Buy Now, Pay Later services expand into everyday consumer spending

The use of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services is expanding from luxury and electronics into everyday essential spending, such as groceries and food delivery. In the United States, Federal Reserve data indicates that 16% of adults used BNPL in the prior 12 months, up from 10% in 2021. Usage is notably higher among lower-income households and those earning less than $100,000.

In Italy, the BNPL market reached nearly 10 billion euros in 2025, with approximately 42 million transactions. The percentage of families using these tools rose from 4% in 2022 to 30% in 2025. Regional data from Umbria shows a significant surge in demand, with a 30.7% increase during Black Friday 2025.

While retailers like Affirm report that BNPL can increase revenue and conversion rates, experts warn of the financial risks. The ease of access can lead to a difficult-to-track web of due dates and fees, potentially contributing to household debt and repayment delays.