We notice you are visiting from a U.S. Internet provider. 
07/10/2009 -
In response to the still-volatile economy, many consumers have shifted their spending behavior away from credit cards and toward debit cards, which are considered a safer and easier way to manage their money.The Washington Post reports that unemployment fears, fluctuating interest rates on credit cards and general thriftiness are all contributing to the shift.
"Consumers are rational thinking individuals, and they're going to shift their behavior in a way that fits with their current economic situation," Scott Strumello, an associate with Auriemma Consulting Group, told the newspaper. "They're thinking more seriously about it, and many may decide, 'I'm going to use debit where I can and reserve credit for larger purchases.'"
For those with a merchant account, this trend points to the importance of accepting debit cards in addition to standard credit card processing.
Many point-of-sale terminals are able to accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards - in addition to credit cards and prepaid options such as gift cards - so merchants without this ability are encouraged to consider upgrading their terminals.
The investment will likely pay off - Visa recently reported that debit card payment volumes have increased in both July and August.
