header print

Buy Now Pay Later: What You Must Know About the Service

While the pandemic prompted more people than ever to shop online, it also made money tighter than ever for many. This combination lead to the rise in popularity of Buy Now Pay Later services. While each service operates a bit differently the core idea is the same - shoppers can split payments into bi-weekly or monthly installments rather than pay for their entire cart upfront. The items arrive as usual although they haven’t actually been paid for yet. 


Companies such as Afterpay, Klarna, and Sezzle, which offer the service, report significant user growth since March. According to Huffington Post, about 987,000 users signed up for Klarna between March 1 and July 30, a growth rate of nearly 200% year-over-year, while Afterpay gained one million customers between March 1 and May 20. 

 
All the Risks and Benefits of ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ woman receives parcel she ordered
While BNPL can be very enticing there are also risks attached to it, which are important to keep in mind. The immediate con of BNPL is that it can encourage a buyer to engage in therapy shopping or overspend when in reality they do not have the means. This article will explore how BNPL works, and weigh its benefits against the dangers. 

How BNPL works

Once payments done through BNPL are approved they are automatically deducted from the user’s payment method of choice. The companies will send an e-mail or text alerts, notifying when payment due dates are coming up. What makes these installment plans appealing is that they’re interest-free, and the customer is only charged a fee if a payment isn’t processed successfully (i.e. they don’t have enough money in their bank account or their credit card is maxed out). 

All the Risks and Benefits of ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ online shopping

These late fees are one of the ways BNPL companies make their money. Afterpay, for example, can charge US customers up to 25% of the order value in late fees. In Klarna’s case, up to $7 plus the unpaid amount are added to the next scheduled installment if a payment doesn’t go through.

The main bulk of their revenue, however, comes from the retailers. BNPL companies charge retailers transaction fees for each purchase. That way, they get a cut from the cart of each customer using BNPL services. “Essentially, they rely on people buying more than they normally would, and retailers pay them for the promise of impulsive customers,” explained Lauren Anastasio, a certified financial planner with SoFi.

The Benefits of BNPL

To start on a positive note, some experts see these services as important and beneficial, especially for young people, and those who don’t have a credit card or even a credit score. Many young adults, for example, have sizable student loans, and the last thing they need is to pile on open-ended credit-card debt.

All the Risks and Benefits of ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ woman browsing online shop
In other words, BNPL keeps the market open for people who would otherwise struggle to participate in it. Ted Rossman, an industry analyst also noted that the services are straightforward about their terms, and customers are drawn to the predictability. Buyers know how much they need to pay, how many payments are required, and when the item will be fully paid off. Better yet, if you manage to pay according to the terms the deal is truly interest-free. “If you use them properly, they can be viable ways to inexpensively finance purchases,” said Rossman.

The Dangers of BNPL

1. BNPL could harm your credit score through missed payments, but not build it. Anastasio explains that although these programs are advertised as “interest-free” that can depend on your payment schedule and credit score. Some BNPL companies perform hard credit checks and report missed payments to credit bureaus, which could affect your score. Payment activity, on the other hand, isn’t reported. This is not always the case, however, which is why it’s extremely important to read and understand the terms of the plan you’re using.

All the Risks and Benefits of ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ couple worried about their finances

2. Missed payment fees can be just as high as a credit card interest. if it’s the interest that worries you when purchasing with a credit card, be aware that if at the end of the day you don’t have the money, BNPL missed payment fees will result in the same price. Not to mention, BNPL plans give you the option of linking a credit card anyway, which means the payments will still add to your outstanding debt if you choose this option.
 
The bottom line is that if you do choose to use any of these services, do so with caution. Read the terms and conditions carefully, and make sure it doesn’t become a habit. BNPL options are best for high-cost purchases or once-in-a-while occasions. These services aren’t meant to help people afford housing, but are rather intended for smaller purchases like clothes and electronics. Before opting for BNPL, think whether it’s a necessary expense you can stand behind and be honest with yourselves. If you’re unsure, maybe the purchase can wait for a later time. 
If you found this article helpful, please share it 
Next Post
Sign Up for Free Daily Posts!
Did you mean:
Continue With: Facebook Google
By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy
Sign Up for Free Daily Posts!
Did you mean:
Continue With: Facebook Google
By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy