Borrowing costs reach record high on credit cards

Rachel Springall, Press Officer / Finance Expert 01603 476210 Email Rachel

Borrowing costs reach record high on credit cards

Moneyfacts Unsecured Lending Trends Treasury Report data, which studies the UK personal finance market (Credit Cards, Personal Loans and Overdrafts), reveals the cost to borrow on credit cards hit a record high during Q4 2023. The average length of 0% introductory balance transfer terms contracted to the lowest recorded in over eight years. On unsecured personal loans, the average rate on the £5,000 loan tier stands at its highest point in over 10 years.

Between the start of September and the start of December 2023 (Q4 2023), the average purchase APR (which includes card fees) rose to an all-time high of 34.6% APR, according to our records, which go back to June 2006. A combination of card withdrawals, interest rate rises, fee rises and the size of fees on new cards launched all contributed to this rise. The average purchase PA rate rose to 25.830%, a record high.
The average interest-free balance transfer term on credit cards fell to 508 days, from 543 days in September, the lowest recorded in over eight years (April 2015 – 491). There are fewer options for borrowers to choose from than a year ago, down from 72 offers to 60; outside of 2023, this is the lowest figure recorded in over two years (July 2021 – 60).
The average interest-free purchase term on credit cards fell to 244 days, down from 250 days in September, with terms also down year-on-year. There are fewer options for borrowers to choose from than a year ago, down from 67 offers to 57.
Balance transfer fees have risen to 2.38% on average, up from 2.29% in September and up from 2.16% a year ago, now the highest since June 2020 (2.55%).
Average unsecured personal loan rates for £5,000 over three years, £7,500 over five years and £10,000 over five years are up compared to the beginning of September 2023. The average rate on the £5,000 loan tier stands at its highest point in over 10 years (June 2013 – 11.2%).

Between the start of September and the start of December 2023 (Q4 2023), the average purchase APR (which includes card fees) rose to an all-time high of 34.6% APR, according to our records, which go back to June 2006. A combination of card withdrawals, interest rate rises, fee rises and the size of fees on new cards launched all contributed to this rise. The average purchase PA rate rose to 25.830%, a record high.
The average interest-free balance transfer term on credit cards fell to 508 days, from 543 days in September, the lowest recorded in over eight years (April 2015 – 491). There are fewer options for borrowers to choose from than a year ago, down from 72 offers to 60; outside of 2023, this is the lowest figure recorded in over two years (July 2021 – 60).
The average interest-free purchase term on credit cards fell to 244 days, down from 250 days in September, with terms also down year-on-year. There are fewer options for borrowers to choose from than a year ago, down from 67 offers to 57.
Balance transfer fees have risen to 2.38% on average, up from 2.29% in September and up from 2.16% a year ago, now the highest since June 2020 (2.55%).
Average unsecured personal loan rates for £5,000 over three years, £7,500 over five years and £10,000 over five years are up compared to the beginning of September 2023. The average rate on the £5,000 loan tier stands at its highest point in over 10 years (June 2013 – 11.2%).

Credit card market analysis
	Dec-21	Dec-22	Sep-23	Nov-23	Dec-23
Average purchase APR (includes fee)	26.2%	30.3%	31.8%	34.5%	34.6%
Average purchase rate per annum	23.621%	24.603%	25.448%	25.694%	25.830%
Average interest-free purchase term (days)	303	266	250	248	244
Number of introductory interest-free purchase deals	62	67	58	56	57
Average interest-free balance transfer term (days)	577	577	543	509	508
Number of introductory interest-free balance transfer deals	68	72	63	60	60
Average balance transfer fee	1.96%	2.16%	2.29%	2.34%	2.38%
Data based on the start of the month.
Source: Moneyfacts Treasury Reports

Loan market analysis
Unsecured personal loan average rate (APR)	Dec-21	Dec-22	Sep-23	Nov-23	Dec-23
£3,000 over three years	14.3%	15.9%	17.3%	16.5%	16.5%
£5,000 over three years	6.9%	9.5%	10.6%	10.9%	11.0%
£7,500 over five years	4.4%	7.4%	8.5%	8.8%	8.8%
£10,000 over five years	4.4%	7.3%	8.4%	8.7%	8.7%
Average interest rates based as at the start of the month.
Source: Moneyfacts Treasury Reports

