Consumer bill payment habits vary month to month, new survey shows.

• Position: MARKETING NEWS

CONSUMERS ARE USING MULTIPLE PAYMENT CHANNELS on an ongoing basis, with nearly one out of every five online consumer households changing the way they pay bills each month, according to the new 2011 Billing Household Survey from Fiserv Inc., Brookfield, Wise.

Also, mobile bill payments are on the rise, with more than 6 million Americans using smartphones to pay their bills in the past year. Interest in electronic bills (e-bills) has also hit an all-time high.

In addition, the survey revealed that utilities, telecommunications providers, insurers and other billers are destination websites for billing and payment, particularly when it comes to last minute and one-time payments.

"This year's Billing Household survey demonstrates that consumers are looking to their banks and billers for multiple billing and payment options that are quick and easy, and can change to meet household needs and expectations," says Jardon Bouska, division president, Biller Solutions, at the company. "Billing and payment is not just about the transaction; it is a recurring strategic opportunity for companies to deepen customer relationships and reduce costs."

Some of the significant survey findings:

* Consumers pay in multiple ways. Consumers indicate it is important for billers to provide multiple payment options and many report changing the way they pay their bills month-to-month due to timing and funds availability. The study found a number of factors driving (he demand for choice including the consumer's financial situations and changing technology. Paying bills online at biller or bank sites is most common followed by check and auto debit.

* Mobile bill payments emerging. Six million households paid at least one bill via smartphone in the past year. Billers need...