Trapped: The Vicious Cycle of Credit Card Debt

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In 2024, the average credit card debt in the UK was £2,500 per household. The total credit card debt in the UK was just over £71 billion, with 50 million active cards in circulation! This means that over £15 billion is being sucked out of the pockets of people each year by the banks.

Credit card debt in the UK is a growing burden for many people, trapping them in a cycle of stress
and worry. As living costs rise and wages stay the same, more individuals rely on credit cards to
cover everyday expenses. Unfortunately, high-interest rates can make it hard to pay off the
balance, and many customers struggle just to make the minimum repayments. This can leave
people feeling isolated and powerless, with debt piling up month after month. Credit card debt can
sometimes lead to sleepless nights, strained relationships, and constant anxiety, making life harder
for those affected.

High-interest credit cards can have a devastating impact on lower-income households. People with
a low income can often rely on credit cards to cover essential expenses such as food, housing, or
utility bills, because they are not eligible for credit rating affordable loans. However, the high
interest rates on these cards make it incredibly difficult to pay off the balance. As a result, debt
quickly spirals out of control, with much of their income going towards interest payments rather
than reducing the debt itself. This leaves them trapped in a vicious cycle, where they are unable to
get ahead financially and are forced to rely on credit even more. Over time, the debt can become
unmanageable, leading to further poverty, increased stress, and a reduced ability to cover basic
needs. Households with a lower income may struggle to qualify for better financial products with
lower interest rates, which increases financial hardship.

Credit cards can offer flexibility and rewards such as air miles. But credit cards can also be an ever-
growing burden with exorbitant interest rates for a lot of people.

Source: https://themoneycharity.org.uk/money-statistics

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The Debt Advisor Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We provide debt advice to individuals. All options will be explored, and we will help you find the solution best suited to your individual circumstances.

We have an experienced team of debt advisors based in our Manchester office. During your initial advice call, an experienced advisor will take the time to understand your circumstances and talk you through the full range of available debt solutions.

We’ll explain the features of each solution, including the benefits and risks of each. Every conversation is confidential and without obligation, giving you the space to make an informed decision in your own time. 

No fee is charged for the initial advice. Fees apply if you enter a debt solution with us and will affect your credit rating. The fees, risks & benefits of all suitable solutions will be tailored to your circumstances and explained in full. Some solutions result in debt write-off.