The top 25 'unfair' money moments Brits experience everyday

Rhyl Journal

21-05-2025

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.
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.
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.
'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.'
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.
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.
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 with a hefty dynamic ticket price after sitting in a virtual queue for hours
Getting hit with a 'city tax' you only hear about at check-out
When you attempt DIY to save money, it costs you more to put it right
Friends who insist on taking a taxi when public transport is cheaper