Credit union members’ attitudes about the economy remain stronger than non-credit union members, according to data released today from the credit union member demographic of the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor. While credit union members grew slightly more pessimistic from earlier this year, they generally are more positive about the economy and their personal finances than non-credit union members are more optimistic than they were at this time last year. For more details: www.nafcu.org/discover

1. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE STRONGER AMONG CREDIT UNION MEMBERS,
ACCORDING TO DISCOVER® U.S. SPENDING MONITORSM
Riverwoods, IL, August 15, 2012 – Credit union members’ attitudes about the economy remain
stronger than non-credit union members, according to data released today from the credit union
member demographic of the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor. While credit union members grew
slightly more pessimistic from earlier this year, they generally are more positive about the
economy and their personal finances than non-credit union members are more optimistic than
they were at this time last year.
Credit Union Members More Confident in Economy Year over Year
Credit union member respondents rate the economy more favorably than non-credit union
members.
• Forty-eight percent of credit union members rated the economy as “poor” in July 2012, a
13- point improvement from the same time period last year. By comparison, 57 percent of
non-credit union members rated the economy as “poor” in July 2012.
• Looking at a year-over-year comparison, credit union members who expect the economy
to get “better” increased 13 percentage points in July 2012 to 33 percent, versus the same
time period last year.
• The number of credit union members expecting the economy to get worse declined 8
percentage points to 49 percent in a year-over-year comparison from July 2011 to July
2012. This compares to 56 percent of non-credit union respondents who expect the
economy to get worse, which is 4 percentage points lower than a year ago.
Views of Personal Finances Also Stronger
Credit union members have stronger views of their personal finances than non-members, and are
more positive about their finances now than over the same time period last year.
• Credit union members who rate their personal finances as “excellent” or “good” remained
the same as April 2012 at 42 percent, while non-credit union members with the same
view declined 5 percentage points to 31 percent. However, credit union members rating
their finances as “excellent” or “good” increased 7 points in July 2012 from what was
reported a year ago.
• Forty-five percent of credit union members believe their personal finances are getting
“worse” in July 2012, a 3-point increase from April. Fifty-one percent of non-members
feel their personal finances are getting worse,, also up 3 points from April. More than half
of credit union members expect to have money left after paying bills, at 54 percent, while
only 45 percent of non-credit union members report the same this month.

2. Spending Intentions Increase among Credit Union Members
• Intentions to spend more on household expenses increased month-over-month for
credit union members, from 30 percent in June to 38 percent in July 2012. However,
this is still lower than the 43 percent who expected increased spending at this time
last year.
• Additionally, intentions to spend more on discretionary entertainment (up 4 points to
12 percent), household improvements (up 5 points to 18 percent) and major personal
purchases (up 2 points to 17 percent) were all up year-over-year in July 2012.
The findings among credit union members are part of the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor,
which polls more than 8,200 consumers each month. Beginning in June 2010, the survey asked
participants to indicate if they were members of a credit union. Of those polled each month, on
average 2,500 are credit union members. For more Discover U.S. Spending Monitor survey data,
charts and information, please visit www.discoverfinancial.com/surveys/spending.shtml.
About Discover U.S. Spending Monitor
The Discover® U.S. Spending MonitorSM is a monthly index of consumer spending intentions
and capacity that is based on interviews with a random sample of 8,200 U.S. adults conducted at
a rate of 275 per night. In addition to spending, the survey asks consumers their opinions on the
U.S. economy and their personal finances. Beginning in June 2010, the survey asked consumers
to indicate if they were members of a credit union. Of those polled, between 2,000 and 3,300
each month are credit union members. Findings for the credit union member demographic are
released quarterly. The Monitor began in May 2007 with a base index of 100. Surveys are
conducted by Rasmussen Reports, an independent survey research firm
(www.rasmussenreports.com).
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company
with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the
company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates
the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal and student loans, online
savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its Discover
Bank subsidiary. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant
and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners
Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and
territories. For more information, visitwww.discoverfinancial.com.