Washington DC, June 4 -- Consumers in the United States are increasingly relying on credit cards, making fewer retail visits and focusing more on essential purchases as affordability pressures rise amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, according to the latest Federal Reserve Beige Book report.

According to the report, economic activity increased at a slight to moderate pace in ten of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts, while one district reported a slight decline and another reported no change.

The report noted that consumer spending remained mixed across districts and showed growing differences across income groups as affordability concerns continued to influence spending patterns.

"There were reports of increased credit card usage,...