Virgin Money has released a report on spending by its credit card customers between March and May this year. The spend data* showed a significant rise in non-essential purchases totalling £1.8 billion, including marked increases in travel and home improvements, as well as clothes purchases, compared to the same period last year.
Customers spent a total of £93.3 million on fashion, up from £86.2 million year on year, with a 26 per cent increase in spending on Vinted. Other favoured fashion brands and retailers included Next, Zara, and Asos.
A total of £495.4 million was spent during spring on travel, a 15 per cent increase compared to the last quarter (December 2024-February 2025) and 12 per cent up year on year. There was a 13 per cent increase in airline services compared to the same period last year. Virgin Atlantic and Jet2 were the airlines to benefit most with Premier Inn, Booking.com and Centreparcs also seeing high spend for hotels and accommodation.
However, it was home improvements that saw a huge rise in spend, totalling £89.1 million, which was an increase of more than £8.8 million compared to spring 2024. The season was seemingly driving DIY jobs, with almost £10.5 million spent at B&Q alone according to the bank’s data.
Nick Martin, head of lending insights at Virgin Money, said: “Clearly, the change in season put a spring in spending. Naturally, in spring people will look to update their wardrobe and, as the weather improves and the days get longer, many will start to get their homes ready to enjoy and entertain in ahead of summer.
“Many will also make the most of Easter school holidays and bank holidays to get away, or will find the warmer weather a good reminder to plan ahead and book that big summer holiday. But the numbers show across the board that people were spending more and confidence to do so is increasing.”
When it comes to food and drink, a total of £194.3m was spent on eating out and takeaways this spring, a 12 per cent increase compared to the same period last year and 10 per cent up on the previous three months.
Subscription spend was also on the rise with £3.8 million shelled out, with Sky and Netflix remaining top choices for their customers.
Nick added: “We always find it fascinating to delve into the detail on where people are spending. We are committed to supporting our customers with the tools and products to help them make the most of their money in a way that works for them.”
*Customer spend data sourced from Virgin Money credit card customers who have actively spent between March 2025 and May 2025.