‘Couch Economy’ Drives Up Consumer Spending as Americans Shop More from Home
The growing habit of shopping, ordering food and accessing entertainment from home is increasing everyday expenses for consumers across the United States. The trend, increasingly described as the “couch economy,” reflects how digital convenience is reshaping American spending habits.
According to a recent report by Visa, online transactions accounted for 58 percent of U.S. household spending in 2026, up from 48 percent in 2019. Visa’s transaction data also shows that nearly one-quarter of active Visa cards in the United States are used for at least 10 online or app-based transactions each month, almost double the level recorded in 2019.
Visa Chief Economist Mohammed Bardastani said consumer shopping habits and payment methods are changing significantly, with frequent online and app-based purchases becoming increasingly common.
However, the research does not establish whether the rise in online transactions represents an overall increase in consumer spending or simply a shift from in-store purchases to digital payments.
Convenience Can Lead to Higher Spending
The growing availability of online shopping, food delivery, entertainment platforms and digital services has created more opportunities to spend money without leaving home.
Corey Bates, an investment adviser at Solomon Financial in Indiana, said online spending involves fewer barriers, making it difficult for consumers to keep track of how much they are spending. Small, frequent purchases can accumulate into substantial expenses, particularly when people do not review their budgets regularly.
Online services also come with additional costs, including delivery charges, service fees, tips and, in some cases, higher product prices than those offered in physical stores.
Martin Lynch, president of the Financial Counseling Association of America, said digital services can save time but consumers often pay extra for that convenience.
Experts Recommend Setting Spending Limits
Financial experts say using digital services does not necessarily mean losing control of a household budget. Instead, consumers should establish clear spending limits for online purchases and subscriptions.
Champagne Graves, founder of Dallas-based market research firm Women’s Research Solutions, recommends setting personal rules for digital services. These could include ordering food delivery only from restaurants located beyond a certain distance or limiting entertainment subscriptions to three at a time.
She also cautioned that subscription costs can gradually increase, while consumers may overlook the cumulative impact on their monthly expenses.
Lynch noted that online services can also provide genuine benefits. He recalled using grocery delivery after breaking his foot several years ago, allowing him to shop for his family while reducing the burden on his wife.
Experts recommend reviewing several months of online transactions to calculate the total cost of delivery fees, tips and subscriptions. If spending is higher than expected, consumers can consider shopping in person more often or preparing meals at home.
Bardastani emphasized that convenience comes at a price and encouraged consumers to assess whether digital services are meeting genuine needs and whether their costs are justified.
