Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services have surged in popularity, with a recent NerdWallet report indicating that a quarter of Americans have used these services in the past year. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau noted a staggering 1,100% increase in BNPL loans from 2019 to 2021. However, this rapid growth has sparked concerns about potential debt accumulation, often referred to as "phantom debt." Analysts are worried that the lack of comprehensive data on BNPL usage and defaults could make it difficult to assess the true financial impact on consumers. Despite reassurances from industry representatives like the Financial Technology Association, which claims low default rates, experts like Shannon Grein argue for better monitoring and data collection. The debate highlights the need for a balanced approach to harness the benefits of BNPL while safeguarding consumer financial health.
Read the full article here.