Overview

• FICO confirms its updated models will incorporate BNPL loan performance beginning this fall, with no exact rollout date specified.
• BNPL usage has surged, with about 81.5 to 87 million Americans using these plans last year and forecasts pointing higher in 2025.
• Recent surveys report 49% of BNPL users have missed payments and two-thirds juggle multiple loans, with many using the plans for essentials such as groceries and medical bills.
• Consumer advocates warn of steep penalties and fewer protections than credit cards, noting late fees can reach roughly 36% in some BNPL arrangements.
• Personal finance experts urge borrowers to inventory all BNPL accounts now and prioritize payoff through consolidation, 0% balance transfers, counseling, or targeted repayment strategies.