Consumer confidence rises as summer holiday season begins

Seven in ten people are set to holiday, though 75% of those are finding ways to cut travel costs compared to their last trip, according to new KPMG research. The number of people feeling financially secure has risen this quarter by three percentage points to 58%, whilst confidence that the UK economy is improving has…

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Lenders report growing demand for borrowing in Q2

4th July 2025 Consumer Lending | #lending

Lenders said they lifted the availability of household secured credit in the three months to the end of May and expect to do so again over the coming quarter, according to a latest Bank of England survey.  The survey found that lenders reported that the availability of both secured and unsecured credit to households increased…

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Over half of people prioritise credit card rewards over interest rates

New research from Compare the Market reveals that more than half (52%) of people would be willing to switch credit cards if they found one offering better rewards aligned to their personal needs, even if it came with a higher interest rate. Nearly half of respondents (46%) value cashback as the most important credit card…

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Average credit card debt increases to £2,920

The average credit card debt per borrower has climbed to £2,920  according to research by TransUnion. With two-thirds (67%) of consumers feeling financially comfortable and 43% optimistic about their household finances over the next 12 months – up from 26% in 2022 – demand for credit is growing. Since 2022, the average credit card balance…

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Parents want to close the ‘bank of mum and dad’ by the age of 30

Two-thirds (64 per cent) of wishful parents are dreaming of the day when the financial tide turns and they no longer have to support their grown children, but instead get to enjoy being on the receiving end of their generosity according to research by Moneyfarm. In fact, mums and dads hope the financial scales will…

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Over eight million people are using BNPL for purchases under £50

New research from TransUnion UK has revealed that over eight million people are using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) for items under £50, whilst 4% put purchases under £25 on this short-term credit. Over a quarter (26%) of people now prefer to use BNPL over credit cards for everyday spending, with 18 to 24-year-olds (20%)…

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Consumer confidence rises

Consumer confidence has seen a slight increase, with GfK’s consumer confidence index rising by two points in June. The index remains in negative territory at minus 18, four points lower than last year. Confidence among UK consumers has improved but remains fragile in the face of expected petrol price rises amid escalating conflict in the Middle…

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Interest rates remain at 4.25% – consumer credit reaction

20th June 2025 Consumer Lending |

The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to hold interest rates at 4.25%. The Bank of England has held interest rates at 4.25%. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 6:3 for the hold, with three members voting for a cut. Commenting on the latest decision, John Phillips, CEO of Just Mortgages and…

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Consumer finance grew by 1% in April

New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business grew in April 2025 by 1% compared with the same month in 2024.  In the first four months of 2025, new business in this market was 4% higher than in the same period in 2024. The credit card and…

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Committee report warns of risk aversion among financial regulators

16th June 2025 Consumer Lending | #FCA

A new House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee report has found that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) must set out how they intend to address longstanding concerns with the redress framework and ensure that their views on regulatory requirements are consistent. The Committee’s inquiry examined the progress made…

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Consumer credit grew by £1.1bn in April

Latest Bank of England data has shown that net borrowing of consumer credit was £1.6 billion in April, up from £1.1 billion in the previous month. Within this, net borrowing through credit cards increased to £0.8 billion in April, from £0.4 billion in March. Net borrowing through other forms of consumer credit increased slightly to £0.8…

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Average first-time buyer mortgage term is now 31 years

New data from UK Finance has shown that the average first-time buyer mortgage term is now 31 years. The data also showed that mortgage lending surged in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1), driven by homebuyers seeking to complete purchases before changes to Stamp Duty took effect in April. Mortgage completions rose sharply in the first…

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Two in three people who had loan repayments declined say they have funds elsewhere

30th May 2025 Consumer Lending |

Two in three people whose loan repayments have been declined say they have funds elsewhere, according to new research by Acquired. The data showed that 61% of sub-prime borrowers, 64% of near-prime borrowers and 68% of prime borrowers said they have funds available elsewhere when a loan payment declines. In many cases, these funds can…

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