Credit cards provide the Christmas treat
UK consumer spending hit a record high over the Christmas period, with customers shelling out a total of £28.5 billion.
Figures released by APCAS, the payments association representing card-users, show a nine per cent increase on December 2004, with payment in plastic becoming ever more popular on the high street.
Credit and debit cards were used for a record 630.5 million purchases over the month, amounting to a 7.9 per cent rise on the previous year.
Sarah Quinn, director of communications for APCAS commented: 'The fact remains that credit card spending continues to rise and so do repayments.'
She added: 'And this can only be because we like credit cards, and enjoy the flexibility and benefits they provide, especially where they give added protection and the flexibility to spread the load over time when buying high value items.'
With UK cardholders enjoying protection under the Consumer Credit Act, this trend is likely to continue.
Consumers can find the best buys in the credit card market by looking online. | 
