Consumers in July kept their wallets and pockets open, even as agasoline prices spiked, according to First DataCorp.

The privately held payments processor surveys stores regularlyto determine year-over- year sales data, which it publishesmonthly.

According to the July report, every mode of payment except forchecks saw volume increases in July this year over July 2012.

Consumers used credit cards to purchase 8.1% more goods and services than theydid last July. They signed for 7.5% more merchandise and serviceswith their debitcards and punched in PINs for 7.4% more stuff, First Datasaid.

They also used prepaidcards 11.5% more, another sign of that product's risingusage.

Consumers purchased 3.1% less goods and services with checks,the only payment method to decline. The survey did not measurecash.

“Despite higher year-over-year gas prices, consumer spendingremains healthy and the recent pickup in employment, together witha strong housing recovery and stock market gains, should encouragemore spending during the ever-important back-to-school shoppingseason,” said Krish Mantripragada, senior vice president,Information and Analytics Solutions, First Data.

“Credit dollar volume growth continues to lead PIN and signaturedebit growth even though PIN debit growth spiked due to higher gasprices,” Mantripragada said.