Brits' most common 'unfair' money moments - from gig tickets to pricey 'on sale' items

North Wales Live

21-05-2025

A survey of 2,000 adults has disclosed the most prevalent monetary grievances they experience in daily life, with 36 per cent feeling aggrieved by concealed admin charges for gig tickets. Moreover, 32 per cent are aggravated by supposed 'sale' items that maintain their original pricing despite being relabelled as reduced, and 30 per cent resent sharing the bill equally after only ordering a salad and abstaining from alcohol, much to their annoyance.
Equally frustrating for some is when train ticket prices soar without justification, found by 30 per cent who voiced vexation over unexplained fare hikes. A further 25 per cent feel slighted when charged for early hotel check-in when their room is obviously ready, and 24 per cent feel cheated by paying for priority boarding which results in the same lengthy queue.
Additionally, 21 per cent sense injustice when stores decline cash payments even though they have the right change on hand. Confounding jargon during significant acquisitions like home or car purchases also leaves 19 per cent of the population feeling unfairly treated.
The study, facilitated by Skipton Building Society, which prides itself on the principle of fairness, delved into the financial irritants British people find unjust.
Alex Sitaras, head of savings and partnership products at Skipton, remarked: "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.
"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.
"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."
In the study, 68 per cent of participants agreed that such unfair money moments should not be considered as just another aspect of modern life – and 65 per cent have challenged them when faced. For more than half (51 per cent), issues were swiftly resolved, whereas 29 per cent met resistance without any subsequent changes.
Despite this, 30 per cent confessed they would probably remain silent in the face of financial injustice. Within this group, 46 per cent dodge confrontation, 41 per cent experience too much embarrassment, and 29 per cent fear being judged as trivial.
However, to counter this, 44 per cent of respondents admitted to double-checking their bill prior to making a payment. Moreover, 33 per cent of those polled said they conducted research before making a significant financial outlay.
Out of those polled via OnePoll, they agreed that it is harder to get an equitable deal in the present day than it was five years ago; in fact, a majority - 78 per cent - report being pleasantly surprised when they secure something that they feel represents good value.
38 per cent of respondents reported being incredulous because the overwhelming majority of bargains seem "too good to be true"; while 30 per cent felt companies are not keeping their customers' best interests in mind.
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."
TOP 25 EVERDAY UNFAIR MONEY MOMENTS:
When restaurants add on an automatic tip, but the service is poor.
When someone crashes their car into yours and your insurance premiums increase.
When you're charged for tap water in a restaurant.
Seeing a sneaky 'admin fee' added to concert tickets.
When there is a fee for an online return.
When the sale price is just the original price with a new sticker.
Seeing a 'minimum spend' just to use your card.
When train tickets go up in price for seemingly no reason.
Splitting the bill equally after only having a salad and didn't order an alcoholic drink.
When a supermarket reduces the price of something they just bought at full price.
A friend ordering an expensive drink when it's your round at the pub.
Discovering your loyalty points doesn't equal much actual money at all.
When your hotel charges extra for early check-in, even though the room is ready.
Paying for 'priority boarding' but the queue is just as long as the regular one.
When you plan your savings down to the penny and the Government change the tax rules.
Not being able to get discounted prices because you forgot your loyalty card.
When you must chase friends or family for money that they owe you.
When you fix your utility costs but then the prices fall.
When a shop refuses to accept cash, even when they've got a pocket full of change.
When confusing jargon is used when making important financial purchases.
Getting hit with a peak time surcharge.
Getting hit w.
Being stung with a 'city tax' that you only discover at check-out.
When your attempt at DIY to save money ends up costing more to rectify.
Mates who insist on hailing a taxi when public transport is the cheaper option.