There are currently more than 36 million African Americans in the U.S. This group has an enormous spending power of over $500 billion annually. Women head over 40% of the country’s 8.7 million Black households. 81% of these women live in metropolitan areas and they typically spend an average of $1,000 a year on clothing!

This list identifies over 1.6 million African Americans who, according to our records, do not have bankcards. As African Americans tend to be impulse, spur-of-themoment type of shoppers, having a bankcard would allow them more freedom to purchase products now that they can pay for later.

These African American consumers have opted in to receive promotions from third party marketers via registration on websites that send out discount alerts, entertainment and financial news and maintain product warranty registration. Over 40% of all African Americans access the Internet.

Over 13% of Black American households have incomes of $50,000 or more. With the rapid growth of African Americans moving to the suburbs over the past few years, there are more than 8 million who have made their home in suburban neighborhoods. Those living in suburban areas tend to be more professionally and educationally oriented and generally have more disposable income than blacks living in the metropolitan areas.

There are approximately 18 million African American women in the U.S., comprising over 50% of the total black population! Of those working full time, the median income is close to $20,000 and 13% have an income over $25,000. Black American women tend to enjoy shopping and often buy on impulse.

African Americans have over $500 billion in annual purchasing power. Those with bankcards generally have the ability to buy more than those without bankcards. The average Black household spends considerably more on a variety of items than non-black households, including appliances, VCR's, and sound equipment rentals.

Among the 9 million Black families in the U.S. the average family size is 3 people compared to 2.6 for non-Black families. A large segment of African American families live in metropolitan areas and are very likely to rent and live in apartments. Families with children tend to spend more than other households without children.