Credit card market analysis
	Dec-21	Dec-22	Sep-23	Nov-23	Dec-23
Average purchase APR (includes fee)	26.2%	30.3%	31.8%	34.5%	34.6%
Average purchase rate per annum	23.621%	24.603%	25.448%	25.694%	25.830%
Average interest-free purchase term (days)	303	266	250	248	244
Number of introductory interest-free purchase deals	62	67	58	56	57
Average interest-free balance transfer term (days)	577	577	543	509	508
Number of introductory interest-free balance transfer deals	68	72	63	60	60
Average balance transfer fee	1.96%	2.16%	2.29%	2.34%	2.38%
Data based on the start of the month.
Source: Moneyfacts Treasury Reports

Loan market analysis
Unsecured personal loan average rate (APR)	Dec-21	Dec-22	Sep-23	Nov-23	Dec-23
£3,000 over three years	14.3%	15.9%	17.3%	16.5%	16.5%
£5,000 over three years	6.9%	9.5%	10.6%	10.9%	11.0%
£7,500 over five years	4.4%	7.4%	8.5%	8.8%	8.8%
£10,000 over five years	4.4%	7.3%	8.4%	8.7%	8.7%
Average interest rates based as at the start of the month.
Source: Moneyfacts Treasury Reports

Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts, said:

“Borrowers looking to spread the cost of their purchases or to move their existing credit card debt to an interest-free balance transfer deal may be disappointed to see a fall in both the number of deals and terms on offer. Since the start of September, balance transfer offers have dwindled, and the average term someone will have to pay off their debts is the shortest length recorded in over eight years. Those borrowers who have debts incurring interest will find the average credit card purchase APR now sits at a record high of 34.6%. Over the past quarter the average APR has been fuelled by a mix of interest rate rises, card fee rises, withdrawals and the size of fees on new cards launched. Interest rate rises should encourage borrowers to compare and switch deals, such as with a 0% balance transfer offer, but consumers must watch out for upfront balance transfer fees.

“The average interest rates charged on unsecured personal loans rose across various tiers during Q4 2023, which will be disheartening to borrowers looking to utilise a loan to consolidate their debts. Indeed, someone looking for a loan of £5,000 would find well-known providers made rate rises over the past three months, such as Halifax, HSBC and Santander, so shopping around is essential. Borrowers comparing loans will need to think carefully on whether these are the right choices for their circumstances, particularly as rates are on the rise. An unsecured personal loan can provide a structured repayment plan, but a credit card will offer much more flexibility. The average rate on a loan of £5,000 with a repayment term of three years has risen by over 4% since December 2021, so a loan now costs over £300 more in interest over a three-year term.

“As a new year approaches it’s wise for borrowers to take some time to review their debts and any interest that is being incurred. Consumers looking to apply for a new deal should also check their credit score and fix any errors. Those borrowers who are struggling with their debts should speak to their provider immediately and seek debt advice if they are worried about missing any repayments.”

Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts, said:

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Notes to editors

Pioneering financial comparison technology for over 35 years.

Our expert research team monitors the thousands of mortgages, savings, credit card, personal loan, business banking, life, pension and investment products in the UK.

Moneyfacts is the UK's leading independent provider of finance product data. For over 35 years Moneyfacts' information has been a key driver behind personal finance product decisions.

For more information about us please see our key facts.

Broadcast

Our broadcast suite enables our finance experts to appear in-vision for television, and we regularly comment live on national and regional radio.

To arrange an interview for radio or television, please contact our press department. We have an in-house broadcast room.

If you're looking for extra comment, a chart or more information, then please give us a call. We are always more than happy to help.

Rachel Springall Press Officer / Finance Expert

01603 476210

Email Rachel

Caitlyn Eastell Apprentice Press & PR Assistant

01603 476169

Email Caitlyn