Understanding the rise of the 'couch economy'

Key Points:

• Visa reports a significant shift in consumer behavior, with online spending in the U.S. rising from 48% in 2019 to a projected 58% in 2026, as more shoppers use mobile devices for purchases instead of visiting physical stores.
• The proportion of frequent online or in-app buyers (10+ transactions per month) is expected to nearly double from 13.1% in 2018 to 25.4% in 2026, indicating growing consumer reliance on digital shopping habits.
• Spending on home entertainment, including streaming services and pay TV, has increased notably, with subscription and pay TV purchases rising from 10% of card spending in 2019 to nearly 17.5% in 2026, while cinema and concert spending also shows modest growth.
• Food delivery services are gaining popularity, with about 10% of card users expected to use food delivery apps by 2026, reflecting consumers' preference for convenience and at-home dining options.
• Pet-related spending is on the rise, with 8% of credit cards showing regular pet purchases, highlighting how the "couch economy" extends to increased home-based activities and rising expectations for convenience.