Over 35% of Americans Use Credit Card Rewards for Daily Expenses Amid Inflation, USAA Survey Shows

According to a USAA survey released on July 15, over 35% of Americans are using credit card rewards points to purchase daily essentials such as groceries and gasoline. Additionally, 79% of survey respondents reported using rewards redemption services at least once in the past six months.

The findings reflect mounting inflation pressures on household budgets. Since mid-2023, grocery prices have risen over 6%, while gasoline prices increased approximately 30 cents per gallon. Over the same period, inflation-adjusted wages grew by only around 1.4% annually. As consumers prioritize immediate necessities over discretionary spending, they are increasingly stretching credit card rewards to offset rising living costs.