Usage of the flexible payment method hit an all-time high on Cyber Monday, driving $1.03 billion in online spend (up 4.2% YoY), as consumers looked for greater flexibility in managing their holiday budgets. The vast majority of BNPL transactions are happening on a mobile device as well, at 79.4% share on Cyber Monday (vs. desktop). In an Adobe survey of over 1,000 U.S. consumers (conducted Nov. 2025), respondents said they were most likely to use BNPL for electronics, apparel, toys, and furniture purchases.
Source: Adobe Analytics.
Are many of them no interest?
I’m not a BNPL user, but my understanding is that most are interest free (to attract more users) unless a borrower is late/misses a payment.
I assumed that was the trap, or retroactive interest. Just seems to prey on those already at financial disadvantage.
The BNPL company also charges the merchant much more than a credit card company does. Something like 6%. So they’re also making money on people who do pay in full at 0%.
The theory goes that the merchant is happy to pay the higher rate because it makes a sale happen that otherwise wouldn’t. Unfortunately that increased cost just gets added to the price everyone pays.
PayPal Pay In 4, Paypal 12 months (sometimes), Amazon Affirm, all no interest. Unless you miss the payment. Then bend over for it. Interests rates vary from 8 percent to 32 percent retroactive, depending on who you get it through. I’ve used BNPL several times, but always made sure I can afford the payment in the monthly budget, and only when it is zero interest.
In addition, I have the rule of “only one active BNPL at a time”.