You may have seen a “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) option at checkout at your favorite store. BNPL loans are a type of point-of-sale (POS) installment loan and have become a popular way to pay. BNPL loans can be appealing because a large purchase doesn’t have to be paid in full upfront. In the Q4 2023 TransUnion Consumer Pulse, of consumers who plan to apply for credit in the next year, more than a fourth (26%) say they’ll use Buy Now, Pay Later services to spread payments out over time.
Whether you’ve taken out a BNPL loan before or are considering trying one for the first time, it’s a good idea to understand how they work. Here’s a description of what BNPL loans are and tips to manage them responsibly:
A Buy Now, Pay Later loan is an installment loan established at the point-of-sale for the purpose of financing a one-time, unsecured retail transaction. It allows you to finance a purchase with multiple, equal payments instead of one lump sum.
If there’s a product you want but find it would be easier financially to spread the payments out, BNPL loans can be an attractive way to pay. But before you buy, it’s a good idea to learn more about how these products work.
Here are some things to keep in mind before using a BNPL loan:
You may be offered multiple BNPL loan options and terms for your purchase. Several lenders feature the ability to split your cost into four payments due every two weeks. If you make all the payments on time and in full, you may not pay any fees or interest. Some companies also offer longer-term loans, which can range from 3 – 36 months. Depending on the service you use, these loans may include interest charges in addition to the purchase price.
If you have multiple BNPL loans, make sure you’re aware of the loan terms and when payments are due so you can budget appropriately. You want to be sure you have enough available funds in your linked bank accounts so you can avoid any potential late fees from the BNPL companies and overdraft fees from your bank.
Before making your purchase, you’ll want to understand if there are any other fees, like late payment fees you may run into.You’ll also want to see if there are penalties for missing a payment or failing to pay completely. Some BNPL loan lenders may send the unpaid debt to collections. Collections can have a significant impact on your credit health.
If you decide to use a BNPL loan to finance your next purchase, it’s worth taking a few moments to fully understand the terms and conditions, as discussed above. Of course, it’s always important to be mindful of your budget and long-term financial goals. Breaking a lump sum into frequent, smaller payments may make certain purchases seem more affordable. Just be careful to avoid the trap of overspending. When used responsibly, these loans can be another tool to help you achieve your financial goals.
Disclaimer: The information posted to this blog was accurate at the time it was initially published. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The information contained in the TransUnion blog is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. You should consult your own attorney or financial adviser regarding your particular situation. This site is governed by the TransUnion Interactive privacy policy located here.
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