The Greater Manchester Money Report surveyed 5,008 adults across the region, including Rochdale, Bury and Bolton.
The credit union said 59% had kept debt from their partner. Its findings also showed that 67% had some form of debt, while 10% were struggling to repay it.
Among those who had kept debt secret, 47% had undisclosed debts of between £1,000 and £20,000. The most common amount was £5,000 to £10,000, reported by 17%.
Family and friends were the most common source of help people said they would approach during financial difficulty. They were chosen by 38%, compared with 18% who would turn to a bank.
Mandy Wilcock, chief executive of Manchester Credit Union, said “There should be no shame in asking for help with money. Financial pressures can affect anyone, particularly when the cost of everyday essentials continues to strain household budgets.”
She called for greater financial education and better signposting to advice.
Censuswide carried out the survey between 28 April and 20 May 2026. It covered adults aged 18 and over in all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs, with results weighted by age, gender and borough.
