Personal Loans Australia :: Articles

Buy Now, Pay Later Services: Balancing Convenience with Responsibility

Buy Now, Pay Later Services: Balancing Convenience with Responsibility

Buy Now, Pay Later Services: Balancing Convenience with Responsibility
Millions of Australians use Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, such as Afterpay, Zip, humm, and Klarna, to make purchases and pay back the amount in instalments. However, concerns have been raised about the easy credit offered by these services and the potential harm it can cause to vulnerable individuals. The Australian government has promised to crack down on the industry by the end of the year, with a focus on ensuring appropriate checks are in place to prevent the inappropriate marketing of credit to vulnerable groups.

According to a study by the Reserve Bank of Australia, there were 7 million active BNPL accounts in the last financial year, worth $16 billion or 2% of Australian card purchases. Many users of BNPL services use them to make small purchases under $2,000, but some services, such as humm, offer much larger sums up to $30,000.

While BNPL services offer benefits such as fast and easy access to credit, the government is concerned that they may not be as secure as traditional banking methods. There are also concerns that the easy credit offered by BNPL services may be causing immeasurable harm to vulnerable individuals.

To address these concerns, the government has been considering three options to reform the laws governing BNPL products. One option is to treat BNPL services like credit cards, which would provide greater protections to consumers. Consumer groups, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and some of Australia's biggest banks support this option.

Another option is to establish a tougher industry code for BNPL services, which would require companies to conduct suitability assessments for purchases under $2,001. The industry body, the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA), which represents 90% of BNPL providers, has pushed for this option.

The third option is to establish bespoke regulation under the credit act for BNPL services, which would give greater powers to ASIC to regulate the industry. BNPL providers have offered support for this option.

Despite concerns about the potential harm caused by BNPL services, there are also benefits to consumers. For example, consumers can borrow money without paying interest if they make payments on time. The challenge facing the government is to strike a balance between innovation, competition, credit provision, and consumer protection.

Published: Wednesday, 1st Mar 2023
Author: Paige Estritori


Personal Loans Articles

Avoid Common Budgeting Mistakes for First-Time Borrowers Avoid Common Budgeting Mistakes for First-Time Borrowers
As a first-time borrower, understanding the importance of budgeting is crucial. Effective budgeting can make all the difference in achieving financial stability and meeting your financial goals. It helps you manage your income, control your spending, and save for future needs. - read more
Pre-Approval Loans: How They Work and Why They Matter Pre-Approval Loans: How They Work and Why They Matter
A pre-approval loan is an agreement between a lender and a borrower indicating how much the lender is willing to lend to the borrower, subject to certain conditions. - read more
Effective Credit Repair: Long-Term Strategies for Sustained Improvement Effective Credit Repair: Long-Term Strategies for Sustained Improvement
Maintaining a good credit score is crucial for financial health. In Australia, a solid credit score can unlock better interest rates, higher credit limits, and improve your chances of loan approval. - read more
Pre-Approval Loans: How They Work and Why They Matter Pre-Approval Loans: How They Work and Why They Matter
A pre-approval loan is an agreement between a lender and a borrower indicating how much the lender is willing to lend to the borrower, subject to certain conditions. - read more
A Credit-Savvy Approach to Loan Comparison: What Every Australian Borrower Needs to Know A Credit-Savvy Approach to Loan Comparison: What Every Australian Borrower Needs to Know
Welcome to your essential guide on how to navigate the complex world of personal loans in Australia. Whether you're seeking to finance a major purchase, consolidate debt, or cover unexpected costs, understanding the nuts and bolts of personal loans is crucial. In this conversation, we'll shed light on why being credit-savvy is not just smart, but necessary for anyone considering a loan. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Repairing Your Credit Score Fast The Ultimate Guide to Repairing Your Credit Score Fast
A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. It's derived from your credit history, which includes the total amount of debt you have, your payment history, and other financial behaviours. - read more

Finance News

Calls Intensify for Swift Financial Advice Reforms in Australia Calls Intensify for Swift Financial Advice Reforms in Australia
06 May 2025: Paige Estritori

Amid pressing concerns from industry associations, the call for rapid finalization of financial advice reforms in Australia has been amplified. The lack of direction from the Labour government regarding the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) is causing uncertainty in the sector, potentially stalling essential reform work. The impending retirement of Stephen Jones has only added to the speculation surrounding the future of these reforms. - read more
Unlocking Income Opportunities Through Commercial Real Estate Debt Unlocking Income Opportunities Through Commercial Real Estate Debt
06 May 2025: Paige Estritori

Investors are increasingly discovering income prospects in commercial real estate (CRE) without owning property directly. CRE debt investments offer a popular method to generate returns by lending to those requiring capital for commercial property ventures. The investors' gains are derived from borrowing costs, encompassing interest and fees, once fund expenses are deducted. - read more
Navigating the Challenges of Bond Income Distributions Navigating the Challenges of Bond Income Distributions
05 May 2025: Paige Estritori

As global bond yields experience a resurgence, many income-seeking investors face diminishing returns from cash distributions. According to a recent analysis by investment researcher Zenith, a noticeable discrepancy has emerged between the average yields of bond fund portfolios and their actual income distributions. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Mortgage:
A loan in which the borrower (the mortgagor) offers a property and land as security to the lender (the mortgagee) until the loan is repaid. Repayments of the loan are usually made on a monthly basis over a long period of time, typically 25 years.