Tue, 04 Nov 2025

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 More people using family help than Buy Now Pay Later loans

But some people said borrowing from their nearest and dearest had affected those relationships.

* 26% of respondents borrowed from family
* 15% borrowed from friends
* 25% took out a Buy Now Pay Later loan
* Most people borrowed less than £250
* Younger adults, households with children, and those on zero-hours contracts or in lower-paid work are most likely to borrow from friends and family
* A quarter of all households would not be able to afford a £500 emergency bill without borrowing
* 9% of those who borrowed from family said it weakened the relationship
* 17% of those who borrowed from friends said it weakened the relationship
* 16% of people who borrowed from friends were charged interest
* 8% of those who borrowed from family were charged interest
* A quarter of respondents had been turned down by traditional services like banks before borrowing from friends and family
* 4% of respondents had turned to a loan shark or unregistered lender within the last 12 months
  >>