Consumers Warned of Hidden Dangers in 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Offers on Black Friday
As Black Friday approaches, millions of people are expected to splurge on big-ticket items and take advantage of tempting "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) offers. However, money experts and debt charities are sounding the alarm, warning shoppers that these seemingly convenient payment options can lead to financial disaster if not used responsibly.
With over one-third of Britons planning to use BNPL to spread their Black Friday spending, there is a growing concern about the potential for debt and financial hardship. According to Citizens Advice, it has seen an increase in people seeking help with BNPL-related problems, with charities urging consumers to exercise caution, especially if they are already struggling with bills.
While BNPL can be a useful tool for managing expenses, regulators and consumer bodies have long warned that some individuals may take out loans they cannot afford to repay on time. This can result in interest charges, damage to credit scores, and even debt collectors knocking on their door.
The temptation of buying now and paying later is particularly strong during the Black Friday shopping frenzy, with average transactions using BNPL reaching £114 last year. Fashion items are among the most popular choices, accounting for almost half of all spending using this form of credit.
However, experts argue that even interest-free BNPL options come with hidden risks. "It's not risk-free," says Vikki Brownridge at StepChange. "Juggling multiple payments can quickly become overwhelming, and missed or late payments often come with fees."
As the industry prepares for the upcoming holiday season, debt charities are urging consumers to be cautious and consider their financial situation carefully before opting for BNPL. With the Financial Conduct Authority set to regulate BNPL on July 15, 2026, consumers will soon have access to more robust protection and affordability checks – but this means that Black Friday and Christmas will be the last chance to shop without these safeguards in place.
In short, while BNPL can provide temporary financial breathing room, it is not a magic solution for those struggling with debt. Shoppers must use these payment options responsibly and carefully consider their financial implications before making a purchase.
As Black Friday approaches, millions of people are expected to splurge on big-ticket items and take advantage of tempting "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) offers. However, money experts and debt charities are sounding the alarm, warning shoppers that these seemingly convenient payment options can lead to financial disaster if not used responsibly.
With over one-third of Britons planning to use BNPL to spread their Black Friday spending, there is a growing concern about the potential for debt and financial hardship. According to Citizens Advice, it has seen an increase in people seeking help with BNPL-related problems, with charities urging consumers to exercise caution, especially if they are already struggling with bills.
While BNPL can be a useful tool for managing expenses, regulators and consumer bodies have long warned that some individuals may take out loans they cannot afford to repay on time. This can result in interest charges, damage to credit scores, and even debt collectors knocking on their door.
The temptation of buying now and paying later is particularly strong during the Black Friday shopping frenzy, with average transactions using BNPL reaching £114 last year. Fashion items are among the most popular choices, accounting for almost half of all spending using this form of credit.
However, experts argue that even interest-free BNPL options come with hidden risks. "It's not risk-free," says Vikki Brownridge at StepChange. "Juggling multiple payments can quickly become overwhelming, and missed or late payments often come with fees."
As the industry prepares for the upcoming holiday season, debt charities are urging consumers to be cautious and consider their financial situation carefully before opting for BNPL. With the Financial Conduct Authority set to regulate BNPL on July 15, 2026, consumers will soon have access to more robust protection and affordability checks – but this means that Black Friday and Christmas will be the last chance to shop without these safeguards in place.
In short, while BNPL can provide temporary financial breathing room, it is not a magic solution for those struggling with debt. Shoppers must use these payment options responsibly and carefully consider their financial implications before making a purchase.
BNPL on Black Friday is like buying a lottery ticket - you might win in the short term but end up losing big time later 
These 'convenient' payment options can lead to a never-ending cycle of debt and financial stress 
If you're already struggling with bills, don't add more to your plate 
Consider waiting for the Financial Conduct Authority regulations in July 2026 or shop smarter not harder 
, but it's just not worth the risk of getting into debt. I've heard from friends who used them before and ended up with huge bills 
.
. And what's worse is that some people might not even realize the interest rates are ticking away 
.
. We need to be more responsible when it comes to our finances, especially during holidays like Black Friday 
. Let's make sure we're not buying into the temptation of instant gratification 
... I mean, responsible spending 
!
. Debt charities are right, we should be cautious & think about our financial situation b4 making a purchase 
dont just go with the flow cuz the temptation is real 
. And let's be real, interest-free doesn't always mean risk-free 
. Just saying.
Just gotta make sure you're aware of the risks and have a plan in place 
And yeah, interest-free options still come with hidden fees 
so we need to stay vigilant! 
so do ur research and think about how u gonna manage the payments