Buy now, pay later (BNPL) plans are increasingly popular, offering consumers a way to spread out payments for purchases. These plans can come with or without interest, and the terms vary widely. Credit card companies are also jumping into the BNPL space, with options like American Express Plan It, Citi Flex Pay, and others providing structured payment plans. While BNPL can be beneficial for budgeting and necessary expenses, it can also lead to overspending. Alternatives include 0% APR credit cards and independent BNPL services like Klarna and Affirm. It's important to understand the pros and cons, such as potential interest charges and the impact on credit scores, before choosing a BNPL option or a traditional credit line for purchases.
Read the full article here.