The warning comes as new research shows dragging out repayments could create a £550 million hangover that lasts through Christmas.

Figures released by www.moneysupermarket.com show more than half (57 per cent) of Brits used a credit card to finance their fun in the sun, running up an average spend of £799, with nine per cent spending more than £1,001 and a further five per cent spending over £2,001 – this amounts to a total credit card spend of £9bn for those 16 million holidaymakers who travelled abroad this summer.

The research reveals Brits returning from holiday could find themselves facing a cumulative interest charges bill topping £550 million in just five months if they are not able to clear their credit card balance shortly after arrival on home soil, or transfer it swiftly to a card offering a 0 per cent deal.

Indeed, travellers unable to clear their holiday debt in full upon their return could see their average holiday credit card bill rise more than £50 by the New Year.

Rob Kenley, www.moneysupermarket.com’s head of credit cards, said: “You could be left with more than a tan if you don’t think about how to handle your debt when you come home. If you are one of the 415 per cent of credit card holders who fail to clear their balance at the end of each month you would be wise to transfer your debt onto one of the 49 zero per cent balance transfer deals available in order to minimise the amount you will pay in interest. You would also be advised to begin saving towards paying off the balance when the zero per cent deal ends.”

The research also showed:

• Younger travellers are more frugal with their cards than their elders – spending an average £549 on their credit cards compared with the over 50s who spend over £900.
• Scots are truly cautious with their money, spending the least on cards at £762 each (average across all age groups) – £122 less than the average spend by Southerners at £886. 
• Women spend on average £34 less on credit cards than men.

For a range of 0 per cent deals, visit www.moneysupermarket.com.