European consumers expect to take on additional debt over Christmas period

“Bringing family together and meeting expectations”. These are the reasons why one in five Europeans take on additional debt at Christmas, according to Intrum’s annual consumer report conducted in 24 European countries. Although households with families are more likely to take on debt to pay for food and presents than the average consumer, the age group being most likely to do so is Generation Z (age 18-21).

“While one in three consumers feel that their financial wellbeing has deteriorated post-Covid, many also feel the urge to take on substantial levels of debt to celebrate the upcoming holidays together with their nearest and dearest. We know that Christmas is a time when many people feel pressured by expectations and spending, and this year we see that this is the case more than ever before – especially among young adults,” says Anna Fall, Chief Brand & Communications Officer at Intrum, Europe’s leading Credit Services Management company.

Families and young adults most likely to increase their debt during Christmas
Households with children are more likely to take on debt to buy presents and food than those without. One in five parents say they take on more debt during Christmas, and many expect to be in more debt by the end of Christmas 2021 than ever before.

However, young adults are most prone to getting into more debt to meet the expectations of buying Christmas presents – despite their limited capacity to borrow. Among Generation Z consumers, (age 18-21), 27 per cent say that they expect to be in more debt than ever before at the end of 2021, compared to only 7 per cent of their grandparents’ generation (age 65+).

Considerable geographical differences between European consumers
In terms of geographical differences, consumers in Ireland and the UK are most likely to take on debt in order to meet holiday expectations. However, it is Romanian consumers that expect to be in the most challenging financial position by year-end.

• As many as one in four Irish (26 per cent) and British (25 per cent) consumers take on debt during Christmas to meet the expectations, (compared to the European average of 16 per cent). This figure decreases significantly in the Baltic countries, where less than one in 10 consumers borrow money to pay for food and presents.
• Romanian consumers expect to be in a difficult financial situation by year end, with 29 per cent believing that they will be more indebted than ever (compared to the European average of 17 per cent).
• Estonians are least likely to take on debt, with  only 6 per cent of Estonian consumers saying that they expect to start 2022 in more debt than they have had historically.

“Many consumers feel the additional stress of an expensive festive season. With many people taking on additional debt, we know from experience that some will struggle to repay what they owe and therefore risk falling into financial difficulty. Our advice to such consumers is to contact their creditor as soon as possible to find a solution together,” Fall concludes.

About The European Consumer Payment Report 2021
The European Consumer Payment Report 2021 is an instrument for gaining insights into European consumers’ everyday lives, their spending, and ability to manage their household finances on a monthly basis. The report is based on an external survey conducted by market research provider Longitude in 24 Europeans countries. A total of 24,012 consumers participated in the 2021 survey, which was conducted between 21st  July and 26th August, 2021.

For further information, please contact:
Kristin Andersson, Interim PR & Media Relations Director
+46 70 585 78 18
ext-kristin.andersson@intrum.com

Anna Fall, Chief Brand & Communications Officer
+46 70 996 98 21
anna.fall@intrum.com

Intrum is the industry-leading provider of Credit Management Services with a presence in 24 markets in Europe. Intrum helps companies prosper by offering solutions designed to improve cash flows and long-term profitability and by caring for their customers. To ensure that individuals and companies get the support they need to become free from debt is one important part of the company’s mission. Intrum has circa 10,000 dedicated professionals who serve around 80,000 companies across Europe. In 2020, revenues amounted to SEK 16,85 billion. Intrum is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and the Intrum share is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange. For further information, please visit www.intrum.com.

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