Hidden fees and bill splits top Brits' financial gripes, poll finds

Scottish Sun

21-05-2025

Scroll down to see the top 25 everyday unfair money moments
The everyday unfair money moments Brits find frustrating include paying an automatic tip for poor service, a friend ordering an expensive pint when it's your round – and being charged for tap water in a restaurant.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the most common everyday financial injustices they face when it comes to spending – with 36 per cent feeling hard done by when hit by hidden admin fees for gig tickets.
Advertisement
1
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the most common everyday financial injustices they face when it comes to spending
Credit: Shutterstock
Another 32 per cent said it's unfair when something marked as 'on sale' is actually the same price as before, just with a new sticker.
Meanwhile, 30 per cent get annoyed when splitting a bill equally despite only having a salad and no alcoholic drinks – and the same find it vexing when train fares increase without explanation.
A quarter added paying for early hotel check-in, even when the room is clearly ready, feels unfair - similarly, 24 per cent are short-changed when paying for priority boarding, only to find the queue is just as long.
A fifth (21 per cent) feel they've been done a disservice when shops refuse to accept cash even when they're carrying plenty of change.
Advertisement
And 19 per cent find it unfair when confusing jargon is used when making large, important purchases such as buying a home and a car.
The research was commissioned by Skipton Building Society which was 'Founded on Fairness', looks at the everyday money moments Brits find unfair.
Alex Sitaras, head of savings and partnership products at the building society, said: 'Fairness shouldn't be a luxury, especially when it comes to your own money.
'But it's clear from the research many people are fed up with feeling short-changed in everyday money situations.
Advertisement
'From hidden fees to automatic tips, to even how deciding restaurant bills are split with friends and family, these frequent frustrations can start to feel unfair and have a wider impact on a person's overall finances.
'Especially when we're in a cost-of-living crisis, which is already making it more difficult than ever for people to save and plan for their future.
From TV to energy... tips to save you money on 7 bills that are going up in April
"So, these unfair money moments, no matter how small or large they may be, can start to feel more like injustices.
'We believe in fairness, which is why we offer everyone free and accessible money advice, through our My Money Review service, to help people plan ahead and make the most of their money.'
Advertisement
The poll also found 68 per cent believe these types of unfair money moments shouldn't be accepted as part and parcel of modern life – and 65 per cent have spoken up when they've encountered one.
For more than half (51 per cent), the issue was resolved there and then, but 29 per cent were met with resistance and saw no change.
However, 30 per cent admit they're unlikely to speak up even when they feel unfairly treated financially.
Among those, 46 per cent want to avoid confrontation, 41 per cent feel too awkward to say anything, and 29 per cent worry about coming across as petty.
Advertisement
But many are now taking steps to avoid these situations altogether – 44 per cent say they always double-check the bill before paying.
And 33 per cent make sure to do their research before committing to a big purchase.
Of those polled via OnePoll, they believe getting a fair deal is harder now than it was five years ago – with 78 per cent admitting they're pleasantly surprised when something feels genuinely good value.
Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) say they're sceptical because most deals seem 'too good to be true', while 30 per cent don't believe businesses have their best interests at heart.
Advertisement
Alex Sitaras from Skipton Building Society added: 'Many of us have a sense of what a fair deal looks like – and we often notice when something feels off.
'Yet many people are still hesitant to speak up, often out of fear of confrontation or not having the confidence to question something that isn't right.
'We want to change that mindset and empower people to stand up for what's fair, and it's encouraging that so many are already double-checking bills and doing their research before making important purchases.
'By building confidence and financial know-how, we can help make fairness the norm, not the exception.'
Advertisement