With rising inflation and bank rates, almost all of us are constantly searching for affordable shopping options. Fortunately for us, buy now pay later apps are here to solve all of our problems by offering us flexible payment options that make our favorite products extremely affordable. With the rapid rise of this system, not only are BNPL apps offering card features, but credit card companies are also trying to enter this market by providing users with pay later option. With both BNPL companies and credit cards racing to provide users with easy payment features, the shopping experience has become an incredibly seamless affair for most of us.
Functioning of BNPL apps
Before diving into the blurring lines between the BNPL facility and credit cards, it can help to learn about the paradigm employed by such lenders to make purchases more affordable for their users. Here is more information regarding the same:
- The pay later facility can be availed either by making use of the feature available on the eCommerce website or by creating your personal profile on BNPL apps. You can even head over to buy now pay later websites to set up your account.
- Through this feature, you can complete transactions simply by paying a small margin of the total amount, after which the BNPL lender takes care of the rest.
- Once done, you can repay the amount through simple repayment schemes provided by the BNPL app.
BNPL vs Credit Cards
If you are wondering where exactly the BNPL system and credit card facility differ, then you are not alone. Here are some major aspects that establish a clear dichotomy between the two:
- Eligibility – The eligibility parameters for credit cards are slightly more formal, whereas BNPL apps have smooth eligibility procedures.
- Interest charges – Credit cards levy transaction charges on the user, whereas BNPL users are not required to make any interest payments.
- Repayment flexibility – The repayment schemes instilled in place by credit card companies are generally monthly, whereas BNPL lenders provide flexible schemes extending to weekly EMIs as well.
- Benefits and rewards – Credit card holders receive various premium benefits and cash rewards, which are minimal for BNPL card holders.
Buy now, pay later with your credit card
While an increasing number of credit card companies are racing to incorporate BNPL services on their cards, BNPL apps also provide users with the option to pay later using their credit cards. How can you be a part of this?
- Step 1 – Pick a BNPL app of your choice, and download it to create your profile. You may even use the website or the BNPL app that the e-commerce site you shop from has partnered with.
- Step 2 – Create your profile, and go through the OTP verification process that comes after you have provided them with rudimentary personal and banking details.
- Step 3 – For the repayment scheme, click on the credit card option and enter your credit card details to pay for the items you purchased through your credit card statement.
Credit card services with the BNPL function –
- Many credit card companies have also integrated this functionality onto their card to make the most of the growing support for buy now pay later services.
- If your credit card company has this function, you can head to their official website, where you can view the available plans and the kind of transactions that are eligible for it.
- Once you sign up for this plan, you can make purchases and pay for them later, the amount for which will be added to your due total.
- While these plans will not affect your credit score, the amount that you are eligible for will depend on your creditworthiness.
- With all the features of BNPL, you will still be eligible to earn rewards as before, thus making this an extremely lucrative scheme for credit card holders.
The truth is, finding the sweet spot between the usage of credit cards and BNPL services helps you find a balance between making mindful purchases and escaping needless consumerism. BNPL aims to make items more affordable, and with credit card payment options, they have given new meaning to fintech transactions. Moreover, many credit card companies have also jumped on the bandwagon, so users have a plethora of options to choose from. Simply visit their website, research the various available plans, and check the minimum credit you are eligible for with your creditworthiness. The bottom line is that with BNPL apps, shopping for your favorite products is no longer a luxury but more of a banal activity, one that reeks of comfort and convenience!