Barclays: UK card spending rises 2.1% in August as travel outlays rebound

PUBT · 1d ago
Barclays: UK card spending rises 2.1% in August as travel outlays rebound
  • Barclays consumer spend analysis showed UK card spending rose 2.1% year-on-year in August, a 13-month high.
  • Growth trailed CPIH inflation of 3.1%, pointing to weaker real-terms momentum despite improved household finance confidence.
  • Travel spending returned to growth, up 3.1%, ending five straight months of declines; airlines rose 3.5%.
  • Hospitality and leisure spending increased 3.3%; entertainment climbed 5.9%, supporting discretionary demand late in the summer.
  • Consumer caution persisted, with 84% concerned about rising prices, reinforcing sensitivity to pricing tactics such as drip pricing.


Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Barclays plc published the original content used to generate this news brief on September 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.