• May 4, 2007

Vertis Communications' "Customer Focus Financial" study indicates that 16% of adults use three or more credit cards each month, up from 10% in 2003.

The findings also reveal the average monthly credit card payment for card holders has increased from $500 in 2003 to $732 in 2007. Furthermore, results show that 19% of credit card holders pay $1,000 or more each month on all credit cards combined.

Vertis' study also suggests that financial direct mail may be more effective in drawing consumer attention if a gift is enclosed in the package and a name is listed on the envelope face. Results show that including a gift or token inside financial direct mail appeals to 35% of financial direct mail readers, compared to 23% in 2003.

Sixty-eight percent of financial direct mail readers also indicate they are more likely to open mail with their name on the front of the envelope, steady from 71% in 2003.