Consumer finance new business grew by 9% in March

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business grew by 9% in March 2026 compared with the same month in 2025.  In Q1 2026, new business in this market was 6% higher than in Q1 2025.

The credit card and personal loans sectors together reported new business 6% higher in March than in the same month in 2025, while the retail store and online credit sector reported an increase in new business of 3% over the same period.

Commenting on the figures, Geraldine Kilkelly, Director of Research and Chief Economist at the FLA, said “The consumer finance market continued to grow in Q1 2026, with new business up 6% year-on-year and a record £13 billion of new lending in March. That resilience is notable given continued pressure on household finances and underscores the role of credit in smoothing spending.

“The pattern of growth suggests prudent, purposeful use of credit, with credit performance remaining stable. Overall, the data point to households adapting carefully to a tighter environment, supported by responsible lending.”

New consumer credit lending

	Mar 2026	% change on prev. year	3 months to Mar2026	% change on prev. year	12 months to Mar 2026	% change on prev. year
Total FLA consumer finance (£m)	13,004	9	31,893	6	124,299	6
Data extracts:
Retail store and online credit (£m)	715	3	1,967	-1	9,124	-3
Credit cards & personal loans (£m)	5,723	6	15,767	4	64,706	5
Second charge mortgages (£m)	228	36	625	33	2,297	27
Car finance (£m)	5,720	11	11,972	7	41,951	6