Americans Are Spending Billions With ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’
May 7, 2024
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Reporters Paulina Cachero and Paige Smith discuss the growing trend of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' services, the lack of transparency in reporting debt data, and the impact of BNPL on consumer finances. The podcast delves into the risks, complexities, and implications of using BNPL for essential needs, as well as the importance of regulation and financial literacy in navigating the industry.
Americans are using BNPL services for essential purchases like groceries amidst inflation.
The undisclosed phantom debt from BNPL services raises concerns about financial stability and credit score impacts.
Deep dives
The Risks of Buy Now, Pay Later Services
Many consumers are attracted to Buy Now, Pay Later services for their convenience, offering interest-free payment plans for a range of purchases. However, mismanagement can lead to snowballing debt and missed payments, resulting in late fees and frightening encounters with debt collectors. The lack of data sharing by these BNPL companies raises concerns about the undisclosed amount of phantom debt, estimated to be in the billions, potentially impacting credit scores and financial stability.
Hidden Dangers of Late Payments and Debt Collection
Although touted for zero interest plans, BNPL services often impose late fees and penalties for missed payments, contributing significantly to company revenues. Furthermore, consumers facing insufficient funds in their bank accounts may incur additional charges from their banks, exacerbating financial stress and credit score implications. Without transparent data reporting to credit bureaus, the full extent of consumer struggles with BNPL debt remains obscured.
Regulatory Challenges and Economic Ramifications
The absence of comprehensive regulation for Buy Now, Pay Later services poses challenges in assessing consumer debt and financial risks. Regulators, including the CFPB and Congress, have shown interest in evaluating the industry's potential impact and considering regulatory measures. The lack of data sharing hampers lenders' ability to make informed decisions, raising concerns about the economy's true health and consumer financial distress in light of increasing BNPL usage for essential expenses.
“Buy Now, Pay Later” options have exploded in popularity and availability, and in the midst of stubborn inflation, Americans are even using them to buy essentials like groceries.
But not all of the BNPL providers report data like credit card companies — and no one knows exactly how much debt consumers owe.
On today’s episode, host Sarah Holder talks to reporters Paulina Cachero and Paige Smith, who tried to find out more about the size and scope of the debt.