Consumers say they will take on less credit card debt this holiday season

About 90 percent of those surveyed said they would use primarily use cash to make purchases this holiday season, up from 85 percent last year, according to a new study from United Services Automobile Association. Meanwhile, 41 percent of consumers said they plan to take on credit card debt between now and the holidays.

"The survey findings indicate that adopting better money habits as a result of the Great Recession isn't a fad, but more of a long-term trend," said Joseph Montanaro, a financial planner with USAA.

However, 50 percent of those planning to use cash have been saving throughout the year, down from 56 percent in 2009, according to the report. Meanwhile, 42 percent of respondents said they will use cash because they're worried about what additional credit card debt would mean for their finances.

Many consumers have successfully reduced their credit card debt in recent months by scaling back their spending and increasing their monthly payments.