Trends in US non-cash payments types from 2003 to 2006

The graph below was created using Google’s graphing tools.

This vertical bar graph shows the trends in non-cash payments from 2003 to 2006.  The graph shows the percentage of all non-cash payments in 2003 and 2006 by five payment types: checks; debit card; credit card; ACH; and electronic benefits transfer (EBT).  From these percentages, calculations show: payments by check decreased 29%; payments by debit card increased 41%; credit card payment percentages remained unchanged; ACH payments increased by 47%; and EBT payments increased by 20%.

Although the data is dated (2003 – 2006), the data is from a very reliable source (the Federal Reserve Board).  It is very likely that percentage change trends for these five payment types have continued beyond 2006.

The Federal Reserve Board study that provides this data can be read by clicking here (PDF file).   Another Federal Reserve Board study that analyses this and related payment information can be read by clicking here (PDF file).  These studies provide in-depth analysis of payment activity in the United States for the time period covered.