Older consumers more likely to have credit cards

Over-45s are most likely to own more than one credit card, according to new research from KPMG.

A new study has indicated that older consumers are most likely to have more than one credit card, while their younger counterparts are somewhat more cautious when it comes to splashing the cash.

Research from consultancy giant KPMG and online website Nine Rewards indicated that shoppers have become divided into two "tribes", although it noted the divisions between them are not always down to age or social factors.

"There are two Australians: the edgy, the connected and the modern lifestyle-inclined, and then there are the conservatives," said KPMG demographer Bernard Salt. "It is important for business ... to strike the right balance."

A total of 2,013 individuals were polled on a wide range of topics including their use of technology, opinions on their future outlook and other lifestyle choices. Spending habits were found to be significantly impacted by the presence of children.

Five per cent of participants had an income of higher than $200,000 per annum, with 11 per cent earning less than $30,000. While poorer households were largely made up of students (with Student Accounts) and pensioners, richer families were typically middle-aged with adolescent or grown-up children.

Those aged above 45 were singled out as being most likely to own more than one credit card, particularly parents with young dependents to consider. Individuals with children tended to spend less money on holidays or eating out rather than putting cash away into Savings Accounts.

The vast majority - 91 per cent - of people questioned were internet users, with 92 per cent of those regularly checking their email online. In addition, 69 per cent had Facebook accounts and 25 per cent used MSN.

Earlier in the week, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank chief executive Mike Hirst told the Herald Sun that a growing number of consumers were opting to save money rather than spend it due to uncertainty about the global economy.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank chief executive Mike Hirst revealed that the recent uncertainty about the global economy and tumbling stock markets had prompted shoppers to get their personal finances in order.

"We've seen a large inflow [of savings] in the past month, near record levels," he told the newspaper. "We've seen a continual increase as people start to clean up their balance sheets."

His comments came as the lender announced it had made a net profit of $342.1 million in the 12 months to June - beating earlier expectations and surpassing last year's figure by a margin of 41 per cent.

However, NSW Consumer Credit Legal Centre solicitor Karen Cox last week told the Sydney Morning Herald that her organisation had received more phone calls from elderly people struggling to keep their debts under control.