Total credit card debt in the UK grew by **** billion British pounds between October and November 2023, now reaching a similar level of debt as seen in early 2017. The annual growth rate of credit card debt stayed about the same in March 2025, reaching *** percent when compared to March 2024. The growth rate in 2023 has been relatively consistently since May, which may potentially be attributed to growing interest rates and the cost of living crisis.

The UK's average credit card debt per household grew by *** British pounds between December 2021 and December 2022, the first increase since 2020. Standing at ***** British pounds at December 2022, the figure contrasts with the decline in 2020 – when the debt declined from ***** British pounds to ***** British pounds. That particular drop was likely a result of Covid-19's economic impact, and consumers trying to get rid of their credit card debt. The increase in 2022 may be caused by growing interest rates and the cost of living crisis beginning to take shape.

Key information about United Kingdom Household Debt: % of GDP

• United Kingdom household debt accounted for 81.6 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Sep 2024, compared with the ratio of 81.8 % in the previous quarter.
• UK household debt to GDP ratio is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1987 to Sep 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 108.5 % in Mar 2010 and a record low of 55.6 % in Mar 1987.

• In the latest reports, UK Household Debt reached 3,076.4 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• Money Supply M2 in UK increased 2.2 % YoY in Dec 2024.
• UK Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 112.5 USD bn in Jan 2025.
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 1.4 Months of Import in Oct 2024.
• UK Domestic Credit reached 4,866.2 USD bn in Dec 2024, representing an drop of 1.3 % YoY.
• The country's Non Performing Loans Ratio stood at 1.0 % in Dec 2022, compared with the ratio of 1.0 % in the previous year.

Credit card debt in the United States has been growing at a fast pace between 2021 and 2025. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the overall amount of credit card debt reached its highest value throughout the timeline considered here. COVID-19 had a big impact on the indebtedness of Americans, as credit card debt decreased from *** billion U.S. dollars in the last quarter of 2019 to *** billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2021. What portion of Americans use credit cards? A substantial portion of Americans had at least one credit card in 2025. That year, the penetration rate of credit cards in the United States was ** percent. This number increased by nearly seven percentage points since 2014. The primary factors behind the high utilization of credit cards in the United States are a prevalent culture of convenience, a wide range of reward schemes, and consumer preferences for postponed payments. Which companies dominate the credit card issuing market? In 2024, the leading credit card issuers in the U.S. by volume were JPMorgan Chase & Co. and American Express. Both firms recorded transactions worth over one trillion U.S. dollars that year. Citi and Capital One were the next banks in that ranking, with the transactions made with their credit cards amounting to over half a trillion U.S. dollars that year. Those industry giants, along with other prominent brand names in the industry such as Bank of America, Synchrony Financial, Wells Fargo, and others, dominate the credit card market. Due to their extensive customer base, appealing rewards, and competitive offerings, they have gained a significant market share, making them the preferred choice for consumers.

As of late October 2024, most of the outstanding consumer lending in the United Kingdom (UK) were overdrafts, as well as loans and advances other than credit cards. Consumer credit peaked in February 2020, but dropped sharply two months later before slowly starting to recover again. The category other, which includes overdrafts and other loans and advances made up most of the outstanding credit. Meanwhile, credit cards amounted to approximately a third of the outstanding consumer loans. Nevertheless, credit cards made up most of the new monthly consumer lending in the UK. A likely reason for this discrepancy is that credit card debt tends to be paid in a shorter term than other types of credit.

Daily, weekly and monthly data showing seasonally adjusted and non-seasonally adjusted UK spending using debit and credit cards. These are official statistics in development. Source: CHAPS, Bank of England.

Consumer Credit in the United Kingdom decreased to 859 GBP Million in May from 1944 GBP Million in April of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United Kingdom Consumer Credit - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Key information about United Kingdom Household Debt

• United Kingdom Household Debt reached 3,076.4 USD bn in Sep 2024, compared with the reported number of 2,873.8 USD bn in the previous quarter
• UK Household Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1987 to Sep 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 3,298.5 USD bn in Jun 2008 and a record low of 406.9 USD bn in Mar 1987

• In the latest reports, United Kingdom Household Debt accounted for 81.5 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Sep 2024
• Money Supply M2 in United Kingdom increased 3,931.4 USD bn YoY in Oct 2024
• United Kingdom Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 115.5 USD bn in Nov 2024
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 1.4 Months of Import in Oct 2024
• United Kingdom Domestic Credit reached 5,119.2 USD bn in Aug 2024, representing an drop of 0.9 % YoY

The average credit card purchase value in the United Kingdom was over ** British pounds as of April 2025. This was slightly lower than in the same month of the previous year and lower than in January 2023, when it reached an all-time high, with each individual credit card transaction averaging **** British pounds. This contrasted with April 2020, when coronavirus measures caused the average credit card value to decline. However, the total credit card debt in the UK in April 2025 grew almost six percent year-on-year.

