UK Consumers Cut Card Spending for First Time in Five Years

UK shoppers’ spending on their debit and credit cards dropped in 2025 for the first time since the pandemic, according to Barclays data that nevertheless showed people still willing to treat themselves with small luxuries and experiences.

The bank said the value of card spending fell 0.2% compared with 2024, a sharp slowdown from last year’s 1.6% growth. It was the first drop since 2020 when it plunged 7.1% due to Covid lockdowns.