**Britons Voice Frustration Over Everyday Money Grievances – From Steep Gig Fees to Misleading ‘Sale’ Tags**
A recent survey of 2,000 adults from across the UK has highlighted the most widespread feelings of financial injustice experienced by consumers in their daily lives. Hidden administrative fees for gig tickets, items deceptively labelled as ‘on sale’, and awkward restaurant bill-splitting topped the list of frustrations that have left many feeling short-changed.
According to the findings, over a third of respondents (36%) expressed resentment at the concealed charges attached to live event tickets. These extra costs, often tacked on at checkout, can significantly inflate the advertised price, leading many to believe they are being treated unfairly. Meanwhile, almost as many (32%) reported similar annoyance when ‘sale’ items are, in reality, relabelled goods with unchanged prices—a tactic many shoppers view as misleading and even cynical.
Eating out with friends is another arena for perceived unfairness. Nearly a third (30%) said they have been irritated at being expected to split restaurant bills evenly, especially when their own meal was modest and alcohol-free. This social pressure to pay more than one’s fair share can understandably leave a sour taste.
Transport and travel trigger their own set of money woes. Thirty per cent of those polled said they felt aggrieved when train ticket prices suddenly surge without an apparent reason. Another quarter cited frustration with early hotel check-in charges when, by all appearances, their room was already available. Even paid ‘priority boarding’ at airports was deemed pointless by 24%—many passengers report ending up in identical queues regardless of whether they shelled out for the privilege.
The transition away from cash has also hit a nerve: 21% said they felt wronged when retailers refused cash payments, even when the correct change was offered. Major purchases such as homes or cars can also feel unfair for 19% of respondents, who say confusing jargon leaves them feeling vulnerable or even exploited.
The research, conducted by Skipton Building Society, paints a picture of an everyday financial landscape where consumers feel increasingly on the back foot. Alex Sitaras, head of savings and partnership products at Skipton, described these anxieties as both common and understandable. “Fairness shouldn’t be a luxury, especially when it comes to your own money,” he commented. “From hidden fees to automatic gratuities, these frustrating moments increasingly add up—especially during the current cost-of-living crisis, when every penny counts.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the vast majority of respondents (68%) insisted that such unfair financial treatment should not be seen as an inevitable part of modern life. A robust 65% have already challenged these injustices, with half achieving a quick resolution. However, nearly three in ten met resistance, with their challenges going unheeded.
Yet, a significant minority simply accept these injustices, with 30% admitting they would be likely to remain silent. Of those, 46% said they prefer to avoid confrontation, while 41% felt too embarrassed to speak up, and 29% feared being labelled as petty.
Despite this, British consumers are not entirely powerless. The research suggested a growing sense of vigilance: 44% say they now double-check bills before paying, and a third (33%) routinely conduct research ahead of significant purchases. In another sign of a shifting landscape, a striking 78% reported being surprised – in a positive way – when they encounter a deal that genuinely feels fair and worthwhile.
Nevertheless, scepticism lingers. Thirty-eight per cent said they were wary of bargains that seem ‘too good to be true’, and 30% voiced doubts about whether businesses are truly acting in their customers’ best interests.
As Sitaras noted, “Many people do know instinctively what a fair deal looks like, but hesitation to speak up remains widespread. By increasing financial confidence and providing accessible advice, we hope to empower everyone to challenge unfairness and make better-informed decisions.”
Among the list of the most common ‘unfair money moments’ were automatic restaurant tips regardless of service quality, insurance premiums rising even when you were not at fault in an accident, and small but aggravating costs such as being charged for tap water or online returns. With such issues affecting so many, the call for greater transparency and fairness in financial interactions is only growing louder.