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Debt Settlement Market Size 2024-2028

The debt settlement market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.07 billion at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing trend of consumers seeking relief from mounting credit card debts. One-time debt settlement has gained popularity as an effective solution for individuals looking to reduce their outstanding debt balances. However, the time-consuming nature of negotiations between debtors and creditors poses a challenge for market expansion. Despite this, the market's strategic landscape remains favorable for companies offering debt settlement services. Key drivers include the rising number of consumers struggling with debt, increasing awareness of debt settlement as a viable debt relief option, and the growing preference for affordable and flexible debt repayment plans.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on streamlining the negotiation process, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, and building trust and transparency with clients. Effective operational planning and strategic partnerships with creditors can also help companies navigate the challenges of a competitive and complex market.

What will be the Size of the Debt Settlement Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses a range of companies offering financial wellness programs to help consumers manage and reduce their debt. These programs include medical Debt collection, consumer debt relief, and financial education resources. Online financial resources and debt management software are increasingly popular, providing consumers with affordable debt solutions and debt negotiation strategies. However, it's crucial for consumers to be aware of debt settlement scams and their settlement success rates. Debt consolidation loans and financial planning tools are also viable options for responsible debt management. Furthermore, financial literacy education and workshops are essential for consumers to understand debt reduction calculators and credit reporting errors.
Consumer financial protection agencies offer financial counseling services and financial planning advice to promote financial wellness strategies and responsible borrowing. Student loan forgiveness programs are also gaining traction in the market. Overall, the market for debt settlement and financial wellness solutions continues to evolve, with a focus on providing accessible and effective debt relief options for consumers.

How is this Debt Settlement Industry segmented?

The debt settlement industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Credit card debt
  Student loan debt
  Medical debt
  Auto loan debt
  Unsecured personal loan debt
  Others


End-user

  Individual
  Enterprise
  Government


Distribution Channel

  Online
  Offline
  Hybrid


Service Type

  Debt Settlement
  Debt Consolidation
  Debt Management Plans
  Credit Counseling


Provider Type

  For-profit Debt Settlement Companies
  Non-profit Credit Counseling Agencies
  Law Firms
  Financial Institutions


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America



  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The credit card debt segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experiences significant activity due to the escalating credit card debt among consumers. In India, for instance, the rising financial hardships faced by borrowers are evident in the increasing credit card defaults. The latest data indicates that credit card defaults in India reached 1.8% in June 2024, a notable increase from 1.7% six months prior and 1.6% in March 2023. This trend underscores the mounting financial pressures on consumers. The outstanding credit card debt in India mirrors this trend, with approximately USD3.25 billion in outstanding balances as of June 2024, a slight increase from the previous year.

Debt elimination and negotiation strategies, such as debt relief programs and debt consolidation, have become increasingly popular among consumers seeking financial relief. Credit reporting agencies play a crucial role in this process, as they maintain and report consumers' credit histories to lenders. Student loan debt, medical debt, tax debt, and payday loans are other significant contributors to the market. Consumers often turn to debt validation, credit repair, and financial coaching for guidance in managing their debts. Online platforms, mobile apps, and budgeting tools have become

United Kingdom UK: Net External Debt: Central Bank: Short Term: Trade Credit and Advances data was reported at 0.000 USD mn in Jun 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 USD mn for Mar 2016. United Kingdom UK: Net External Debt: Central Bank: Short Term: Trade Credit and Advances data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.000 USD mn from Mar 2016 (Median) to Jun 2016, with 2 observations. United Kingdom UK: Net External Debt: Central Bank: Short Term: Trade Credit and Advances data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.QEDS: Net External Debt.

Clients seeking financial advice from the debt charity StepChange in the United Kingdom had on average approximately ***** British pounds of unsecured credit card debt in 2022. On average, the new clients of this charity owed more unsecured debt from personal loans than from any other type of credit.

United Kingdom UK: Net External Debt: Deposit Taking Corporations excl Central Bank: Long Term: Trade Credit and Advances data was reported at 0.000 USD mn in Jun 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 USD mn for Mar 2016. United Kingdom UK: Net External Debt: Deposit Taking Corporations excl Central Bank: Long Term: Trade Credit and Advances data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.000 USD mn from Mar 2016 (Median) to Jun 2016, with 2 observations. United Kingdom UK: Net External Debt: Deposit Taking Corporations excl Central Bank: Long Term: Trade Credit and Advances data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s UK – Table UK.World Bank: QEDS: Net External Debt.

