Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
Latest data from the Bank of England has shown that consumer credit growth climbing to 8.9%, exceeding the 8.6% recorded in February. Within this total, the annual growth rate for credit card borrowing increased to 12.3% from 12.1% a month earlier. Consumer deposits with banks and building societies increased by £5.5 billion in March. The…
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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a review into whether Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) help consumers understand borrowing costs, with the regulator seeking views on whether it should change how these are communicated in credit advertising. APRs indicate the yearly cost of borrowing, including interest and fees. A representative APR means at least half…
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New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business grew by 5% in February 2026 compared with the same month in 2025. In the first two months of 2026, new business in this market was 4% higher than in the same period in 2025. The credit card and…
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Latest Bank of England data has shown that net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals increased to £4.8 billion in February, from £4.2 billion in January. The rise in February is also above the previous six-month average of £4.5 billion. The data also shows that net mortgage approvals for house purchases increased to 62,600 in…
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UK Finance has launched a new Accessible Cards Code of Practice, designed to help customers with accessibility needs or impaired vision use payment cards in-store and online. The Code means the UK is the first country in the world to have national common accessibility guidelines for flat printed payment cards. The new guidelines cover physical…
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Latest FICO analysis of credit card data for January 2026 shows a post-Christmas reduction in spending as customers prioritised payments after the festive break. However, with spending lower year-on-year and increases in missed payments, the financial pressures that were a feature of the UK economy for the majority of 2025 have continued into the new…
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A new analysis of its credit card data for 2025 by global analytics software specialist FICO has found a fundamental shift in market dynamics from traditional cyclical patterns to clearer management of affordability challenges. The year was characterised by consumers struggling to manage existing debt levels, with average balances reaching record highs while payment rates fell. The…
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New research from Compare the Market suggests there is still some uncertainty around how credit cards factor into mortgage applications, with 21% of prospective first-time buyers believing they need to be completely debt-free to be approved for a mortgage1 The survey findings indicate that around one in ten prospective first-time buyers believe they must never…
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The UK is facing a growing financial literacy crisis, with millions of households navigating credit without fully understanding how it works, according to new research from Creditspring. As borrowing becomes faster and more accessible, consumers risk making costly, but entirely avoidable, financial decisions. Across the UK, understanding of even the most basic credit concepts remains…
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The latest EY ITEM Club data has forecasted that consumer credit lending growth will remain largely flat at 5.8% in 2026 (from 6.1% in 2025), 5.7% in 2027, and 5.3% in 2028. Even though consumer credit remains expensive, demand is expected to remain steady over the coming years. This is largely due to a combination…
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72% of consumers abandon their baskets after being declined for credit at checkout, despite over half saying they would look for an alternative finance option. The results, from independent research commissioned by Payl8r, with the figures suggesting that single-lender checkout structures may be contributing to avoidable conversion loss. Payl8r says that the research reveals ‘false…
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The Bank of England has announced that it has held interest rates at 3.75% following the first meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee of 2026. The Bank has voted by 5 to 4 to keep rates on hold at 3.75%. Four members voted to reduce the base rate to 3.5%, giving an indication of forward guidance. Commenting…
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Analysis of credit card data for November 2025 by global analytics software leader FICO has found that spending, balances and payments followed seasonal trends in the run-up to Christmas. However, while spending rose as expected during November, it was lower year-on-year, signalling continued pressure on household finances. Average balances resumed an upward trajectory as payment…
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