Buy now, pay later: what happens if you can’t pay later?

Buy now, pay later: what happens if you can’t pay later? 678 KB

Millions of people in the UK use buy now pay later (BNPL) to split or delay payments. While this can be a useful payment method for some, the customer journey often lacks the necessary care, information and affordability checks to stop people falling into debt. 

As a credit product, it’s essential that people understand what they’re signing up for, and what will happen if they’re unable to make repayments. 

However, too many people are being referred to debt collectors despite not being warned about this at the checkout. 

Not only is this an issue with information provision at the checkout, it also points to the failure of BNPL firms to prevent people from taking out credit they can’t afford.