New research has laid bare the significant financial drain that monthly subscriptions are having on British households, with the average person now spending hundreds of pounds each year on services they often fail to use.
The High Cost of Convenience
A comprehensive study commissioned by the credit card brand Aqua, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, found that the average Brit spends £786 every year on subscriptions. This breaks down to a monthly outlay of approximately £65.50. The survey, conducted in early 2026, also revealed that the typical person holds 2.8 active subscriptions.
Entertainment services, such as streaming platforms, lead the monthly spending at an average of £27, closely followed by food and drink boxes at £21. Perhaps most startling is the finding that one in ten Britons are shelling out more than £200 each month on their various subscription commitments.
The 'Set and Forget' Financial Trap
The research highlights a widespread lack of oversight, with many consumers paying for services they barely touch. More than one in five (22%) people admitted they rarely use all the subscriptions they pay for, while a further 2% confessed to never using any of the services they are charged for.
This financial blind spot is exacerbated by poor tracking habits. Aqua's data shows that 17% of Brits do not monitor their subscriptions at all, and another 22% rely solely on email reminders or invoices to keep tabs. Just over half (52%) actively check their bank statements or banking apps, and fewer than one in five (18%) use a dedicated budgeting application to manage these recurring costs.
Taking Back Control of Recurring Costs
With small, automated payments easily slipping under the radar, experts warn that these costs can silently erode a household budget. Scott Yule, Commercial Strategy Director at Aqua, commented on the findings, stating: "It can be easy to lose track of your subscriptions, and this could lead to money being spent on services you don’t use, silently eating away at your budget."
However, Yule emphasised that regaining control need not be difficult. "Managing your subscriptions doesn’t have to be laborious or time-consuming. Taking small steps like using a subscription management app, keeping an eye on your bank statements or setting reminders for when subscriptions renew or free trials end could save you hundreds of pounds a year."
The study serves as a timely reminder for consumers to conduct a regular 'subscription audit', cancelling unused services and ensuring they are fully aware of where their money goes each month. In an era of tightening budgets, this simple action could unlock significant savings.
