By Finder.com for Stacker

Nearly 2 in 3 attendees at this year’s Coachella festival used BNPL to buy their tickets
The gap between BNPL loans and credit cards may close over time as the buy now, pay later industry continues to evolve and offer more ways to make money and earn rewards

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is popping up everywhere. An April 2025 LendingTree survey found that around half of Americans have used BNPL, and around 1 in 3 have used it more than once. Buyers aren’t just using it for essentials either, with a Billboard report finding that nearly 2 in 3 attendees at this year’s Coachella festival used BNPL to buy their tickets. Credit cards, the grandfather of deferred payment solutions, have been around since the 1950s, and more than 4 in 5 US adults have one, according to the Federal Reserve. Is it worth ditching high-interest plastic in favor of zero-interest cardless loans?

Which comes with more perks?
Cost and safety aside, which payment option offers more benefits and freebies? Backed by a much longer history of fine-tuning features to meet consumers’ needs and wants, credit cards come out ahead.
While some basic cards minimize perks to keep fees low, many others add on a slew of complimentary goodies to encourage card signups and spending. Welcome bonuses, travel insurance, car rental discounts, concierge services and special retail offers are just a few examples.

Many credit cards also let you earn rewards points, cashback or travel miles on your purchases. Accumulated bonuses can offset the cost of seasonal getaways or help you pay for everyday expenses—a top financial concern for many these days. The gap between BNPL loans and credit cards may close over time as the buy now, pay later industry continues to evolve and offer more ways to make money and earn rewards.
On the other hand, BNPL lenders know their most profitable strength is remaining accessible to borrowers who have poor or no credit, so they might plan to intentionally fly below credit card programs and target subprime consumer spending.

Bottom line
So, which comes out on top: BNPL or credit cards? BNPL loans cost less if you pay off your purchase entirely within the zero-interest financing term while the credit card industry is backed by greater consumer protections and has more to offer. It may not be worth ditching your credit card for BNPL loans right now—but that doesn’t mean “Pay in 4” lenders won’t start giving credit card companies a run for their money in the future.
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