Buy Now Pay Later

BNPL credit agreements allow you to buy goods on credit and pay for them later. For lower cost goods (generally less than €500), you are often offered regular interest-free instalments, for example fortnightly or monthly, over a period of between three and six months. Another option is to make one interest-free repayment, typically within 14 or 30 days of the date of purchase. The payment options available for BNPL credit will vary depending on the provider.

For goods that cost €500 or more, you can usually spread the cost over a longer period of time – from about six to 36 months. This will require a credit check. You may be charged interest on these types of BNPL. Some of the providers of BNPL credit are regulated high cost credit providers who loan money at higher interest rates than those available through personal loans from banks or building societies. Make sure to use our loan comparison tool to get the best rates. 

Fees and charges will vary from one provider to another and depend on the payment method you chose. This information will be set out in the T&Cs of the BNPL agreement so it is very important to read them. Some providers will charge no interest, even on late payments, but may stop you from making any further purchases using their BNPL credit. Other providers will charge late fees, which can vary in amounts and should be set out in the BNPL credit agreement. Some BNPL providers may allow you to snooze a payment which will give you extra days to make your repayments, however you may be charged a fee for this service.

The examples above are for illustration purposes only – actual late payment fees will vary depending on the BNPL provider.
If you get into difficulty and your debt remains unpaid under a BNPL credit agreement, then it can be passed to a debt collection agency who will pursue you for the debt.

Since 16 May 2022, BNPL providers need to be authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland and are subject to the Consumer Protection Code. This means that they will have to check that you can afford BNPL credit and if it is suitable for you. The law also caps the interest rate BNPL providers can charge consumers at 23% APR (unless provided by Moneylenders). In addition, you are able to complain to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman if you cannot resolve an issue with a BNPL provider.

Any credit agreement that is €500 or more may be reported to the Central Credit Register by the BNPL provider. If your BNPL agreement is reported to the Central Credit Register, it will be visible to other lenders. Therefore, any missed payments on your BNPL agreement could impact your credit history and your ability to get a loan or other types of credit in the future. 

Pros

• BNPL providers are fully integrated within an online store’s checkout which makes the buying process easy
• Setting up a BNPL account is straightforward
• BNPL can allow you to buy items now while you wait for your next pay check.
• It offers alternative access to credit and can require less stringent credit checks than traditional loans
• Some BNPL providers don’t charge any interest on the amount you borrow once you pay within the time frame set out in the T&Cs, so it may be cheaper than a personal loan
• If used correctly this form of short-term credit can be less expensive than credit cards

Cons

• It may encourage you to impulse buy. Could the goods be bought using savings instead?
• You could be spending money that you don’t currently have or are taking out credit without planning it. 
• If you miss a payment you may be charged a late payment fee, which will increase the cost of what you bought.
• If you pay interest you are paying more for the goods than if you bought it outright.
• Missed payments may impact on your credit rating, which can impact on your ability to get loans or other credit in the future.
• If you use the ‘try now, pay later’ option and do not return the goods within the time frame set out in the T&Cs, you may end up paying for goods that you don’t need or want. 

• BNPL arrangements are a form of credit 
• BNPL can often appear as the default payment option when buying online, so be careful not to select this option if you intended to pay outright by another method e.g. with a debit or credit card. Missed payments may impact on your credit rating 
• Outstanding debt under a BNPL agreement can be referred to a debt collection agency who will pursue you for the debt
• BNPL agreements that are €500 or more may be reported the Central Credit Register by the BNPL provider. So, any missed payments will be recorded and could impact you getting a loan in the future 
• Know how much the late fees are 
• Keep track of how much you owe
• Keep track of your repayment dates, especially if you have bought a number of items using BNPL
• Know how many different BNPL credit agreements you have