Fear prevents one in seven from applying for credit

New research from Compare the Market suggests that fear of being turned down for credit is preventing millions of people from applying for financial products altogether, as new Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) affordability checks are introduced across the UK. From 15th July 2026, BNPL providers will be required to carry out affordability and creditworthiness…

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One in four turn to credit cards, BNPL and overdrafts to fund impulse buys

While scrolling online at bedtime has become a nightly routine for many, according to new research from MoneySuperMarket. The research shows that  late-night browsing can have costly consequences, with one in five (22%) spending more than £200 in a single late-night shopping session. The research found that bedtime browsing is taking a toll on budgets,…

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Consumer finance new business holds steady

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business in May 2026 was at a similar level to May 2025.  In the first five months of 2026, new business in this market was 4% higher than in the same period in 2025. The credit card and personal loans…

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One in seven avoid applying for credit due to fear of rejection

New research from Compare the Market suggests that fear of being turned down for credit is preventing millions of people from applying for financial products altogether, as new Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) affordability checks are introduced across the UK. BNPL providers will be required to carry out affordability and creditworthiness checks before approving credit,…

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Mortgage approvals hit new low

Latest data from the Bank of England has shown that mortgage approvals fell sharply in May 2026, reaching their lowest level in two and a half years. The data also showed a  14.9% decline, with approvals dropping to 56,205 from 66,034 in April. Net borrowing of consumer credit by individuals remained largely unchanged when compared…

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Consumer finance grew 3% in April 2026

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business grew by 3% in April 2026 compared with the same month in 2025.  In the first four months of 2026, new business in this market was 5% higher than in the same period in 2025. The credit card and…

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Credit card interest costs have increased by 80% since 2021

New data from Updraft has suggested that the average person in the UK has £1,400 in credit card debt in 2026, and will pay £342 on interest this year alone – yet 82% haven’t consolidated their debt. The new figures, based on an analysis of Bank of England and ONS data, show that the average…

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Credit card spending increases by 8.6%

Latest data from UK Finance has shown that 48.% of credit card balances incurred interest in March 2026 compared to 48.6 per cent in March 2025. Credit card transactions increased year-on-year by 8.6%, and the total spend rose to £23.8 billion. There were 419 million credit card transactions in March, 8.6 per cent more than…

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Brits to spend out an estimated £6.6bn on spontaneous overseas holidays

Brits are projected to splash out an estimated £6.6 billion on spontaneous spending while on holiday abroad this year as they look to make the most of their overseas breaks, research from savings app Spring has revealed. A survey of 2,000 Brits found that 79% of holidaymakers admit to spending extra on spontaneous purchases while…

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Mortgage approvals hit 15-month high

Latest Bank of England data has shown that mortgage approvals reached a 15-month high of 65,900 in April, a 3% increase from March. Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals fell to £4.4 billion in April, from £6.8 billion in March, below the previous 6-month average of £5.1 billion. Approvals for remortgaging were broadly unchanged…

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2026 Credit & Collections Industry Award winners revealed

The winners of the 2026 Credit & Collection Industry Awards have been announced following a live in-person event yesterday (Thursday 21st May) at Eastwood Hall, Nottingham. There were 19 winners (three of which were partnership wins) from the awards categories, which were presented by awards compere Eshaan Akbar. The Credit & Collections Industry Awards were…

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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…

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Consumer credit growth climbs to 8.9%

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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