Dec. 21--Will that be cash or charge? Debit or credit? Bill Me Later, Billeo or PayPal?

Consumers have more choices than ever in how they pay for goods and services, and it is clear the days of paying by cash or check alone are long gone.

Payment choices have expanded along with Internet commerce. Consumers buying more online have sought more secure, convenient ways to pay. Meanwhile, Web-based technology allows relatively low investment from merchants who want to offer new options.

In a recession, experts predict alternatives that offer noncredit options, such as same-as-cash installment plans, likely will get renewed attention from consumers. And given the technology, more options are available online to let people pay without using credit cards.

"Everyone nowadays is worried about entering into risky transactions," said David S. Evans, a vice chairman of global consulting firm LECG Corp. and founder of Cambridge, Mass.-based Market Platform Dynamics, a consulting firm focused on the payments business. "Anything that involves regularity and certainty is more attractive now, and anything where people are uncertain about ... their bills ... is less attractive."

For years, consumers have been relying less on paper payments, which now account for just over half of all consumer purchases. Shoppers are just as likely to pay with a credit card or debit card whether they're buying groceries, stopping at a fast-food restaurant or paying bills online or via cell phone.

"You don't need cash anymore," said Bill Hardekopf, chief executive officer of Web site lowcards.com. He believes that even though card issuers are clamping down, lowering credit limits and raising interest fees, consumers are not likely to give up their plastic any time soon.

However, "credit-card issuers will be more prudent in who they grant cards to," Hardekopf said. "The days of getting a card in everyone's wallet and a house to everyone who has a pulse, those days are over. They want your business, but really only if you have good or excellent credit."

Even if they continue using credit, consumers are likely to be more careful to avoid running up huge balances on their cards, experts say. Consumers often try to use cash when they're feeling less confident about their financial future, experts say, because it helps them spend less.

"Consumers are more wary about using credit," said Chris Allen, director of consulting services in the financial services practice at Hitachi Consulting.