U.K. external debt for was $0.00, a 0% increase from .

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</ul>Total external debt is debt owed to nonresidents repayable in currency, goods, or services. Total external debt is the sum of public, publicly guaranteed, and private nonguaranteed long-term debt, use of IMF credit, and short-term debt. Short-term debt includes all debt having an original maturity of one year or less and interest in arrears on long-term debt. Data are in current U.S. dollars.

Over the five years through 2024-25, credit bureaux and rating agencies’ revenue is slated to fall at a compound annual rate of 5% to £2.3 billion. Geopolitical issues, particularly the forced stoppage of operations in Russia, have hurt the industry, mainly through lower deal rates and lost synergies with companies’ Russian branches. This also ate into profitability, cutting off some of the highest-ticket deals, which are the most profitable for rating agencies. Brexit restructuring has further influenced the market, with companies being forced to split their UK and EU operations. At the same time, weak economic conditions have held impeded revenue – low confidence and the high interest rate environment have meant there’s been less borrowing across the economy over the past few years, meaning less demand for the services credit rating agencies provide. In 2024-25, revenue is anticipated to climb by 3.2%. Increasingly favourable economic conditions, interest rate cuts and an upturn in deal-making are expected to stimulate borrowing. This will feed through to higher demand for credit rating services, as lenders require credit checks prior to approving loans. Over the five years through 2029-30, revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 2.7% to £2.7 billion. Mounting demand for ESG rating services, which have been brought in by a number of major rating agencies, will be a key driver of this growth. Additionally, falling rates and a likely end to skyrocketing inflation will provide a more suitable environment for borrowing, ramping up demand for credit rating services.

The European credit card market, valued at €2.47 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.83% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers. Increasing digitalization and e-commerce adoption across Europe are significantly boosting credit card transactions. Furthermore, the expanding middle class and rising disposable incomes in several European countries are contributing to increased consumer spending and a greater reliance on credit cards for purchases. Government initiatives aimed at promoting financial inclusion and the proliferation of contactless payment technologies are also playing a vital role in market expansion. Segmentation analysis reveals that general-purpose credit cards hold the largest market share, driven by their versatility and widespread acceptance. Within applications, food and groceries, along with restaurants and bars, represent significant segments, highlighting the prevalence of credit card use for everyday spending. Major players like Visa and Mastercard dominate the provider landscape, while banks such as Capital One, Citi Bank, and Chase maintain strong market positions. However, the market faces some restraints including concerns over increasing debt levels among consumers and the rise of alternative payment methods like mobile wallets and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services. This competitive pressure necessitates continuous innovation and strategic adaptations by established players to retain their market share. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates sustained, albeit moderate, growth, influenced by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. Growth will likely be uneven across European nations, with countries exhibiting higher economic growth rates and greater digital adoption potentially experiencing faster credit card market expansion. The ongoing shift towards digital banking and the integration of credit cards within broader fintech ecosystems will further shape the market's trajectory. Specific regional variations will depend on factors such as regulatory environments, consumer behavior, and the availability of alternative payment solutions. Continued monitoring of these trends is critical for effective strategic planning within the European credit card market. Recent developments include: February 2023: ASOS, the global online fashion destination, and Capital One UK announced a new and exclusive credit card partnership. The partnership will likely launch a new ASOS credit card for eligible shoppers, available later this year. It is projected to provide a range of features and benefits that only come with using a credit card when they shop at ASOS and elsewhere, such as Section 75 protection on purchases over EUR 100., November 2022: Germany's leading international provider of ticketing services and live entertainment CTS EVENTIM presented its own branded credit card issued by Advanzia Bank. The Eventimcard offered an integrated loyalty program that gives cardholders VIP entry to venues owned or operated by CTS EVENTIM, free ticket delivery, and all the benefits included in the Mastercard Gold.. Key drivers for this market are: Usage of Credit Card give the bonus and reward points. Potential restraints include: Usage of Credit Card give the bonus and reward points. Notable trends are: Increasing Card Transactions in Europe have a Major Impact on Credit Card.

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Debt Financing Market Size 2025-2029

The debt financing market size is forecast to increase by USD 7.89 billion at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the tax advantages of debt financing for businesses. The ability to deduct interest payments from taxable income makes debt financing an attractive option for companies seeking capital. Another key trend in the market is the increasing collaboration and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, which often involves the use of debt financing to fund transactions. However, it is important to note that collateral may be necessary for some forms of debt financing, adding layer of complexity to the process.
Companies seeking to capitalize on these opportunities must navigate the challenges of securing adequate collateral and managing debt levels to maintain financial health and wellness. Effective debt management strategies, such as optimizing debt structures and maintaining strong credit ratings, will be essential for companies looking to succeed in this dynamic market. Debt financing is a significant component of the regional capital markets, with financial institutions, banks, and insurance companies serving as major players.

