Last Updated on 10 months by Komolafe Bamidele
The ability to make purchases quickly and easily is increasingly valued in today’s fast-paced consumer society.
Services that allow customers to make purchases immediately but pay for them in smaller, more manageable instalments, known as “buy now, pay later” (BNPL), have seen explosive growth in popularity.
But the topic of whether or not BNPL loans will influence your credit rating is an essential one.
The effects of BNPL on creditworthiness will be explored in depth here so that you may make an informed decision.
What is Buy Now Pay Later
Short-term financing for purchases can be obtained through buy now, pay later applications.
Customers may be able to utilize BNPL as a payment option while making purchases in-store or online.
A down payment will be required if they want to finance the transaction with a loan at the time of sale. Three or more payments are made against the outstanding sum.
Spending caps for interest-free financing arrangements might be determined by the service provider platform rather than the individual merchant.
For instance, Afterpay’s predicted spending limit for customers might shift over time based on their account activity.
Does Buy Now Pay Later Affect Mortgages
Your ability to get a mortgage if you use a ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) plan depends on three variables: the amount you borrow, how much you pay back each month, and how long it takes you to pay it back.
The mortgage approval process might be negatively impacted if your mortgage lender determines that you have taken on too much short-term credit based on your application.
This may cause setbacks, and the lender may decide to lower their offer to lessen their risk.
In addition, the lender may decide to completely reject your application if your credit score is already in a terrible situation.
It is important to note, however, that using a BNPL service on its own usually does not have a major influence on your mortgage application.
Lenders typically take a more holistic approach, looking at your entire financial picture before making a judgment.
Advantage of Buy Now Pay Later
Flexibility in Payments
Payment options are more versatile with BNPL, which is a major benefit.
With BNPL, you may spread out your payments over a longer period, usually with no interest charged.
When you need a product or service right now but don’t have the entire price on hand, this is a great option to consider.
Quick Approval Process
The approval procedure for BNPL services is usually quick and easy.
They usually demand very little in the way of paperwork, and approvals may be issued in a matter of minutes.
People who need to make a quick purchase but lack a solid credit history may benefit from this.
Improved Affordability
With BNPL, customers may spread the expense of large purchases out over time, making them more manageable financially.
If you want to buy something expensive stuff but don’t have the cash on hand right now, this might be a good option for you.
No Interest or Low-Interest Options
If you make your payments on time, many BNPL lenders may waive interest or offer you a reduced interest rate.
This can be beneficial in comparison to the high-interest rates often associated with traditional credit cards and loans.
You can better manage your finances and save money by taking advantage of these exclusive deals.
Convenience and Ease of Use
Using BNPL’s services will save you time and effort during the shopping process.
They often work in tandem with e-commerce platforms, making it simple to choose the BNPL payment method during the checkout process.
With this option, you won’t have to worry about entering your credit card details, saving you both time and hassle.
Disadvantages of Buy Now Pay Later
Interest and Fees
Not all BNPL services provide interest-free grace periods, and some may assess interest or other costs if payments are late or not made in whole by the due date.
If you want to prevent any unpleasant or costly surprises, make sure you read and fully understand the BNPL service’s terms and conditions.
Negative Impact on Credit Score
While BNPL providers normally do not share payment information with credit bureaus, late or missing payments can still have a negative effect.
A negative note on your credit report might have an impact on your creditworthiness if the BNPL provider outsources debt collection or transfers the debt to a third-party agency.
Risk of Dependency
Consistent use of BNPL services has been linked to a decline in financial self-control since the habit of postponing payments is formed.
Overusing short-term credit might make it difficult to establish good budgeting practices and save for the future.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay Buy Now And Pay Later Loan on Time?
Buy now, pay later borrowers are presumed to pay their agreed-upon instalments on time.
If you are late with a payment, you may incur late penalties and ultimately have your account sent to collections.
The debt collector may disclose your account activity even if your BNPL lender doesn’t.
Your credit score might take a hit if you have accounts that are overdue on payments listed there.
Negative information on credit reports may be present for up to seven years..
What to Avoid When Using BNPL
Make sure the BNPL loan won’t put you in a position where you can’t afford to make your monthly payments before agreeing to terms.
You should refrain from utilizing BNPL to buy things you do not need or cannot afford.
Consider carefully if you want to go into debt just to buy that expensive purse you’ve had your eye on.
Pay the bill in full if you can do so without severely impacting your financial plan.
Conclusion
Although buy now, pay later options provide some degree of flexibility for consumers, they offer little to assist consumers to establish or improve their credit.
A consumer’s credit score might take a major hit if their account is turned over to a debt collector due to nonpayment.
If you utilize these services, you should plan to (and be prepared to) pay your account promptly.