The world of finance and how we pay for things is changing rapidly these days with new technologies emerging. Credit cards have been around for a long time and are a very common way for people to make purchases. However, a newer type of payment option called “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) has been gaining popularity, especially among younger consumers.
BNPL services allow you to pay for purchases over time in installments, rather than all at once upfront or by running up a balance on a credit card. So with these two different payment methods available, which one should you choose to use?
To help you decide, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option – credit cards versus BNPL services.
The Enduring Popularity of Credit Cards
Credit cards have been a cornerstone of modern financial systems for decades, and their continued popularity is a testament to their versatility and utility. According to recent data from the Federal Reserve, a staggering 69% of Americans possessed at least one credit card in the second quarter of 2023.
How Credit Cards Work
At its core, a credit card grants you a line of credit that you can draw from as needed. Let’s say your credit limit is $1,000 – this means you can charge up to that amount for any purchase, whether it’s a meal at a restaurant, a plane ticket, or a new pair of shoes. Credit cards are widely accepted, both in physical stores and online.
Each billing cycle (typically around 30 days), you’ll receive a statement outlining your total balance, the minimum payment due, and the due date. You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between.
If you pay the entire balance by the due date, you’ll avoid interest charges; however, if you make a partial payment, the remaining balance will be carried over to the next billing cycle, and interest will be charged on that amount.
Pros of Credit Cards
- Rewards and Perks: Many credit cards offer enticing rewards programs that allow you to earn cash back, points, or miles on your purchases. Some even come with valuable sign-up bonuses when you meet certain spending requirements within the first few months.
- Flexible Payment Options: Credit cards give you the freedom to decide how much you want to pay each month, as long as you meet the minimum payment requirement.
- Building Credit History: Responsible credit card usage, including making on-time payments and keeping your balances low, can help you build a strong credit history and improve your credit score.
- Consumer Protections: Credit cards typically offer robust consumer protections, such as the ability to dispute fraudulent charges or request chargebacks for unsatisfactory purchases.
Cons of Credit Cards
- Interest Rates: If you carry a balance from month to month, the interest charges can quickly add up, making your purchases significantly more expensive in the long run.
- Potential for Overspending: The convenience of credit cards can sometimes lead to overspending and accumulating debt that becomes difficult to manage.
- Annual Fees: Some credit cards, particularly those with premium rewards or perks, charge annual fees that can add to the overall cost of using the card.
- Credit Score Impact: Missing payments or carrying high balances can negatively impact your credit score, making it more difficult to obtain favorable credit terms in the future.
The Rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services
In recent years, BNPL services have gained significant traction, particularly among younger consumers. These services allow you to make a purchase and spread the payments over a predetermined period, often interest-free.
How BNPL Services Work
BNPL services are typically offered at the point of sale, both online and in some physical retail locations. When you opt for a BNPL plan, you’ll typically make a down payment (often around 25% of the total purchase price) and then pay the remaining balance in a series of installments, usually over 6-8 weeks.
These installment payments are automatically deducted from your linked payment method (e.g., debit card or bank account) on the scheduled due dates. Unlike traditional credit products, BNPL services generally don’t require a hard credit check, making them accessible to consumers with limited or poor credit histories.
Pros of Buy Now Pay Later Services
- Interest-Free Financing: One of the most significant advantages of BNPL services is that they typically don’t charge interest on the financed amount, as long as you make your payments on time.
- Accessible to Those with Limited Credit: BNPL services don’t require a hard credit check, making them a viable option for consumers who may not qualify for traditional credit products.
- Avoids Long-Term Debt: By splitting the purchase into a series of short-term installments, BNPL services can help you avoid accumulating long-term debt.
Cons of Buy Now Pay Later Services
- Late Fees and Penalties: While BNPL services don’t charge interest, they often impose late fees or deferred interest charges if you miss a payment, which can quickly add up.
- Limited Credit-Building Potential: Most BNPL services don’t report your payment history to the major credit bureaus, meaning you won’t be able to use them to build or improve your credit score.
- Potential for Overspending: The ease of accessing BNPL services can lead to impulse purchases and overspending, particularly if you have multiple BNPL plans running simultaneously.
- Lack of Consumer Protections: BNPL services may not offer the same level of consumer protections as credit cards, making it more difficult to dispute charges or request refunds.
Choosing Between Buy Now Pay Later vs Credit Cards
When deciding between credit cards and BNPL services, it’s essential to consider your financial goals, spending habits, and personal preferences.
When to Use Credit Cards
Credit cards may be the better choice if:
- You want to earn rewards or take advantage of sign-up bonuses on your purchases.
- You have the discipline to pay off your balances in full each month to avoid interest charges.
- You value the consumer protections and additional perks that many credit cards offer.
- You’re looking to build or improve your credit score through responsible credit usage.
When to Use BNPL Services
BNPL services may be more suitable if:
- You need to finance a purchase but want to avoid accumulating long-term debt or paying interest charges.
- You have limited or poor credit and may not qualify for a traditional credit card.
- You’re confident in your ability to make the scheduled installment payments on time.
- You don’t plan to use the payment method for everyday purchases or as a primary spending tool.
Striking a Balance Between Both
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing between credit cards and BNPL services. Both payment options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your financial situation, goals, and spending habits.
Many consumers find that a balanced approach works best, using credit cards for everyday purchases and rewards-earning opportunities while leveraging BNPL services for larger, one-time purchases that need to be financed over a short period.
Regardless of which payment method you choose, it’s crucial to exercise financial discipline and responsibility. Avoid overspending, make payments on time, and continuously monitor your accounts and credit reports to ensure you’re staying on track with your financial goals.
Conclusion
With these payment options, both credit cards and BNPL services offer unique benefits and drawbacks. By understanding the key differences between these two payment methods and carefully evaluating your financial needs and habits, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term financial well-being.
Remember, the true key to successful financial management lies not in the specific payment method you choose but in your ability to use it responsibly and maintain a healthy relationship with credit and debt. So, whether you opt for the tried-and-true credit card or the more modern BNPL service, approach your decision with care and commit to sound financial practices.