Total credit card debt in the UK grew by over ****billion British pounds between March and April 2025, now reaching a similar level of debt as seen in early 2020. The annual growth rate of credit card debt stayed about the same in April 2025, reaching *** percent when compared to aApril 2024. The growth rate in 2024 has been decreasing until 2025 where it started to increase again, which may potentially be attributed to growing interest rates and the cost of living crisis.

The average credit card purchase value in the United Kingdom was over ***British pounds as of August 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 June 2025 grew almost six percent year-on-year.

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 78.7 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Jun 2025, compared with the ratio of 79.4 % in the previous quarter.
• UK household debt to GDP ratio is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1987 to Jun 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 107.8 % in Mar 2010 and a record low of 55.5 % in Mar 1987.

• In the latest reports, UK Household Debt reached 3,203.9 USD bn in Jun 2025.
• Money Supply M2 in UK increased 3.8 % YoY in Oct 2025.
• UK Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 131.6 USD bn in Oct 2025.
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 1.7 Months of Import in Sep 2025.
• UK Domestic Credit reached 5,369.5 USD bn in Aug 2025, representing an increased of 1.9 % YoY.
• The country's Non Performing Loans Ratio stood at 1.0 % in Dec 2024, compared with the ratio of 1.0 % in the previous year.

In the first half of 2024, the total value of debt from loans to households in the United Kingdom amounted to approximately ************ British pounds. It was in 2004, when household debt surpassed the ************ British pounds mark. Debts can be formed in a number of ways. The most common forms of debt for households include credit cards, medical debt, student loans, overdrafts, mortgages, automobile financing and personal loans.

Consumer Credit in the United Kingdom decreased to 1119 GBP Million in October from 1398 GBP Million in September 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.

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.

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.

The 'BoE Consumer Credit' report in the UK measures the change in the total value of new credit issued to consumers, including credit card debt and personal loans.-2025-05-01

The 'BoE Consumer Credit' report in the UK measures the change in the total value of new credit issued to consumers, including credit card debt and personal loans.-2026-01-05

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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 esse

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: Other Sectors: 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: Other Sectors: 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: 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: Net External Debt.

Debt collection agencies have operated in a high-demand but compliance-heavy environment in recent years. Surging energy and credit arrears, persistent business insolvencies and tighter conduct rules have defined the market. The Insolvency Service reported that 23,872 companies became insolvent in 2024, while Ofgem stated that domestic energy arrears reached £3.9 billion in the same year, both fuelling the flow of unpaid accounts to collection agencies. These trends have supported workloads across the business, consumer and utility markets, but recovery rates have slowed thanks to mounting regulatory pressures – collectors must now prioritise fair treatment and affordability checks under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Consumer Duty. Still, over the five years through 2025-26, revenue is projected to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.4% to reach £2 billion, including a forecast rise 0.9%of in 2025-26. Profit has also inched up thanks to falling energy prices and automation reducing running costs, though increases in wages, business rates and compliance spending have limited margin growth. Digitalisation has become essential to maintaining profitability and meeting regulatory standards. Agencies are integrating open banking and Pay by Bank tools that enable real-time income verification and instant repayments. Open Banking Ltd reported 130 million open banking payments in 2023, almost double the prior year, highlighting how this technology is transforming collection processes. These innovations directly affect the industry’s operating model by cutting card fees, reducing failed payments and evidencing fair outcomes for regulators. Large debt collection companies such as Lowell, Cabot Credit Management and Arrow Global have restructured debt and consolidated systems to fund automation projects and remain competitive. Their actions reflect a broader industry shift towards scale and efficiency, where compliance capability and digital capacity determine an agencies’ competitiveness. Looking ahead, easing inflation and steadier employment are expected to improve repayment capacity in the coming years, supporting gradual revenue gains. Over the five years through 2030-31, revenue is slated to mount at a compound annual rate of 2.5% to reach £2.3 billion. However, rising regulatory scrutiny and possible government oversight of enforcement practices may necessitate heavier investment in governance and data protection. These measures will raise costs but enhance consumer trust and contract stability, favouring agencies that can combine compliance assurance with automation. Companies that leverage technology to balance empathy with efficiency will be best placed to grow in a maturing, tightly regulated market.

United Kingdom UK: Net External Debt: Deposit Taking Corporations excl 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: Deposit Taking Corporations excl 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: Deposit Taking Corporations excl 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.

Over the five years through 2025-26, Credit Bureaux and Rating Agencies’ revenue growth is slated to grow at a compound annual rate of 0.9% to £3 billion. The industry has had to navigate a changing environment with the Bank of England raising interest rates over the two years through 2023-24, a sharp contrast to the ultra-low levels seen over the decade previously. The past five years have been turbulent, with weak economic conditions impeding revenue. Low confidence and the high interest rate environment have meant there’s been less borrowing across the economy over the past few years, resulting in a drop in demand for the services credit rating agencies provide. M&A activity has also left much to be desired, with the divergence between buying and selling prices denting exit volumes in 2023-24. Despite conditions remaining bleak as inflation proves sticky and rates come down slower than expected, lending activity is positioned for a modest recovery over the two years through 2025-26. 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, contributing revenue growth of 4.6% in 2025-26. Over the five years through 2030-31, revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 3.8% to reach £3.7 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. Larger players like Moody’s and Fitch will continue to leverage their extensive data and model credit risk more accurately. Credit rating agencies will also navigate an evolving regulatory environment, most notably the introduction of the Basel III reforms in January 2027, reducing the risk margin and aiding lending activity.

The number of times a person in the United Kingdom used a credit card for payments declined by roughly ** percent in 2020 but nearly recovered by 2021. Unlike the same figure for debit cards, the recorded credit payments in 2020 were lower than in the years leading up to COVID-19. This coincides with a trend in the UK of paying off credit card debt during lockdown.

SME - Synthetic UK Businesses financial statistics

Contains the financial and basic information about the 1000 small and medium enterprises in the UK. It contains attributes as far-reaching as the profit and losses of the entities and even their credit scores. It can be used to analyze the survival and success prediction of the enterprise.

This sample data is part of the statistically accurate representation of the UK economy that can be found at https://nayaone.com/digital-twin/. Our mission is democratization and quality data governance in areas where the lack of data is a major hurdle for innovation and progress. To learn more, contact us: contact@nayaone.com

Content

All the Synthetic datasets have been generated with programmatic stimulation to represent the real-world data. Description of the datasets are as follows: - Account Receivable: Funds that customers owe your company for products or services that have been invoiced. - Businesses: List of enterprises and their information - Covid: Financial stats of the companies during the pandemic waves - Credit Account History: History of a credit account and usage of - Credit Card History: History of the credit card usage and debt amount of an enterprise - Credit Rating: credit rating of listed businesses which is a quantified assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general terms or with respect to a financial obligation. - Director: UK Individual who is on the Director position in companies listed in Businesses - Factoring: Financial transaction and a type of debtor finance in which a business sells its accounts receivable to a third party at a discount. - Individual: UK Individuals information - Loan: Information of the paid and unpaid Loans by the enterprise

Acknowledgements

The real data stats used to generate synthetic data are mainly gathered from the ONS, Public datasets and Known statistics.

Inspiration

This data can be used to train Machine learning models for better accuracy.

Underlying data from annex B for the report that uses data from the YouGov DebtTrack surveys to update trend information about credit use and the extent of consumer indebtedness in Britain. The analysis suggests a continued decrease in the proportion of households using unsecured credit, but little change in the average amount of unsecured debt among credit users. The data also indicated a decline in the incidence of financial difficulty.