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Digital Payments and Households’ Consumption: A Mental Accounting Interpretation

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  • Liming Hou
  • Shao-Chieh Hsueh
  • Shuoxun Zhang

Abstract

We explain the stimulating effect of digital payments on households’ consumption using mental accounting theory. With the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) data in 2017, we empirically identify that households who use digital payments spend 20.63% more than those with alternative payment methods. From the mental accounting perspective, we argue that using digital payments increase consumers’ transaction utility, facilitate intentional adjustment of mental accounts, and result in more unplanned consumption. The stimulating effect is more substantial on long-term consumption and among households with low self-control abilities. Moreover, the integrated financial services provide access to liquidity and help smooth consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Liming Hou & Shao-Chieh Hsueh & Shuoxun Zhang, 2021. "Digital Payments and Households’ Consumption: A Mental Accounting Interpretation," Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(7), pages 2079-2093, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:mes:emfitr:v:57:y:2021:i:7:p:2079-2093
    DOI: 10.1080/1540496X.2021.1887727
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    Cited by:

    1. Jie Li & Quanyun Song & Yu Wu & Bihong Huang, 2021. "The effects of online consumer credit on household consumption level and structure: Evidence from China," Journal of Consumer Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(4), pages 1614-1632, December.
    2. Li, Jiayi & Luo, Sumei & Zhou, Guangyou, 2023. "Electronic payment, natural environment and household consumption: Evidence from China household finance survey," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    3. He, Yuan & Li, Ke & Wang, Yipan, 2022. "Crossing the digital divide: The impact of the digital economy on elderly individuals’ consumption upgrade in China," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    4. Zhou, Xianbo & Sun, Yucheng & Tao, Ying, 2023. "Does Digital Finance Upgrade Trickle-down consumption effect in China?," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    5. Silva, Emmanuel Marques & Moreira, Rafael de Lacerda & Bortolon, Patricia Maria, 2023. "Mental Accounting and decision making: a systematic literature review," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 107(C).

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