Briefing
At the start of the month, September 2026 in Spain credit card bills and instalments on personal consumer loans fall due — many households also face back-to-school expenses. Industry and consumer protection bodies report that some summer spending was financed on credit; published figures for average spending per person from various institutes range from several hundred to around 1,500 euros.
Consumer protection groups, including ADICAE, and media reports specifically point to the risks of so-called revolving cards and short-term high-interest loans: due to high APRs and long repayment periods, these products can significantly increase the total cost and put pressure on liquidity in September. An analysis by Agencia Negociadora as well as reports by news agencies and broadcasters show that up to a quarter of the summer budget may be deferred and thus exposed to higher financing costs.
Financial experts recommend a clear sequence: first, take a full inventory of all outstanding balances and contract terms, then prioritise them by APR. Consumers should seek to negotiate with lenders to repayment plans or explore cheaper refinancing options. When comparing offers, the APR is what matters; the monthly payment alone says little about the total cost.
Experts suggest one possible measure: consolidating several smaller, more expensive balances into a transparent instalment loan with fixed terms. This reduces monthly payments in the short term, but often extends the repayment period and may increase interest costs.
At the macroeconomic level, analysts warn of increased vulnerability when a growing share of income goes towards debt repayments. Authorities and consumer organisations are therefore focusing on information campaigns, better comparison tools and greater awareness of the costs of different financial products. Anyone worried about payment difficulties should speak to their bank or credit card provider early to find manageable solutions.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).