Credit union members’ attitudes about the economy continued to improve during the past quarter and are better than they were a year ago, according to data released today from the credit union member demographic of the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor. Learn more at: www.nafcu.org/discover

1. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE CONTINUES TO RISE AMONG CREDIT UNION
MEMBERS, ACCORDING TO DISCOVER® U.S. SPENDING MONITORSM
Riverwoods, IL, May 14, 2012 – Credit union members’ attitudes about the economy continued
to improve during the past quarter and are better than they were a year ago, according to data
released today from the credit union member demographic of the Discover U.S. Spending
Monitor.
Economic Conditions Improving for Credit Union Members
Credit union members who rate the U.S. economy as “good” or “excellent” doubled to 18
percent in April compared to a year earlier. Credit union members have more positive attitudes
about the economy than non-credit union members with just 14 percent of non-credit union
members rating the economy as “good” or “excellent.” In addition, 47 percent of credit union
members rate the economy as “poor,” a decrease of 9 percentage points from a year earlier.
The number of credit union members who believe the economy is getting better jumped in the
last year, with 37 percent of respondents reporting that the economy is improving. That is 11
percentage points higher than a year ago.. At the same time, only 44 percent of credit union
members believe the economy is getting worse, compared to 50 percent of non-credit union
members.
Views of Personal Finances Also Improve
In line with the favorable views of the economy, the survey found that 42 percent of credit union
members rated their personal finances as “good” or “excellent” in April 2012, an improvement
of 4 percentage points from April 2011. This compares to 36 percent of non-credit union
members rating their personal finances as “good” or “excellent” in 2012.
The survey also found that in April, 29 percent of credit union members felt their finances were
getting better, an improvement of 7 percentage points from the same time period last year.
Additionally, 55 percent of credit union members reported that they would maintain their rate of
savings next month, an increase of 6 percentage points from the year earlier. Of non-credit union
members, 48 percent reported they would have the same rate of saving.
More Money Available, but Discretionary Spending Remains Steady
Credit union members who expect to have money left after paying their bills increased 3
percentage points, from 51 percent in April 2011 to 54 percent in April 2012. Similarly, the
number of credit union members who plan to spend more on household expenses in the coming
month fell to 45 percent, compared to 61 percent who reported they would have higher expenses
in May 2011.

2. Without an increase of household expenses, such as groceries and gasoline, there was a decline
for those planning to spend less on discretionary expenses. For example:
 In April 2012, 42 percent of credit union members plan to spend less on discretionary
entertainment spending in the next month, compared with 53 percent in April 2011.
 Those planning to spend less on home improvements in the next month also declined
5 percentage points, from 47 percent in April 2011 to 42 percent in April 2012. Those
who planned to increase spending on home improvement rose 1 percentage point, to
20 percent, compared to a year ago.
 Intentions to spend less on a major personal purchase in the next month declined as
well by 6 percentage points, to 41 percent, versus 47 percent in the same time period
last year.
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.