Buy Now, Pay Later: What Couples Need to Know Before Clicking "Yes"

Brian Page
Apr 28
4 min read

A particularly concerning trend: more Americans are using BNPL to pay for groceries. Usage jumped from 14% to 25% between 2021 and 2025 (CNBC). Using debt to cover essentials like food signals financial vulnerability.

When I first came across the CNBC article and the latest Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) data, I was stunned. I knew the numbers were concerning, but I didn’t realize how quickly things had worsened. For couples trying to manage money and the home as a team, understanding BNPL is essential to avoid financial stress.

This guide will walk you through what BNPL is, the risks involved, recent changes you need to know, and how you and your partner can make an informed decision together.

What Is Buy Now, Pay Later?

BNPL is a short-term credit product that allows you to split the cost of a purchase into four equal payments, typically over six weeks. Companies like Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay have popularized this option by advertising "no fees, no interest."

It sounds convenient — almost too good to be true. And that’s the first red flag. As with anything in personal finance, if it sounds too good to be true, it often is.

The Hidden Dangers of BNPL

High Late Fees

While BNPL services often advertise "no fees," the reality is that if you miss a payment, late fees can be steep — sometimes even higher than traditional credit card penalties.

Higher Interest Rates

Some BNPL plans now come with interest rates, especially if you opt into longer-term financing. In many cases, these rates can exceed those of credit cards.

Fewer Consumer Protections

In 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) extended the same dispute protections for BNPL that credit cards have. However, in 2025, that rule was reversed, leaving BNPL users without equivalent protections (Consumer Finance Protection Bureau).

If you have an issue with a BNPL purchase today — like a wrong or damaged item — you may have a much harder time getting your money back than if you had used a credit card.

Late Payments Are Common

Alarmingly, 41% of BNPL users have missed at least one payment, compared to just 3% of traditional credit card users.

Debt Spiral Risk

Many users report regretting their decision to use BNPL. According to an NBC News report, overspending is common, and consumers often end up juggling multiple BNPL loans at once, leading to a complicated web of payments.

Related: Click here to read our Credit Cards and Borrowing articles

Why BNPL Appeals to Couples

BNPL can feel like a lifesaver in moments when cash is tight, especially for dual-career couples balancing busy schedules, rising costs, and household needs. It allows purchases without an immediate hit to the bank account.

But this short-term relief can quickly turn into long-term financial strain, especially if payments are missed or forgotten.

5 Partner Conversation Starters Before Using BNPL

Is this purchase a necessity?
Can we pay it off without stress?
What’s our back-up plan if something unexpected happens?
Are we aware of the interest rates or fees involved?
How will this affect our overall budget?

How to Stay Safe if You Choose to Use BNPL

If after careful discussion you decide BNPL makes sense for a specific situation, here’s how to protect yourselves:

Use a Shared Calendar: Schedule reminders for each BNPL payment to avoid late fees.
Limit Your BNPL Usage: Only have one BNPL plan active at a time.
Avoid Using BNPL for Essentials: Especially groceries or bills. If you’re using BNPL for necessities, it might be time to revisit your overall financial plan.
Prioritize Transparency: Always disclose BNPL usage to each other so nothing "sneaks" into the household budget unnoticed.
Keep Receipts and Documentation: Since BNPL dispute protections have been weakened, keeping records is even more important.

A Final Word: Planning for the Worst, Hoping for the Best

The growing use of BNPL is a warning signal. It's crucial for couples to plan for the worst — high fees, late payments, limited protections — while hoping for the best.

Financial teamwork means making decisions together with eyes wide open. BNPL isn't inherently evil, but it's certainly not "free money." It's a tool — and like any tool, it can either help or hurt, depending on how you use it.

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

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