BNPL Payments Are Being Put On Credit Reports. What You Should Know

BNPL is an extremely convenient and affordable way to pay for items of any price without needing to use a personal loan calculator or apply for a new credit card. However, there is a downside: if you can’t pay back the debt, it can lead to some very negative consequences for your finances. If you’re considering using BNPL, it’s crucial to understand how it will affect your credit score first.

What is Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)?

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is a financing option where you can borrow money against the purchase of an item and pay back the loan over time. BNPL can be a great way to get the latest fashion or electronics without worrying about paying for them immediately if money is tight.

How your credit score is calculated

Your credit score is a number that shows lenders how responsible you are with your money. Your credit score is based on a variety of factors, including how often you pay your bills on time, the total amount of debt you have, and the length of time it has taken you to pay that debt back.

The lower your credit score, the more difficult it will be to get a loan or to get a lower interest rate on a loan. So, if you’re considering using BNPL, it’s important to understand how it will affect your credit report and ability to borrow more money.

How does BNPL affect your credit score?

The main problem with BNPL loans is that they’re treated as a form of borrowing, and as such, the interest on a BNPL loan accumulates just like any other type of debt.

If you cannot pay back the loan in full, your credit score will take a hit. Your score can be seriously affected if you have multiple outstanding BNPL loans. In fact, your credit score could be severely dinged if you have one or more BNPL loans that are more than 90 days past due or in collections.

What should you do if your BNPL loan lowers your credit score?

The good news is that there are steps you can take to mitigate the impact of a bad BNPL loan on your credit score. First and foremost, it’s important to ensure you’re regularly making payments on time. If you miss even one payment, your debt will accumulate interest, which will impact your credit score negatively.

If you struggle to make payments on a BNPL loan, contact your lender immediately and work out a repayment plan. Lenders are usually willing to work with borrowers trying to get their debt paid off as quickly as possible – provided they’re making good progress.

There’s also the potential option of using debt consolidation. This can help you to lower your overall monthly payments, which will also improve your credit score.

If all else fails and you find yourself facing challenges with repaying a bad BNPL loan, consider talking to an attorney about filing for bankruptcy protection. This might be the best option for you if all other forms of repayment – including Modified-Payment Plans – have failed and collection agencies are hounding you for money.

The bottom line

Remember: there are risks associated with using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) financing options, but there are also ways to minimize those risks by taking care of your debts responsibly. If you’re considering using BNPL, be sure to understand how it will affect your credit score before making any purchases or applying for a new BNPL loan.