Buy now, cry later

Lesson 6 of 12 in our free Borrowing guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Borrowing is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Mo has three BNPL plans: £120 trainers in 3 parts, £60 jacket in 3 parts, £90 headphones in 3 parts. How much is due each payment round?

You're using BNPL for something you could afford outright, and you've set reminders → Green flag. Used as a tool, with a plan, it can be fine.
You're using BNPL for groceries because the money's run out → Red flag. A sign money's too tight. Free debt advice and support exist — it's not a failure to ask.
You've lost track of how many plans you have → Red flag. List them all. If they're overwhelming, talk to a free debt adviser.
You read the late-fee terms before agreeing → Green flag. Big green flag. Know the catch before you click.
Myth: “BNPL can't affect your credit file.” — Providers can report plans and missed payments to credit reference agencies.
Fact: “Since July 2026, BNPL lenders must check you can afford it.” — FCA regulation brought in affordability checks for third-party BNPL.
Fact: “Under FCA rules you can take a BNPL complaint to the Financial Ombudsman.” — Regulation means a free complaints route if things go wrong.