Virtual Incentives published an analysis of more than $15 million in prepaid card reward spending in February 2024. The company examined US purchases made with Visa and Mastercard reward cards.

In the reported breakdown, dining accounted for 25% of spending, followed by in-store shopping at 18% and groceries at 17%. Online shopping represented 15%, travel 14% and entertainment 11%.

The article focused on rewards worth $100 or less and considered how recipients used flexible prepaid value. The figures show spending on both routine needs and discretionary activities.

Virtual Incentives interpreted the results as support for offering rewards that allow people to choose experiences as well as products. It also compared prepaid cards with transfers into general spending accounts, arguing that a separately held reward may feel more distinctive.

That interpretation comes from the reward provider. The spending percentages describe its analysed transactions, rather than the entire US gift card or prepaid market. The article did not give a precise observation window, so the findings should be understood in the context of its February 2024 publication.