Loans

The average student credit card balance is nearly £220, according to research from Halifax.  

A survey by the bank found 37% of students have a credit card, with students in Scotland (44%) most likely to and those in Wales least likely (33%). Students are less likely to hold a credit card (37%) than a loan (80%) or an overdraft (64%).

While the general average balance is roughly £220, female students tend to carry a higher average balance (£255.50), compared to the average male students balance of £173.20.

Students at Eastern (EML - news) and South Eastern universities were more likely to spend more on their plastic, averaging £363.70 and £360.60 respectively, while students in the South West (£125.10) and East Midlands (£129.50) were less likely to rely on their cards for purchases.