LONDON ( Parliament Politics Magazine ) – BNPL, or buy now pay later, is a concept where you pay for a product in monthly installments. As long as you use the money wisely and make payments on time, there are no risks. It is estimated to be worth GBP 5.7 billion by 2021 and is regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If you are interested in using this type of credit responsibly, read on for more information.
BNPL is an increasingly popular financing option for consumers looking to buy now but pay later. BNPL plans typically start with an application form filled out during the checkout process. Applicants may be asked for personal information, as well as a payment method. Some BNPL providers perform a soft credit check. This will not impact the applicant’s credit score; however, some may conduct a hard credit check. This type of check can lower the applicant’s credit score temporarily. If possible, ensure the application forms state whether the check is soft or hard.
BNPL is a no-interest, post-purchasing monthly installment concept that will be a reality in the UK in 2022, according to Walnut Unlimited. It has been compared to credit cards and other credit financing options and shows a lot of promise, especially for younger consumers. However, BNPL offers can also increase a consumer’s debt and negatively impact credit scores. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks and benefits of this type of financing option before you make a decision based on its availability in your country.
If you’re planning to buy something big, ‘buy now, pay later’ is a convenient and safe way to pay for it. The Federal Trade Commission’s Section 75 protects credit card companies and consumers alike from liability for purchases made with their cards. This law applies to purchases made with a credit card over PS100. If you make a purchase you regret, you can still get a refund from the credit card company. While the ‘buy now, pay later’ trend is growing rapidly, it’s still not completely free.
It is worth GBP 5.7 billion in 2021
BNPL or Buy Now Pay Later services are increasingly common at checkouts and have become so popular that they have been incorporated into online shopping processes. Among the British population, over a third have used a payment splitting plan, while nearly half of Generation Z has done so. And, as a result, the BNPL market in the UK is predicted to hit PS5.7 billion by 2021, more than doubling in a year. Companies like Klarna and Afterpay have been valued at astronomical levels, tempting many to join in.
The BNPL sector is a thriving industry, but it has been hampered by falling consumer spending and mounting customer defaults. GlobalData estimated that by 2021, global BNPL transactions will total $120 billion, up from $33 billion in 2019. As a result, fintech firms have been rushing into the BNPL market, while established companies have followed suit. For example, Block, an Australian company, bought Afterpay in August 2021 and is now a major player in the BNPL space.
The Consumer Credit (Agreements) Regulations 1983 set specific rules for the content of credit agreements. A regulated credit agreement must include certain information, such as the amount of credit and length of the fixed-term loan, as well as how much each party will pay every month. Failure to follow the regulations could result in an improperly executed agreement that is irredeemably unenforceable. The act also protects consumers from unfair lending practices and debt collection practices.
The act requires that BNPL providers obtain permission from the FCA before offering their services to consumers. The FCA has the power to investigate whether BNPL providers violate the Act’s exemptions and regulate their practices. The new regulations also require third-party lenders to comply with the FCA’s financial promotion regime, including making certain disclosures. Consumers also have the right to refer any complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they believe that their BNPL provider is not being honest or fair.