The holders of 217,000 credit cards in the UK have kept their spending habits a secret from their partner, new research shows.
Many Britons have a credit card that their partner does not know about, a new study from Halifax has revealed.
According to the research, there are 217,000 'secret' cards in Britain and holders cited a number of reasons for keeping quiet about their extra plastic. Some reported that they wanted to buy things without their partner knowing, others used them to hide debt while some said it was kept in case of emergencies.
The figures mean that just one percent of cardholders with a partner have a secret card, meaning the vast majority of Britons are open about their use of plastic.
However, Halifax warned in its report that there are some dangers involved with keeping a credit card secret. When a couple apply for a product in joint names, they will be required to mention any outstanding debts - which could lead to awkward conversations when a secret debt is revealed.
"Our research shows that the majority of couples are open and honest about their finances with only a small number admitting to a secret credit card," said Adrian Bryant, head of marketing for Halifax Credit Cards. "It's important that people are honest about their finances with their partner as it may affect their ability to secure products in joint names."
