CHRISTMAS PROMPTS FOUR IN TEN BRITS TO RETHINK THEIR FINANCES

New Zopa research finds changing seasonal priorities are leaving Brits wanting more flexibility from their banking benefits:

- 40% of current account holders say Christmas is already changing their financial priorities, while 35% point to upcoming winter household costs.
- Seven in ten (68%) agree different times of year call for different approaches to their money.
- 77% would rather choose their own banking benefits, with Zopa’s Biscuit account letting customers switch everyday benefits as their priorities change.

London, 22 October 2026 – Christmas, winter household costs and the upcoming Budget are prompting Brits to reassess their finances and what they need from their bank, according to new research from Zopa Bank.

Almost seven in ten Brits (68%) agree different times of year call for different approaches to money, with two in five (40%) saying Christmas is already changing their financial priorities and more than a third (35%) pointing to upcoming winter household costs.

Four in ten (40%) also anticipate the Budget on 28 October will significantly affect their financial position over the following six months.

More broadly, 54% say what they need from their money today is different to what they needed a year ago, rising to 65% among 25–34-year-olds.

OUR PRIORITIES CHANGE, BUT OUR BANKING PERKS DON’T ALWAYS KEEP UP
The research suggests consumers increasingly expect their banking benefits to adapt alongside their changing priorities.

More than three quarters (77%) would rather choose the banking benefits that suit them individually than sign up to a ready-made package, while 65% think their benefits should evolve as their life changes. Seven in ten (70%) say they would also be more likely to use a benefit tailored to their current spending habits.

Yet almost four in ten (38%) current account holders have not used any of their listed banking benefits in the past year, with forgetting they exist (21%) and finding them irrelevant to their lifestyle (18%) among the most common reasons.

Merve Ferrero, Chief Strategy Officer at Zopa Bank, said: “While our financial needs are not fixed and evolve with the seasons and different stages of our lives, banking benefits have traditionally stayed the same. At Zopa, we think that needs to change.

“The Biscuit account gives customers more choice over the benefits they receive, allowing them to select what is most relevant to them at different points throughout the year, giving them more control over the value they get from their bank.

“That’s why we’re giving people the flexibility to choose the perks and benefits that work best for them, rather than expecting their banking to fit around a one-size-fits-all model.”

MORE CHOICE WHEN YOU NEED IT
Zopa launched Biscuit in 2025, with the account rated #1 by MoneySavingExpert for cashback, perks and regular savings.

Biscuit is now evolving into one of the UK’s most customisable current accounts, allowing customers to choose the benefits that suit them best and switch them as their priorities change.

In addition to 1% AER variable on all balances, fee-free card spending abroad and access to Zopa’s banking AI, customers can choose between:
- 2.75% AER variable interest on their balance
- 3% cashback on up to £150 of eating-out spend each month
- 3% cashback on up to £150 of Direct Debits each month.

Find out more here: https://www.zopa.com/current-account

ENDS

For more information, please contact Zopa’s press office at [email protected]

Notes to editors

Research conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 UK adults, 28–30 September 2026. Findings quoted are based on 1,956 current account holders.

Comparisons with six months ago reflect respondents’ recollections in a single survey. The question about reasons for not using benefits was asked of all current account holders and allowed multiple answers.

About Zopa Bank
Founded in 2020 with a full banking licence and backed by some of Silicon Valley’s most iconic investors, digital bank Zopa is building the "Home of Money".

This is a place where financial products deliver good value and managing money is made effortless; deep and long-lasting relationships mean customers are left confident about their choices.

One of the UK’s highest rated and most celebrated financial brands, Zopa has been recognised with over 10 British Bank Awards, holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5, and has one of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry.

Zopa Bank Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.