Key takeaway: A good bargain isn’t just about the price — it’s about not paying interest on it for months afterwards..
Black Friday is basically Britain’s unofficial sport of “saving money by spending more”. Every year, millions of us get pulled in by flashing “70% off” signs and every year, banks quietly cash in. Last year, nearly 40% of UK shoppers used credit cards for Black Friday purchases. The problem? Many still hadn’t cleared the balance by Easter.
Retailers know the psychology: make it feel like a one-day-only opportunity and we’ll justify the splurge. Credit cards make it even easier. That slick new TV or Dyson feels harmless when it’s “just £40 a month”. But if you’re on a 29.9% APR card, that £400 deal could cost you £520 once the interest catches up.
Some shoppers go one better using “buy now, pay later” schemes as if they’re free money. Yet those missed payments now show up on your credit report and can tank your score faster than a dodgy mobile contract.
If you genuinely want to make the most of Black Friday, the smart move is to plan your buys, use a 0% purchase card only if you’ve budgeted for repayments, and set a calendar reminder to clear it before the interest-free period ends. It’s about winning the sale, not losing the long game.
What this means for you
Don’t let “Black Friday” turn into “Red January”. The only good deal is one you can afford to pay off in full.
💡 Savingsense Tip
Use a credit card with a 0% purchase offer (some run up to 18 months). But pay it off before the clock runs out. Or better yet, stick to debit and skip the post-Christmas guilt entirely.
📊 By the Numbers:
Average UK Black Friday spend per shopper in 2024: £275 (Finder UK).
