Britons are shelling out as much as £1,200 annually on subscriptions, with millions forking out for duplicate or unused services, according to fresh research.
The study revealed that 19% of subscribers don’t even utilise every service they pay for, potentially saving up to £400 a year by cancelling or merging services.
As millions aim to tidy up their finances in 2026, it’s hardly shocking that 31% plan to actively review and cancel unused services this year, as per the survey conducted by Nationwide.
Others, meanwhile, intend to save by taking advantage of free trials (22%), switching to cheaper tiers (20%), or bargaining better deals with their providers (19%).
A significant portion of the overspend is fuelled by households inadvertently paying twice for identical services or failing to share accounts with their cohabitants.
Over a third (37%) confess to paying for duplicate accounts, while 44% admit they do not share any subscriptions within their household.
Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Now TV and Disney+ are the main offenders, mirroring the realities of contemporary households and flatshares, breakups, and mismatched preferences.
Despite the extra outlay, some stated that spending more each month was a deliberate decision, with 32% preferring to maintain their own account.
Laura, a teacher from London, shared: “I currently spend about £175 a month on subscriptions, and I don’t share any with my housemates or partner.”
“I’m unable to cancel my coffee or gym memberships as they’re vital to me, and I fear that if I told my partner, they’d deem them unnecessary,” one individual confessed.
Despite the prevalence of multiple subscriptions, there’s evidence of digital fatigue setting in. A significant 53% of Britons now opt for physical media, with a third stating it’s easier to share.
A revival in purchasing physical books, magazines, board games, puzzles, video games, CDs, and vinyl has also been observed.
Nationwide suggests that even minor adjustments, like cancelling forgotten subscriptions or sharing services within a household, could have a noticeable impact on monthly finances.
Mark Nalder, Service, Operations & Performance Director at Nationwide, commented: “The start of a new year is a natural time to reassess spending and priorities, and for many, budgets will be tight. As we head into 2026, it’s more important than ever to take stock of our outgoings and look for ways to save.
Whether it’s pooling resources for a cheaper family plan with your housemates or cancelling memberships you’ve forgotten about, managing your regular outgoings and factoring them into your budget can be crucial in avoiding overspend. “.
Nationwide’s Budget Builder app can assist in managing your subscriptions and identifying additional savings opportunities.
