Survey Reveals Borrowing from Family and Friends Common Among UK Adults
A recent survey conducted by Fair4All Finance involving over 4,000 UK adults reveals that 26% have borrowed money from family and 15% from friends this year. Additionally, 25% of respondents reported using Buy Now Pay Later schemes.
The findings highlight that borrowing from family or friends often occurs after individuals have been rejected by traditional lenders such as banks. Younger adults, households with children, and workers on zero-hours contracts or in lower-paid roles are among those most likely to seek financial help from their personal networks.
Furthermore, about one-quarter of UK households would be unable to cover a £500 emergency bill without needing to borrow.
The Guardian article, published on 14 November 2025, discusses these statistics alongside personal stories that illustrate the potential impact on relationships and household finances. Readers are invited to share their experiences, with anonymised submissions encouraged for an upcoming feature.
