Polish BNPL Users Split Into Four Consumer Profiles

A BIK report on "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) usage in Poland categorises users into four groups. The largest, financially‑aware consumers, represent about 63 % of new users and include many over‑65s; they plan purchases and keep stable spending habits. Impulsive opportunists chase promotions, carry the highest debt risk with an average over‑extension of 726 zł, and are prone to excessive borrowing. Flexible pragmatists adjust buying decisions to their cash flow, averaging transactions of roughly 263 zł and maintaining balance. Active enthusiasts are the youngest cohort (under 24, predominantly women), using BNPL intensively; they account for roughly 13 % of users. The study notes that consumer behaviour is fluid: within a year, a notable share of users shift between segments, highlighting BNPL’s influence on budgeting, impulse buying and debt susceptibility.

The findings suggest that while BNPL can aid liquidity for some, it also lowers psychological barriers to spending, potentially increasing financial strain for the more impulsive groups.