UK StepChange debt types: store card
UK StepChange debt types: store card stood at 12% in Aug 2026. It is one of the indicators in the Debt advice table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jul 2025 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Debt advice table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debt types | |||||||||||
| Store card | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | |
| Payday/ Short term high cost loan | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Understanding UK StepChange debt types: store card
Casework intake databases track the proportion of debt advice clients across the United Kingdom holding retail store card balances among their total liabilities. This metric separates specific brand-affiliated credit facilities from general-purpose bank credit cards and other unsecured borrowing instruments. Sibling indicators isolate alternative retail credit mechanisms like mail-order catalogues, allowing granular analysis of specific consumer debt vectors.
When reviewing these figures, analysts must account for promotional retail lending periods across the United Kingdom that can temporarily influence client debt profiles. Initial monthly figures are provisional and subject to minor adjustments as debt schedules are fully audited. Annual comparisons remain the standard for tracking meaningful behavioural changes, as monthly variations often reflect temporary retail discounting events. Direct comparisons with economy-wide retail credit statistics should be avoided because advisory clients possess unique financial vulnerability characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
- What distinguishes a store card from a standard credit card in these records?
- Store cards are restricted for use with specific retail brands or retail groups rather than accepted universally.
- Does this measure include loyalty card points liabilities?
- No, it tracks monetary credit balances owed on retail store credit accounts, not loyalty reward points.
- Why is year-on-year analysis recommended for this series?
- Annual evaluation removes the distortion of seasonal high street retail sales and promotional campaigns.