FICO UK Credit Market Report December 2020: Debt Pressures Growing

LONDON, 10 February 2021 -

Highlights

• Average spend on UK credit cards continued to increase in December but is
• 4.9 percent or £63 lower than December 2019
• Average balances on accounts missing two or more payments continue to increase
• Payments as percentage of balance started to increase again

Global analytics software provider FICO today released its analysis of UK card trends for December 2020, which presents a mixed picture of UK consumer financial stability. Some of the data suggests that credit card users are managing their finances prudently, but where there is already pressure on finances, the reliance on credit cards is increasing.

For more information: https://www.fico.com/blogs/uk-credit-market-report-december-2020-debt-pressures-growing

The inevitable Christmas spending increased, albeit at lower levels than in 2019. But rising balances for accounts missing two or more payments are ringing alarm bells.

“The big concern for lenders will be that we are seeing further growth in the percentage of balances with two missed payments, which is the opposite of the normal December trend,” explained Stacey West, principal consultant for FICO® Advisors.  

“This is driven by accounts opened more than one year. The average balance on these accounts increased in December to an over two-year high, up £118 month-on-month and £392 year-on-year. For three missed payments the month-on-month growth was £112 and is £486 higher than December 2019.

“Our data is showing that average balances of consumers missing payments continue to rise at a noticeable pace. Lenders should be identifying consumers with higher-than-ever debt levels and starting a conversation about their financial status in advance of any payment issues.”

Spend on UK cards and percentage of payments increased

Not surprisingly, average spending on UK credit cards increased in December - by £25 to £663. It is, however, 4.9 percent lower than in December 2019. But there is still uncertainly about how much furlough payments and payment holidays gave some consumers the confidence to spend more than they can afford to repay.

“Average credit card spend normally falls in January and it is anticipated this year will be no different,” said West. “We just have to see how much the current conditions will impact that downward trend.”

A mixed picture

Reflecting the mixed picture of consumer finances, the percentage of payments to balance started to increase again in December, reaching over a two-year high, although it is still
9.5 percent lower than December 2019.

These card performance figures are part of the data shared with subscribers of the FICO® Benchmark Reporting Service. The data sample comes from client reports generated by the FICO® TRIAD® Customer Manager solution in use by some 80 percent of UK card issuers. Issuers wishing to subscribe to this service can contact staceywest@fico.com.

For further comment on the FICO UK Credit Card activity contact: 
FICO UK PR Team 
Wendy Harrison/Parm Heer/Matthew Enderby 
ficoteam@harrisonsadler.com 
0208 977 9132