Loading page
Payment methods explained
Understand how BNPL works, when fees may apply, and what consumers and merchants should compare.
Last reviewed
Buy Now, Pay Later services let eligible customers split a purchase into installments or defer payment. The exact product can differ substantially: some plans advertise interest-free installments when paid on time, while other plans may involve interest or fees.
At checkout, a provider may assess eligibility, pay the merchant under its agreement, and collect scheduled installments from the customer. Approval, repayment dates, spending limits, and available payment methods depend on the provider and jurisdiction.
Do not assume a plan is free simply because the checkout page says “pay later.” Read the repayment schedule and terms before confirming.
Only commit to installments that fit your budget. Track all active plans, due dates, and automatic debits. Understand whether returns and refunds pause future installments, and contact the provider if a merchant refund has not been reflected correctly.
BNPL may offer another checkout option, but merchants should compare provider fees, settlement terms, refund handling, dispute responsibilities, integration requirements, and the impact on checkout conversion. The merchant's cost may be different from the consumer's cost.
BNPL is a payment and credit arrangement whose terms vary. Compare the full repayment obligation and consequences of missed payments, not just the size of the first installment.
This article is educational and is not credit, financial, or legal advice. Product rules differ by country.
This explains the costs in general. For what providers actually charge, market by market, see the live data.
FX live, 150 of 153 currencies refreshed 21 Oct 2026 from open.er-api.com (exchangerate-api.com). The remainder use a seeded reference rate.