UK credit card data reveals a significant rise in the number of credit limit increases granted over the summer, even as repayment behaviours remain stable, according to the latest Equifax UK Affordability Barometer1, which tracks consumer credit trends across major lending categories. 

After relative stability in the first half of the year, July, August and September saw the volume of credit card limit increases rise by 12% compared to Q2 2025, and by 29% compared to the same period in 2024. This follows a substantial uplift in 2024 compared with 2023, when the number of limit increases rose by 17%, suggesting that consumers are actively seeking more credit and that lenders have been responding favourably. 

The figures come with outstanding UK credit card debt now exceeding £75 billion, according to Equifax data, but despite this, repayment behaviours have shown resilience. The proportion of cards making only the minimum repayment in a given month has consistently remained below 11% since early 2024, despite a modest uptick in Q3 2025. The average payment-to-balance ratio for active cards (excluding promotional rate cards) has also held steady at around 39% for the past year. 

Meanwhile, credit card originations are up around 11.8% year-to-date compared to 2024, reflecting a broader consumer trend of using credit cards as a key tool to manage finances. Promotional offers remain a strong driver, with the proportion of new cards on promotional terms peaking at 50% early in the year and remaining above prior-year levels throughout 2025. 

Paul Heywood, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Equifax UK, said: “UK credit card openings and credit limit increases are rising, along with overall debt levels which now exceed £75 billion. Despite this, we’re yet to see signs of serious affordability pressure, with repayment behaviours remaining stable despite prevailing economic challenges. It’s positive to see this UK consumer resilience, with households finding ways to adapt and stay on track, but with ongoing cost of living pressures we will see how consumers fare moving through the busy festive season and into the new year. It's critical that consumers continue to have access to the right tools, support and solutions to make informed decisions so they can try to maintain good credit health .” 

To check their credit health, consumers can access their Equifax Credit Score for free, and visit the Equifax Knowledge Centre for tips on organising finances and managing debt.