied upon as, the results of operations, financial conditions, or performance of Bank of America.

See the Consumer Checkpoint for methodology and definitions.

About Bank of America Institute

Bank of America Institute is dedicated to uncovering powerful insights that move business and society forward. Established in 2022, the Institute is a think tank that draws on data and analyses from across the bank and the world to provide timely and original perspectives on the economy, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and global transformation. The Institute leverages the depth and breadth of the bank’s proprietary data, from 67 million consumer and small business clients, 54 million verified digital users, $3.8T in total payments in 2021 and $1.4T in consumer and wealth management deposits. From this robust data set, the Institute provides a unique perspective on the health of the economy. It also elevates thought leadership from throughout the bank that addresses long-term trends and shares these findings with the general public.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

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Source – Bank Of America