A growing number of shoppers are spending money without leaving the house, joining what’s called the “couch economy.” American consumers are increasingly spending from their phones, laptops and tablets rather than going to a physical store. The share of domestic spending online has increased from 48% in 2019 to 58% in 2026. More shoppers are using their mobile devices to order groceries, binge TV with their streaming services, or have dinner delivered. Digital behaviors are now starting to become habits, with consumers increasingly engaging through a lot of the applications that they have available to them. Entertainment at home has increased as streaming platforms and streaming services have become more affordable and accessible, making it a cheap night in instead of going out. Food-delivery services are also increasingly being used by consumers, with about 10% of card users in 2026 using food delivery apps. Pets play a role too, with pet ownership and spending on pets accounting for 8% of credit card spending. A recent study showed that "The couch economy is not simply about consumers staying home; it's about how rising expectations for convenience are reshaping how they spend."
