Capital One survey: Holiday shoppers buying with cash, debit

Wilmington, Del. -- Survey results released Tuesday by ING Direct – to be rebranded Capital One 360 in 2013 – found that most Americans are purchasing holiday gifts with cash or debit cards this year.



The fourth annual holiday shopping survey found that more than three out of four Americans are purchasing gifts with cash or a debit card this year and more than three out of five (63%) are spending the same on holiday gifts as they did last year.



The survey also found that, as New Year’s resolution time approaches, 70% of Americans ages 18 to 34 say they will start saving more in 2013. Overall, 49% of respondents are going to kick-start savings plans.



"This year's holiday shopper is taking the smartest approach to gift buying by sticking to what they can afford and positioning themselves for a worry-free start to 2013," said Jim Kelly, head of Direct Bank, Capital One.



According to respondents who are making financial resolutions, 38% plan on investing more for retirement and 33% will reduce or eliminate credit card debt in 2013.