Core Insights - FICO's October 2025 credit card data indicates a decline in credit card spending compared to both the previous month and the previous year, with average balances falling for the first time since May, although they remain higher than in October 2024 [1][3][8] Spending Trends - Average UK credit card spend decreased by 4.7% month-on-month and 3% year-on-year, reaching £765 [7][8] - The average card balance fell by 0.7% month-on-month to £1,900, yet is still 4.7% higher than the same month in 2024 [7][8] - The percentage of total balance paid dropped by 0.8% month-on-month to 34.36%, which is 7.6% lower than October 2024 [7][8] Payment Behavior - The percentage of customers missing one payment increased by 7.5% month-on-month, while those missing two payments rose by 2.6% [7][8] - The percentage of accounts with three missed payments decreased by 2.3% [7][8] Credit Limits and Overlimit Accounts - Average credit limits saw a modest increase of 0.2% month-on-month to £5,910, remaining 2.5% higher year-on-year [5][7] - The number of overlimit accounts decreased by 6.0% month-on-month to 1.35%, although this figure is still 3.3% higher than last year [5][6] Financial Vulnerabilities - The increase in missed payments and the high delinquent average balance raise concerns about financial vulnerabilities among consumers, particularly as the Christmas spending peak approaches [3][4][6]