What will be the Size of the Debt Financing Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses various debt instruments issued by entities to secure funds for business operations and growth. Market dynamics are influenced by several factors, including interest rate cycles, monetary policy, and economic growth. Basel Accords and the Financial Stability Board set standards for financial institutions' risk management and capital adequacy, impacting debt issuance. Government debt, securitization transactions, and various debt instruments like interest rate swaps, loan-to-value ratios, and credit-linked notes, shape the market landscape. Market volatility, driven by factors such as business cycles, credit spreads, and risk appetite, influences investor sentiment. Debt sustainability, fiscal policy, and ESG investing are increasingly important considerations for issuers and investors.
Asset managers are focusing on leveraging technology and data analytics to improve operational efficiency and meet the evolving needs of investors. The market is, however, not without challenges, with regulatory compliance and interest rate risks being major concerns. Overall, the income asset management market in North America is poised for steady growth, driven by the demand for debt financing and wealth management solutions, and the increasing adoption of advanced analytics and ETFs.

How is this Debt Financing Industry segmented?

The debt financing industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Source

  Private
  Public


Type

  Long-term
  Short-term
  Long-term


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  APAC

    China
    Japan
    South Korea


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Source Insights

The private segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Debt financing is a popular financing method for businesses seeking to expand operations while maintaining ownership. Private debt financing, in particular, has gained significant traction among financial specialists worldwide due to its importance in funding small- and mid-sized organizations globally. The demand for debt financing by startups has increased annually, leading to the sector's substantial growth over the last five years. This financing option's flexibility enables businesses to customize their financing solutions to address specific needs, making it an allure for numerous organizations. Private debt financing encompasses various instruments such as Real Estate Debt, Term Loans, Leveraged Buyouts, Asset Securitization, Infrastructure Financing, Loan Servicing, and more.

Financial Leverage, Debt Covenants, Credit Risk, and Interest Rate Risk are essential considerations in this sector. Hedge Funds, Collateralized Loan Obligations, High Yield Debt, and Investment Grade Debt are alternative investment areas. Private Equity, Syndicated Loans, Venture Debt, Bridge Financing, and Mezzanine Financing are also integral components. Financial Institutions offer various debt financing solutions, including Capital Markets, Expansion Financing, Growth Capital, Debt Refinancing, and Debt Consolidation. Financial Modeling, Return on Investment, and Risk Management are crucial aspects of debt financing. Debt Advisory, Financial Engineering, and Debt Capital Markets are essential services in this field. Small Business Loans, Supp

UK: Gross External Debt: Other Sectors: Short Term: Trade Credit and Advances data was reported at 1.638 USD bn in Mar 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.635 USD bn for Dec 2017. UK: Gross External Debt: Other Sectors: Short Term: Trade Credit and Advances data is updated quarterly, averaging 1.635 USD bn from Mar 1999 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 77 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.658 USD bn in Dec 2008 and a record low of 1.595 USD bn in Dec 2012. UK: Gross External Debt: Other Sectors: Short Term: Trade Credit and Advances data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s UK – Table UK.World Bank: QEDS: Gross External Debt: by Sector and Instrument.

Europe's Collection Agencies and Credit Bureaux industry has contended with numerous challenges in recent years. Lending activity has been muted as businesses became cautious about borrowing in the face of turbulent economic conditions and rising interest rates, draining the pool of debt available for collection. Revenue is expected to fall at a compound annual rate of 3.8% over the five years through 2024 to €19.6 billion, including an estimated decline of 3.2% in 2024. In recent years, the industry has witnessed a significant transformation driven by digitalisation. Collection agencies and credit bureaux embraced digital platforms and automation tools to streamline processes, enhance data analysis efficiency and improve consumer communication. The integration of AI and alternative credit scoring models has revolutionised credit assessment practices, offering more inclusive evaluation methods and personalised debt collection strategies. The adoption of blockchain technology for secure data management has also gained traction, promising enhanced data security and transparency across operations. Revenue is slated to mount at a compound annual rate of 2.7% over the five years through 2029 to €22.5 billion, while profit is also expected to edge upwards. Looking ahead, Europe's collection agencies and credit bureaux are poised for further evolution and innovation. Expanding alternative data sources for credit assessment will provide more comprehensive credit profiles and improve risk assessment accuracy. Companies will also continue to integrate blockchain technology for secure data management, offering increased data security, fraud prevention and operational efficiencies.