ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Buy Now, Pay Later Apps Gain Popularity Amidst Economic Strain

An increase in BNPL app usage indicates a growing reliance on technology for everyday expenses.
PUBLISHED JAN 31, 2024
Cover Image Source: Avoid seeing "buy now, pay later" visuals on your screen | Pexels
Cover Image Source: Avoid seeing "buy now, pay later" visuals on your screen | Pexels

As the economy grapples with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation takes hold, Americans are increasingly turning to alternative payment methods to navigate their changing financial landscapes. One such trend is the usage of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps. These payment solutions are experiencing a surge in popularity worldwide, particularly among young adults. This payment model allows consumers to make immediate purchases with deferred payments, enticing them with the benefit of no additional costs.

Image Source: Photo by Smith Collection | Getty Images
Image Source: Photo by Smith Collection | Getty Images

According to a recent Adobe Analytics report, the end of last year witnessed the highest usage of BNPL apps on record, with Cyber Monday alone accounting for $940 million in purchases, marking a substantial 42.5% year-over-year increase. Another study found that 29% of users purchased appliances, and 32% bought furniture, while clothing and electronics remained the most common purchases.

Contrary to the misconception that BNPL borrowers lack access to other forms of credit, a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) study found that 95% of BNPL users had at least one credit record in another account, highlighting potential issues related to credit utilization ratios. The study also points out that BNPL users tend to experience higher levels of financial distress compared to non-users. 

The findings stated that frequent BNPL borrowers often have lower credit scores, falling within the 580 to 669 range, while non-users typically have good credit scores ranging from 670 to 739. The study challenges the assumption that BNPL users are financially underserved, emphasizing that these borrowers are more likely to use various credit products.

Cover Image Source: Pexels | Mikhail Nilov
 Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Mikhail Nilov

While BNPL apps may offer convenience at checkout, they may not always be the best financial move. Moreover, higher levels of financial distress among BNPL users are likely linked to elevated credit utilization ratios on both BNPL apps and other credit sources. As an alternative, consolidating high-interest debts into a single, manageable loan can help individuals get out of debt faster and avoid costly payment options.

'Doom spending' is going to be a disaster which this generation never realizes |Pexels
Image Source: Doom spending is going to be a disaster | Pexels

Despite the revenue generated from merchant fees, BNPL platforms grapple with profitability challenges, stemming from elevated fixed costs, rising funding expenses, and heightened delinquency rates. The rapid proliferation of these payment methods raises concerns for public authorities on two fronts: consumer protection and the accumulation of credit risk.

It becomes critical to assess whether BNPL schemes exploit financially constrained individuals through deceptive promotions and insufficient information. Moreover, given the high delinquency rates associated with BNPL platforms, sustained growth in these systems necessitates vigilant monitoring of their direct and indirect connections with the financial system.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The appraiser disclosed that Yoakum began painting in the 1960s and he created one unique piece of art every single day.
1 hour ago
The entrepreneur also managed to get the sharks to taste the vegan alternative meant for pets.
3 hours ago
Throughout the game Monica tried to calm her nerves by placing her right hand over her chest.
23 hours ago
Harvey later realized that the contestant had a crush on him and they had a moment.
1 day ago
The host had warned the men in advance to not risk their marriage for some points.
1 day ago
The big box retailer's signature brand detergent which has a cult following, may be discontinued.
2 days ago
The player made two great comebacks while playing the "Spelling Bee" game to win a car.
2 days ago
The item that had been hanging over the guest's stove for years turned out to a piece from Picasso.
2 days ago
Her loss turned into a bittersweet moment as fans were touched by a reference to another popular game show.
2 days ago
The player wasn't sure if she had to keep going after getting it right in the first attempt.
3 days ago
Fans of Shark Tank know that inflated numbers don't go down well with the judges.
4 days ago
The contestant was jumping around even before he had started playing the game.
4 days ago
On the show's unofficial Reddit forum, fans complained that the show lacks strict rules for players.
4 days ago
Harvey wasn't convinced that such an answer was appropriate, but most people in the survey felt otherwise.
4 days ago
The creator flagged the warning on a version that is issued in case of pesticides.
4 days ago
The answer that brought down Jennings was a shocker and people let out a collective gasp.
5 days ago
Announcer George Gray was also following orders from the models alongside Carey.
5 days ago
The guest had also conducted her own research for which she was commended by the expert.
5 days ago
The guest was shocked to learn how much the watch could have been with the original parts.
6 days ago
The complaints against Walmart's Great Value products aren't slowing down.
6 days ago