Failed relationships have put over two million Brits in debt by ex-partners, who are racking up £1.2 billion in credit card debt between them, according to uSwitch.com.
Its research found that, on average, ex-partners run up credit card debts of £457 on joint cards. Clearing the debt takes 38% of consumers more than half a year. However, for some the debts last longer than the relationship; – 11% take more than five years to get back in the black.
Furthermore, exes have incurred debt on a range of joint financial products, including an average of £463 in mortgage debt, £313 debt on joint current accounts and £327 on shared online shopping accounts.
Things could be even worse for those who don’t cancel joint accounts and financial products after a breakup. Despite the potential consequences, 68% of those who have shared a financial product with a former partner say it was still open over five years after they separated. 32% of those who shared a PIN code with a former partner say they didn’t get round to changing it and 19% who shared a credit card say the card remained active after they split up.
The research also reveals that Brits aren’t talking about their finances before taking out joint financial products. 19% of those who have shared a financial product said that before jumping into a shared account they didn’t know anything about their other half’s financial history.
50% who have shared a financial product with an ex believe that doing so has had a significant impact on their own personal finances and 30% actually saw their credit score get worse after sharing a financial product with their partner.
Nicolas Frankcom, spokesperson at uSwitch.com, said: “When it comes to finances, only fools rush in. Money might not be the sexiest pillow talk, but not addressing it can lead to financial, as well as emotional, heartache further down the line. Being left with debts that last longer than the relationship only rubs salt in the wound after a breakup.
“The reality is that couples can remain financially linked by their credit report long after a relationship breaks down and an account has been cancelled. If you do nothing else, make sure you keep a check on your own credit report so you can spot anything unusual on it. If you do break up with your partner, make sure to close all shared accounts and contact each of the three main credit agencies to remove any financial links between you and your ex.”
