Study: Usage of Debit Cards By Small Business Is On The Rise

ATLANTA - Since 2004, usage of debit cards by small businesses has increased, according to a recent research study by Synergistics Research Corp., entitled, "Marketing Small Business Checking Accounts."

Slightly more than one-third of small business respondents polled indicate that their company has a check or debit card for their business checking account.

Synergistics measured debit card usage in an identical small business sample in 2004, and in comparing the more recent results, saw a "dramatic increase" in usage.

"As in the consumer market, debit cards now appear to be gaining ground among small businesses as a payment option," observed Synergistics CEO William H. McCracken. "However, some questions for consideration do arise in assessing these gains. Will the adoption cycle be comparable to the consumer market, perhaps taking a decade or more to achieve widespread usage? Also, is there a pattern for businesses to shift to credit cards as they move into the middle market? Checking account providers should aggressively continue marketing business debit and check cards to circumvent these possible developments."

For info: www.synergisticsresearch.com/