In general, we don’t put a lot of faith in what consumers say they will do under various hypothetical circumstances at some unspecified time in the future. Still, the data can be crucial for spotting trends, identifying opportunities, and justifying your business plans.

Key Findings

•  PC/modem owners are ready for electronic bill payment: 92% are aware of it,
  72% are extremely or very interested in it, but only 9% are using it.
•  Consumers want the bills to come to them, just like they do in the paper world:
  75% preferred e-mail bill delivery vs. 21% opting for visiting billers’ Web sites.
•  Convenience benefits are cited three times more often than cost-savings benefits.

Home Financial Network is one of the few banking vendors willing to make its proprietary primary research available on the Web, www.homenetwork.com . We think this is good for the industry and undoubtedly good for the company’s business development efforts.

Last year, with HFN’s permission, we published the results of its bill payer study (OBR 10/96 p.12-13). This year we have summarized its research results on bill presentment. View the compete summary at www.homenetwork.com/news/billpres.htm .

For more information, contact Tom Dittrich, Marketing Manager, 203.341.7403.

• Interview dates: Feb. 20-28, 1997
• Location: contiguous United States
• Sample Selection: Random Digit Dial sample from telephone exchanges with average household income of $35,000 or more according to the 1990 census.
• Household Screen: Must own modem-equipped Windows PC and use it for more than just games.
• Interviewee Screen: Must be primary bill payer in household.
• Number of Respondents: 300

Demographics/Usage

•  46% are female
•  70% use ATM
•  29% make deposits at ATM
•  57% use payroll direct deposit (in their household)
•  13% make deposits through the mail
•  74% use PCs at work
•  63% have household incomes greater than $50,000