Cardbeat^® is a syndicated market research study that provides insights into how consumer perceptions impact the payments industry, including credit card acquisition and usage. It provides subscribers with up-to-date, reliable data about what consumers are thinking, how they behave, and what motivates them. Cardbeat, in its 16th year of publication, is regarded as a leading market research report and is used by many of the top credit card issuers, networks, and vendors/partners in the industry. We publish it monthly in the U.S. and quarterly in the U.K.

Each report includes two sections:

• In Focus: used to explore different industry issues each month/quarter.
  See U.S. topics covered
  See U.K. topics covered

• Topics are based on input/requests from subscribers. ACG then converts these topics into actionable questions that meet the required objectives.
• A subscriber can devote the entire In Focus section of the survey to one comprehensive topic or can submit just a few questions.
• There is no limit to the number of times a subscriber can submit issues/topics to be addressed in the survey and no additional cost if the data are included in the report.

• Trend Database: used to track the key behavioral and demographic trends that shape the credit card industry.
  See U.S. and U.K. topics covered
  

• Supplemental charts and graphs facilitate more detailed analyses of trends.
• Most metrics are tracked on an ongoing basis (i.e., permanently).
• Subscribers may request additional metrics to be tracked for a temporary period of time.

Subscribers can use Cardbeat to observe changes and trends in the market beyond their own customer base, keeping them in the forefront of competitive industry intelligence. They also gain an independent perspective on timely issues that affect the marketplace. By syndicating with others, subscribers receive our data analyses at a fraction of the price of commissioning standalone, proprietary research.

Other benefits include:

• Subscribers can have access to survey results prior to distribution of the monthly/quarterly report upon request
• Trends and analyses incorporate an extensive number of segments. In addition, ACG can customize segments to address a subscriber’s particular needs.
• Independent analyses by ACG can be conducted at any time upon request. Custom analyses can include historical Cardbeat data, ACG-defined segments, or segments defined according to subscriber specifications.
• There is unlimited internal distribution of the report; printed and electronic editions of Cardbeat are published each month/quarter.
• When applicable, subscribers could leverage the Cardbeat platform for proprietary research. Depending upon the scope, additional fees may apply.

Cardbeat In Focus Topics Each month, a section of Cardbeat focuses on a specific topic that drives the industry.  These topics are typically submitted by a subscriber and provide an opportunity to investigate significant issues that may impact program performance.  U.S. Edition of Cardbeat Below is a list of topics that have been previously published or are being considered for future issues.
Issuer Brand Index (published quarterly) Recurring Payments Balance Transfers Credit Card Online Account Servicing Borrowing Habits Identity Theft Signature- vs. PIN-Authorized Transactions Acquisition Channels Credit Card Fees Additional Products and Fee Services Holiday Spending/Gift Cards Home Equity Lending & Credit Cards Radio Frequency Credit Cards (RFID) Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards Mobile Banking Repayment Hierarchy		Airline Co-Brands Rewards Redemption and Expiration Valuation of Rewards Programs Alternate Payment Methods Internet Acquisitions Credit Card Benefits Card Activation Using Consumer Cards for Business Expenses Impact of the Credit Crunch Customer Relationship Building Consumer Reactions to Current and Upcoming Credit Card Practices (CARD Act) Network/Association Branding Prepaid Cards (Top)
U.K. Edition of Cardbeat Below is a list of topics that have been previously published or are being considered for future issues.
Issuer Brand Index (IBI) Acquisition Channels: U.S. vs. U.K. Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards Controlling Consumer Payments Rewards Valuation Contactless Cards Online Account Servicing Credit Card Fees Borrowing Habits Using Personal Cards for Business Expenses Drivers of Attrition & Dormancy Impact of the Credit Crunch Balance Transfers Mobile Payment Experience Charge Cards The Future of Rewards (Top)
Cardbeat Trend Database Topics: Both U.S. and U.K. The following topics are analyzed on a revolving basis.  Historical trends are examined, and any segments of the population that display statistical anomalies are investigated further in the report.
Rate of Premium Card Ownership Frequency of Carried Balance Amount of Carried Balance Market Penetration by Association Incidence of Holding a Special Value Card (affinity and rewards product) Performance by Special Value Card Type Number of Transactions Made per Month Amount Spent per Month APR on Most Frequently Used Card Likelihood to Recommend a Friend Annual Fee Presence Credit Line on Most Frequently Used Card Tenure of Most Frequently Used Card Number of Cards Held Card Attrition Rate Card Inactivity Rate Card Acquisition Rate Number of Solicitations Received Number of Solicitations Opened Balance Transfer Incidence (Top)