The Rise of BNPL in Australia;- Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a payment method that allows customers to buy products and services without paying the full price upfront. Instead, the payment is split into equal installments, typically over a period of several weeks or months. In recent years, BNPL has become increasingly popular in Australia, with many consumers opting for this payment method over traditional credit cards or other forms of financing.
The concept of BNPL is not new, but the emergence of digital platforms and technology has made it more accessible and convenient for consumers. In Australia, the first BNPL platform was launched in 2015, and since then, the market has grown rapidly. Today, there are several BNPL providers in Australia, each offering different features, terms, and benefits.
In this article, we will explore the various BNPL options available in Australia, including their pros and cons, as well as any potential risks or drawbacks to be aware of. We will also look at how BNPL has evolved over time and what the future may hold for this payment method.
The Rise of BNPL in Australia
BNPL has been on the rise in Australia over the past few years, with more and more Australians turning to these payment options for their shopping needs. According to a report by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the use of BNPL services has increased significantly in recent years, with 30% of Australians aged 18-29 having used BNPL in the past year.
Furthermore, the report revealed that the BNPL industry in Australia grew from $476 million in the 2017-2018 financial year to $903 million in the 2018-2019 financial year, a growth rate of 90%. The industry is expected to continue growing, with projections suggesting that it could be worth $7.3 billion by 2025.
This growth can be attributed to the convenience and flexibility that BNPL offers, as well as the ease of access to these services through mobile apps and online platforms. Additionally, BNPL providers often offer interest-free payment plans, which can be appealing to consumers who are looking to make purchases without having to pay the full amount upfront.
Reasons why BNPL has become so popular in Australia
There are several reasons why BNPL has become so popular in Australia:
- Convenience: BNPL allows consumers to make purchases without having to pay the full amount upfront, making it an attractive option for those who may not have the funds readily available. Additionally, the process of signing up for and using BNPL is typically quick and easy.
- Interest-free payments: Most BNPL services offer interest-free payments, which can be particularly appealing for those who want to spread out the cost of a purchase without incurring additional fees.
- No credit checks: Unlike traditional credit cards, BNPL services typically do not require a credit check, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers.
- Marketing strategies: BNPL providers often partner with popular retailers and use targeted marketing strategies to attract consumers, particularly younger generations who are more likely to be drawn to digital payment options.
- Flexibility: BNPL allows consumers to choose how they want to pay for their purchases, with options to pay in installments over a period of time, making it a flexible and customizable option.
These factors have contributed to the rapid growth of the BNPL industry in Australia, with millions of Australians using BNPL services every year.
Major BNPL providers in Australia
There are several major BNPL providers operating in Australia, each with its own set of features and fees. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
- Afterpay: Afterpay is one of the most well-known BNPL providers in Australia. They allow customers to make purchases of up to $2,000 and split the cost into four equal installments. Afterpay charges late fees if payments are missed, but does not charge any interest.
- Zip: Zip offers a range of BNPL products, including Zip Pay, which allows customers to make purchases of up to $1,000 and pay back over time. Zip Pay charges a $6 monthly account fee if the balance is not paid in full, but does not charge any interest.
- Klarna: Klarna is a newer entrant to the Australian BNPL market, offering customers the ability to split their purchases into four equal installments. They also offer longer-term financing options for larger purchases, with interest rates ranging from 6.99% to 24.99%.
- Humm: Humm offers two BNPL products: Humm Pay, which allows customers to make purchases of up to $2,000 and pay back over time, and Humm Big Things, which offers longer-term financing options for larger purchases. Humm Pay charges a $8 monthly account fee if the balance is not paid in full, but does not charge any interest.
- Splitit: Splitit offers a slightly different BNPL product, allowing customers to split the cost of their purchase into smaller payments on their existing credit card. Splitit does not charge any interest or fees, but customers must have an available credit limit on their card to use the service.
It’s worth noting that there are other BNPL providers operating in Australia, but these are some of the most popular and widely used. When considering which BNPL provider to use, it’s important to compare the fees and charges of each, as well as any unique features they may offer.
The table that compares the fees and charges of different BNPL providers in Australia
Here is a sample table comparing the fees and charges of different BNPL providers in Australia:
| BNPL Provider | Late Payment Fee | Account Keeping Fee | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afterpay | $10 for each late payment | $0 | None |
| Zip Pay | $15 for each late payment | $6 per month if balance is over $0 | 19.9% per annum on outstanding balance |
| Humm | $6 for each late payment | $0 | 0% for up to 6 months, then 19.90% per annum on outstanding balance |
| Klarna | $10 for each late payment | $0 | None |
| Openpay | $9.50 for each late payment | $3.50 per month | 1.0% per month on outstanding balance |
Note: Fees and charges are subject to change. Please refer to the respective BNPL providers’ websites for the latest information.
