In addition to the national figure that is publicly released, Visa's SMI can be segmented further for business intelligence. Depending on the data customization provided, the SMI can help to inform acquisition, usage and retention initiatives. It can also be an early indicator of local and national changes in worker incomes and jobs, allowing for timely and comprehensive risk management. Additional industry benchmarking can help give clients a deeper understanding of payment and economic trends.
Sub-indexes are available on a subscription basis to eligible Visa clients in four key areas:
Location. The scores associated with the Visa U.S. SMI index start at the county level. Data at the county level can be aggregated using population weights to create city, state, regional and national indexes.
Credential segment, i.e. debit and credit credentials.
Major spending segments, including fuel, restaurant, discretionary and non-discretionary spending items. Discretionary spending includes purchases that are more sensitive to changes in household income and employment, such as travel and entertainment, durable goods, clothing, personal services, home repairs, and others. Non-discretionary, or everyday spending, is less sensitive to these labor market changes and includes health care, groceries, utilities and education. Restaurant spending includes spending at full-service and quick-service restaurants. Gasoline spending includes all spending at fuel/service stations.
Custom SMI according to the client's own portfolio.