Net borrowing of consumer credit by individuals in the UK edged down to £1.9 billion in March 2026 from an upwardly revised £1.94 billion in February, but still exceeded market expectations of £1.8 billion. It also came in above the six‑month average of £1.8 billion.
Net borrowing through other forms of consumer credit, including car finance arranged via dealerships and personal loans, eased to £1.2 billion from £1.3 billion in the previous month. By contrast, net borrowing on credit cards was broadly steady at £0.7 billion.
The annual growth rate of total consumer credit rose to 8.9%, up from 8.6% previously, reflecting a 12.3% increase in credit card borrowing and 7.4% growth in other forms of consumer credit.