What are the Potential risks of using BNPL?
While BNPL services have gained popularity due to their convenience and flexibility, they also come with some potential risks. Here are some of the risks associated with using BNPL:
- Increased spending: BNPL can encourage consumers to spend more money than they can afford, leading to debt problems down the line.
- Late payment fees: If a consumer misses a payment deadline, they can be hit with significant late fees, which can add up quickly.
- Credit score impact: BNPL services can impact a person’s credit score, especially if they miss payments or have a high level of outstanding debt.
- High-interest rates: BNPL providers often charge high-interest rates if payments are not made on time, which can add significantly to the cost of the purchase.
- Overspending: BNPL providers make it easy to overspend as users don’t feel the immediate impact of the cost, leading to a lack of control over their finances.
It is important for consumers to be aware of these risks and to carefully consider their financial situation before using BNPL services. It is also advisable to read the terms and conditions of any BNPL service carefully to understand the fees and charges involved.
Tips and advice on how to use BNPL responsibly
- Read the terms and conditions carefully: Before signing up for a BNPL service, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully. Understand the fees, interest rates, and repayment terms so you know what you’re getting into.
- Set a budget: Don’t use BNPL to buy things you can’t afford. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Only use BNPL for purchases that fit within your budget.
- Make payments on time: Late payments can result in additional fees and charges, so make sure you make your payments on time. Consider setting up automatic payments to avoid missing a payment.
- Keep track of your payments: Keep track of your BNPL payments and due dates. You can use a calendar or reminder app to help you stay on top of your payments.
- Don’t use multiple BNPL services: Using multiple BNPL services can make it harder to keep track of your payments and could lead to you overcommitting to payments. Stick to one or two services at most.
- Be mindful of your credit score: BNPL services may affect your credit score, so be mindful of this when using them. Don’t use BNPL services if you’re already struggling with debt or have a poor credit score.
By following these tips, you can use BNPL services responsibly and avoid getting into debt or facing additional fees and charges.
The regulatory environment for BNPL in Australia
BNPL providers in Australia are subject to regulation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). In late 2020, the Australian government announced that it would introduce a new regulatory framework for the BNPL industry to improve consumer protection and promote responsible lending.
Under the new rules, BNPL providers will be required to conduct affordability assessments on customers before approving loans, and they will be required to provide better disclosure about fees and charges. The regulations will also give ASIC greater powers to monitor and enforce compliance with the new rules.
In addition to the new regulations, some BNPL providers in Australia have established their own codes of conduct and best practices to promote responsible lending and ensure good customer outcomes. For example, Afterpay has established an “Oversight Committee” to monitor compliance with its policies and procedures, and Zip Co has implemented a customer hardship program to provide support to customers experiencing financial difficulties.
Overall, the regulatory environment for BNPL in Australia is evolving rapidly, and consumers should stay informed about changes to the rules and regulations governing the industry.
What is the future of BNPL in Australia?
BNPL has rapidly grown in popularity in Australia over the past few years, with a large number of providers offering a variety of products to consumers. However, there are concerns about the potential risks and downsides of using BNPL, and regulators have become increasingly interested in this area. As a result, there are likely to be significant changes to the regulatory environment for BNPL in the coming years.
One trend that is likely to continue is the integration of BNPL into online and in-store payment systems. This will make it easier for consumers to use BNPL at a variety of retailers and will increase the convenience of the service. Additionally, many BNPL providers are expanding their product offerings beyond traditional consumer goods and are entering new industries such as healthcare, travel, and education.
Another trend to watch is the potential for increased collaboration between BNPL providers and traditional financial institutions. Some major banks have already begun to partner with BNPL providers to offer their own BNPL products, and this trend is likely to continue as more consumers embrace BNPL.
However, there are also concerns about the sustainability of the BNPL business model, particularly in light of increasing regulatory scrutiny. Some experts predict that we may see consolidation in the industry as smaller players struggle to compete with larger, more established providers.
Overall, the future of BNPL in Australia is uncertain, but it is clear that the industry will continue to evolve and change rapidly in the coming years. Consumers should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of using BNPL and should carefully consider their options before deciding whether to use this type of service.
Final thought
After discussing the BNPL topic, it is clear that BNPL has become a popular payment method in Australia due to its convenience and accessibility. However, it is important to use BNPL responsibly and be aware of the potential risks, such as accumulating debt and paying high fees. It is also important to note the regulatory environment surrounding BNPL and how it may evolve in the future. As BNPL continues to grow in popularity, it will be interesting to see how the industry develops and adapts to meet the needs of consumers while also promoting responsible use of the service.
