Americans still like paper coupons best

Despite all of the technology available to consumers today, Americans still prefer paper coupons, according to a new CreditCards.com report.

Here are the findings:

-- 63% of U.S. credit/debit cardholders who use coupons say they most frequently present coupons from newspapers, mailings and other paper products.

-- Entering a discount code online is a distant second (17%), followed by presenting a coupon or discount code on one’s phone (15%).

-- 85% of Americans use coupons (24% often, 29% sometimes and 32% occasionally).

-- Paper coupon usage decreases with income and increases with age, but even 18-24 year-olds are using paper coupons about twice as much as any other method.

“Dead trees aren’t dead when it comes to coupons,” said Matt Schulz, CreditCards.com’s senior industry analyst. “Plenty of Americans are still opening their snail mail and reading the Sunday paper. I expect paper coupons to lose some market share, though, as consumers and brands get even more comfortable using them electronically.”

In fact, 42% of credit/debit cardholders would prefer to have discounts automatically applied to their payment cards, the CreditCards.com survey found. 29% aren’t sure and only 27% are opposed. American Express, Discover and Bank of America are among those offering these so-called card-linked offers.

“With the holiday travel and shopping seasons upon us, consumers shouldn’t ignore these opportunities to save money and earn more rewards,” Schulz added. “These can be great benefits people don’t even know they have.”

CreditCards.com commissioned GfK Custom Research North America to survey 1,000 American adults regarding their coupon habits. My thanks to Bankrate.com and Creditcards.com for the information.