The home page is often a very strong factor in driving future usage—things that you wouldn't think would have such a strong impact.

With more than half (52%) of study participants indicating that online account management services were very or extremely important when selecting a new credit card, credit card companies are placing greater emphasis on the online experience. Those that can simplify the card application process and provide real value online will ultimately impact consumer choice.

This study clearly shows a significant positive impact on brand perceptions and purchase intent for luxury auto manufacturers when they master the online experience. For those who don't provide a superior online experience, they are actually damaging their brand and taking the air out of their multi-million dollar advertising campaigns.

The Cadillac Web site really is the Cadillac of luxury auto Web. Competitors in the luxury auto industry can learn something about customer satisfaction and the online customer experience from Cadillac.

The top three auto sites are relatively competitive with each other in terms of the online customer experience and customer conversion. However, Edmunds.com edges out its leading competitors based on strong user perceptions of its site performance. Service levels always play a role in customer perceptions, but we see a particularly heavy influence in the auto sales and information industry.

Although the online channel has not traditionally been where consumers apply for cards, credit card sites and online services do have a major impact on consumer decisions. The impact of card sites on consumer decisions and behavior is steadily increasing, and card companies need to sit up and take notice.