The value of credit card benefits.

CREDIT cards; FREQUENT traveler programs; CUSTOMER loyalty programs; CONSUMER credit; CREDIT card rewards programs

Banks offer various economic incentives to customers to pay with their credit card rather than cash. Still, many individuals either elect to pay with cash or are unable to acquire credit cards. What benefits do these people lose by paying in cash rather than credit card? This paper demonstrates two opportunity costs associated with cash payments--frequent flier miles and payment float. Under most scenarios, the opportunity cost of cash payments versus benefit accruing credit cards is large. For example, individuals or businesses charging $5,000 each month can realize a present value opportunity cost of more than $19,000 over a five-year horizon. The results help banks optimize their offerings and individuals optimize their payment patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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