Consumers in July kept their wallets and pockets open, even as a gasoline prices spiked, according to First Data Corp.

The privately held payments processor surveys stores regularly to determine year-over- year sales data, which it publishes monthly.

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

Consumers used credit cards to purchase 8.1% more goods and services than they did last July. They signed for 7.5% more merchandise and services with their debit cards and punched in PINs for 7.4% more stuff, First Data said.

They also used prepaid cards 11.5% more, another sign of that product's rising usage.

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

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

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

Instant Insights /

First Data Survey Finds Consumer Volume Strong in July

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