Digital bank bunq has indicated that the United Kingdom saw a significant uptick in shared financial transactions last year, reaching a total of £1.16 billion. According to insights from bunq, this figure, equivalent to approximately €1.34 billion, marks a 27.2% growth compared to the £909 million recorded in 2024.
The data, drawn from bunq’s tricount feature—a tool designed to simplify splitting costs among groups—highlights how Britons are increasingly prioritizing communal experiences amid economic pressures.
Social spending emerged as the dominant force behind this surge. Food and drink expenses led the pack, totaling £20.5 million (€23.7 million), closely followed by transport costs at £20.4 million (€23.6 million).
These categories underscore a cultural shift toward more outings with friends and family, where shared meals and trips become central to daily life.
On an individual level, travel expenses averaged the highest at £234.39 (€270.65) per transaction, suggesting that holidays and getaways are prime areas for cost-sharing.
Rent and utilities followed with an average of £219.50 (€253.42), indicating housemates and families are leaning on digital tools to manage household bills efficiently.
Other notable averages included transport at £72 (€83.13), entertainment at £68.65 (€79.27)—which saw a 6% increase from the previous year—and food and drink at £43 (€49.65), up nearly 5%.
Shopping expenses averaged £59.86 (€69.12), positioning it as another key area where people collaborate on purchases.
These increments point to resilient consumer confidence in leisure and essentials, even as inflation lingers.
Regionally, the UK stands out in Europe for its enthusiasm in certain sectors.
It topped the charts for average spending on shopping, entertainment, and food and drink via tricount, surpassing other markets.
For travel and transport, however, it ranked third, behind the Netherlands and Germany.
Despite broader economic challenges, Britons outpaced their European neighbors in social-related expenditures, demonstrating a preference for experiences over solitary saving.
Demographic patterns further illuminate this trend.
Usage spikes during warmer months, with spring and summer seeing the highest activity.
The busiest day in 2025 was May 1, when over 11,000 tricounts were initiated, followed by peaks on August 1 and 9.
This seasonal rhythm aligns with holidays, festivals, and outdoor events, painting a picture of a more sociable populace that values shared moments.
Joe Wilson, bunq’s Chief Evangelist, said:
“Consistently, we observe that individuals prefer savoring time with loved ones without the hassle of tracking debts. Each transaction tells a tale of friends, partners, or roommates opting for straightforward methods, ensuring finances don’t eclipse the joys they’re building together.”
This rise in shared expenses signals a broader adaptation to fintech solutions, making group finances seamless and stress-free.
As digital banking evolves, tools like tricount could encourage collaborative spending, fostering social bonds in an increasingly connected environment.
