Consumer finance new business fell by 1% in July 2026
New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance providers advanced £10.3bn of new credit in July 2026, 1% lower than in the same month in 2025. In the first seven months of 2026, new business in this market was 4% higher than in the same period in 2025.
The credit card and personal loans sectors together reported new business 2% lower in July than in the same month in 2025, while the retail store and online credit sector reported a decrease in new business of 3% over the same period.
Commenting on the figures, Geraldine Kilkelly, director of research and chief economist at the FLA, said: “Consumer finance new business eased slightly in July, but the broader picture remains one of resilience. New business has grown by 4% in the year to date, highlighting the important role credit continues to play in helping households manage spending and make major purchases.
“As the Autumn Budget approaches, the government should focus on creating the conditions for consumer confidence to recover further. Measures that support household finances and encourage employment would help sustain spending and contribute to more durable economic growth.”
Table 1: New consumer credit lending
| Jul 2026 | % change on prev. year | 3 months to Jul 2026 | % change on prev. year | 12 months to Jul 2026 | % change on prev. year | |
| Total FLA consumer finance (£m) | 10,324 | -1 | 31,401 | 2 | 125,737 | 5 |
| Data extracts: | ||||||
| Retail store and online credit (£m) | 656 | -3 | 2,146 | 1 | 9,146 | -2 |
| Credit cards & personal loans (£m) | 5,450 | -2 | 16,272 | -1 | 64,955 | 3 |
| Second charge mortgages (£m) | 205 | 2 | 585 | 9 | 2,384 | 25 |
| Car finance (£m) | 3,368 | 0 | 10,629 | 5 | 42,771 | 7 |