Christmas debt EXPOSED: Calculator reveals how much your festive shopping will cost as credit costs soar

The free calculator provides instant results once users enter their holiday spending amounts and credit card repayment details.

The tool displays the expected repayment timeline, total interest owed, potential savings from higher payments and a visual comparison of spending against interest costs.

Its arrival comes as households prepare for seasonal shopping while managing persistent cost of living pressures that could extend repayment periods well beyond the festive season.

Money Wellness data indicates that household debt levels have risen sharply.

The organisation reports that six in 10 of its clients now hold credit card balances averaging £5,000 each, up from 57 per cent last year when average balances stood at £4,000.

Requests for help with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) debt have grown particularly quickly.

The calculator is available on the Money Wellness website.

Money Wellness recorded a 44 per cent increase in BNPL-related assistance during the past year and reported record demand for support in October 2025.

The organisation expects another rise in debt support queries early in 2026, when the impact of Christmas spending on credit typically becomes evident.

Financial modelling highlights the long-term consequences of relying on festive borrowing.

A consumer placing £1,000 of Christmas purchases on a credit card charging 29.9 per cent APR and making only the three per cent minimum monthly payment could remain in debt for between eight and 10 years.

Over that time, interest charges could total between £700 and £1,000, meaning the cost of Christmas shopping may double once borrowing is repaid in full.

These figures show how minimum payments can turn short-term spending into decade-long financial commitments.

Sebrina McCullough, external affairs director at Money Wellness, said the run-up to Christmas often exposes households to rising debt.

"Black Friday is nearly here, and lots of people are getting ready to spend on presents, food, travel, and decorations.

But with household bills still high, many are being forced to rely on credit cards or Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) to cover festive spending - and some could be paying off this year's Christmas debt well into the 2030s."

She said interest was the main difficulty for those limited to minimum repayments.

Ms McCullough said: "The problem is the interest, especially if you can only afford minimum repayments."

She added that the new calculator gives users clarity on their potential repayment journey, allowing them to understand the long-term implications of their borrowing.

The tool provides full functionality for consumers reviewing their festive spending.

Users can track Christmas purchases, enter their credit card interest rate and repayment preferences, and view a detailed repayment schedule.

It also compares interest costs against the original spend and shows how increasing monthly payments can shorten the repayment period and reduce total charges.

Ms McCullough said: "Our calculator gives people a clear, personalised picture of how long Christmas spending could take to clear.

"It's simple, practical, and designed to help people make informed decisions before the shopping rush begins."

The tool also includes money-saving suggestions and directs users to free debt counselling services.

She added: "If anyone is worried about money or struggling with credit cards, BNPL, or other bills, we're here to help and our support is completely free."

The calculator can be accessed on the Money Wellness website.

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