Buy Now, Pay Later- A Concept Primer
Buy now, Pay Later (BNPL) is the latest buzz word acquired by the internet used by every company as their payment solution. BNPL is a credit line extended to the subscriber/customer to purchase or make payments from their end. The amount has to be paid fully in various instalments, which eventually has to be paid in full. The difference between BNPL and credit card is the levying of interest on payment of the amount back in total. BNPL apps charge no interest until there is a default of payment from the customer’s side. On default of payment within the stipulated time only a fixed amount is charged. As usage of BNPL does not affect a person’s credit score, it can also be approved for a person who cannot apply for loans due to low credit score or no credit history.
In layman’s terms, it's a payment method that lets you purchase something immediately, but pay for it over time instead of all at once. So, if you wanted to buy a new sofa for your living room, for example, you could use BNPL to purchase it and then pay for it in smaller installments over several months instead of having to pay the full price upfront. It's a popular option for people who may not have the money to pay for something upfront but still want to make the purchase. However, it's important to be aware that using BNPL can sometimes come with additional fees and interest charges, so it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully before using it.
The rise of the concept of BNPL can be explained in conjunction with changes in various socio-economic factors. The rise of BNPL can be attributed to a few factors. Firstly, with the growth of e-commerce and online shopping, consumers are looking for more convenient and flexible payment options. BNPL offers a way to make purchases without having to pay for them upfront, which can be especially appealing for larger purchases. Secondly, many people today are living on paychecks every month and may not have the funds to make a large purchase all at once. BNPL allows them to spread the cost over several smaller payments, making it more manageable and accessible. Finally, BNPL providers have made the process of applying and being approved for this type of payment method much easier and faster than traditional credit options, which has also contributed to its popularity. Overall, the rise of BNPL can be seen as a response to changing consumer needs and preferences, as well as advancements in technology and the financial industry.
The money-making business behind BNPL is not very clear to the customer. Overall, while offering BNPL can be a convenient payment option for consumers, it's important to be aware of any additional fees or charges that may be associated with it. While on the face of it the customers do not have to pay any extra charges on payments, BNPL companies make money in a few different ways.
1. Merchant fees: When a consumer uses BNPL to purchase a product, the BNPL provider charges the merchant a fee for processing the payment. This fee is typically a percentage of the purchase price and is how the BNPL provider earns revenue.
2. Late fees and interest charges: If a consumer is unable to make their payments on time, they may be charged late fees or interest charges. These fees can be a significant source of revenue for BNPL providers.
3. Referral fees: BNPL providers may also earn revenue through referral fees. For example, if a consumer uses BNPL to purchase a product from a particular retailer, the BNPL provider may receive a fee from that retailer for referring the consumer to them.
In India, various applications have emerged offering BNPL service on different conditions. Apps like Zest money BNPL, Freecharge Pay Later, Paytm Postpaid, ePayLater provide BNPL services without a subscription fee. To use MobiKwik ZIP app a nominal subscription fee is charged. LegalPay, a third-party litigation funder has launched LegalPay Max, a pay later product for businesses to execute their legal expenses in instalments. This is a first of its kind product in the legal field which promises to increase legal professional’s clientele and reach. Providing diversified payment options eases the burden on the businesses in managing their legal and business expenditure. Ranging from various regulatory, compliance, arbitration and legal expenses, all is covered under a credit line which can be availed by the companies extending upto 50 lacs.
Due to ease in the usage of these platforms, safety concerns have mostly been overlooked by the consumers. Though BNPL works on the same lines of credit cards, they are not as regulated as them. For using such apps, usually a very soft credit check is done. Though a few apps take a thorough credit check, defaulting on these may affect the person’s credit score. There are major risks associated with the unchecked and reckless usage of BNPL apps. While BNPL can be a convenient payment option, there are also some potential dangers to be aware of:
High interest rates: If you're unable to make your payments on time, you may be charged high interest rates and fees. These can quickly add up, and if you're not careful, you may end up owing more than you can afford to pay back.
Overcommitment: Since BNPL allows you to make purchases without paying for them upfront, it can be tempting to overspend and buy more than you can afford. This can lead to financial stress and difficulty making your payments on time.
Credit score impact: Using BNPL can also impact your credit score. Late payments or missed payments can harm your credit score, making it more difficult to obtain credit in the future.
Hidden fees: It's important to read the fine print carefully before using BNPL, as there may be hidden fees or charges that you're not aware of. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before agreeing to use this payment method.
Limited consumer protection: Unlike traditional credit options, BNPL may not offer the same level of consumer protection. This can include things like fraud protection and dispute resolution, so it's important to be aware of what protections are in place before using BNPL.
Overall, while BNPL can be a useful payment option in certain situations, it's important to use it responsibly and be aware of the potential risks and dangers. A personal account of the finances and a careful understanding of BNPL’s terms and conditions should be taken into consideration before using it.