When I turned 24, I met a man 12 years older than me who after seeing how naive and vulnerable I was, quickly convinced me to withdraw credit cards to fund our lives, being promised the idea of having luxury items, takeaways, clothes I didn’t need, days out that my wage would never be able to afford. As I was younger, naive and had never had a credit card before, never knowing what they were or the repercussions, I agreed to save myself the hassle of hearing about it time and time again. 

Along with the fact these credit cards are a slippery slope with high interest rates, they were all also too easy to acquire. The application processes are too lenient, allowing people like me, who are in vulnerable situations in their personal lives, to amass debt they can barely understand, let alone repay. With interest rates skyrocketing and my personal minimum monthly payments ranging from £200 to £315, my dream of paying off this debt feels impossible, which has negatively impacted my mental health in ways I can’t explain. 

After speaking out, I know I am not an isolated case and this won’t be the first time hearing about a partner being used for financial gain and being left with debt. Statistics show that in the UK, the average credit card debt per household is over £2000, and a total outstanding credit card debt in July 2026 was £82.3 billion, up 8.9% over a year.

Countless others are finding themselves in similar situations due to lenient application requirements. Too often, people are handed credit cards without proper guidance or verification, setting them up for financial distress.

I believe our financial system should protect consumers, not exploit their vulnerability. I propose stricter regulations on credit card withdrawals, with a mandatory in-person meeting as part of the application process. These meetings would verify the applicant’s understanding of credit cards, interest rates, minimum payments, plus for people in my situation, it would be clear to see if the applicant was under any pressure or coercion by a partner. I would also suggest having public speakers who would be happy to share their story and attend these meetings, where they can discuss debt and what a slippery slope it can be. 

Additionally I would like to impose a higher minimum age requirement of 21, plus payslips showing the applicant has had a stable job for the last 24 months with a regular average income, ensuring the applicant has the means to repay. 

It is essential to put these protective measures in place. We need to ensure those in vulnerable positions such as low income or those under coercion, are not burdened by debt they cannot comprehend or repay and feel their lives have been destroyed by these lack of education, resources, and ultimately care by these companies. 

A change in the credit card application process could profoundly change lives by preventing financial exploitation and educating potential users about the risks involved.

I am demanding more educated, more responsible, more empathetic, lending practices. Your signature can make a huge difference, urging policymakers and financial institutions to enforce these necessary changes.

Please sign this petition to ensure a future where financial security is achievable for all.