Exploring the factors influencing credit card spending behavior among Malaysians

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores factors affecting spending behavior of credit card holders in Malaysia. Specifically, variables such as demographic factors, banks’ policies, and credit card holders’ attitudes toward money are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional survey through the use of a structured questionnaire was administered on 150 credit card holders based on the area sampling and convenience snowball sampling techniques.

Findings

The results indicate that age, income, and marital status have significant correlation with credit card holders’ spending behavior. The same goes to two of the three items identified under banks’ policies (benefits given and payment policies) and attitudes toward money (willingness to pay and awareness of the total debt owed). Occupation, qualifications to apply for credit card, and management of income vs expenses are not significantly related to credit card spending behavior among Malaysians.

Research limitations/implications

The study serves as a guide for researchers to extend the research work covering more variables in different economies in light of the low R² value. The small sample size raises the issue of generalizability, which future studies should address.

Practical implications

The results could be used as a guide by emerging market economies or even developed countries where credit card usage is a widespread phenomenon. It also provides insights to the credit card issuing banks in terms of understanding their target consumers, preferences, and the effect of their policies on credit card application and use.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on credit card spending behavior, particularly among Malaysians.

Citation

Ming‐Yen Teoh, W., Chong, S. and Mid Yong, S. (2013), "Exploring the factors influencing credit card spending behavior among Malaysians", International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 31 No. 6, pp. 481-500. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBM-04-2013-0037