Like many modern consumers, I frequently have groceries delivered to my home about three times a month. From the comfort of my couch, I can order dinner, purchase an outfit for an upcoming wedding, or stream a movie. Too often, a significant portion of my monthly budget is consumed without me ever stepping outside.
In this era of the “couch economy,” an increasing share of domestic spending is shifting online. According to Visa transaction data, online spending in the U.S. reached 58% in 2026, up from 48% in 2019. Furthermore, approximately one-quarter of active U.S. Visa cards are now used for ten or more online or in-app transactions monthly—a figure that has nearly doubled since 2019.
“What we are observing is a meaningful transformation in consumer transaction habits,” explained Mohamed Bardastani, principal CEMEA economist at Visa. “The most compelling evidence lies in the sharp rise of frequent online and in-app purchasing.”
However, Visa’s research does not clarify whether overall consumer spending has increased, or if these digital transactions are merely replacing traditional offline expenditures.
So, is this digital convenience a blessing or a burden for your personal finances?
Staying Home Doesn’t Mean Spending Less
The couch economy demonstrates that staying at home presents numerous opportunities to spend money, and consumers are eagerly embracing these options.
“We are not simply observing consumers purchasing more goods online,” Bardastani noted. “We are witnessing digital habits becoming deeply integrated across shopping, entertainment, food delivery, and other facets of daily life.”
When digital spending is deeply ingrained in your lifestyle, it is incredibly easy to exceed your budget. Online platforms have streamlined the purchasing process to a single click, removing natural spending barriers.
“Online spending introduces zero friction, making it exceptionally difficult to track,” explains Corey Bates, an investment advisor representative at Solomon Financial in Carmel, Indiana. “Without regular budget reviews and intentional spending habits, it is incredibly easy for money to slip away unnoticed.”
Convenience Comes with a Markup
At first glance, the ability to shop, order dinner via DoorDash, and stream entertainment from home seems like an ideal setup. (Jeeves, please bring my groceries.)
However, this convenience comes at a price. When using services like Instacart for grocery delivery, consumers often pay service fees, shopper tips, and marked-up item prices compared to in-store shopping. While it may be worth the cost when time is scarce, it is far from free.
“You are trading money for time,” explains Martin Lynch, president of the Financial Counseling Association of America.
Participating in the couch economy does not have to ruin your budget. In fact, as long as you establish a budget and ensure your digital shopping habits align with it, you can remain in excellent financial shape.
“I believe consumers simply need to establish boundaries and rules around their digital spending,” suggests Shampaigne Graves, a consumer expert and founder of Women’s Research Solutions, a market research and sales strategy firm based in Dallas.
For example, one might decide to only order delivery from restaurants located several miles away, or limit streaming subscriptions to a maximum of three per month—whichever threshold aligns with your personal financial goals.
“Subscription prices are constantly on the rise,” Graves points out. “Yet, many consumers fail to review their monthly statements to assess the cumulative financial impact.”
For Lynch, grocery delivery services proved invaluable when he broke his leg a few years ago. As the primary grocery shopper in his household, online ordering allowed him to continue contributing to family needs. “It made my wife’s life significantly easier,” he reflects.
To regain control, consumers should review several months of transaction history, tallying up fees, tips, and subscription charges. If the total is surprising, make a conscious effort to implement changes—such as opting for in-person shopping or cooking at home more frequently—to reduce costs.
“While convenience holds genuine value,” Bardastani concludes, “consumers must remain thoughtful and selective, ensuring the services they pay for actually deliver worth.”
About the author
Kate Ashford is a writer and spokesperson for NerdWallet, bringing over twenty years of experience in personal finance writing. A wealth management specialist (WMS) and certified senior advisor (CSA)®, she has contributed to prominent outlets such as the BBC, Forbes, Money, AARP, and Parents. Holding a degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, she is based in New York.