Money Matters - Buy Now Pay Later Survey

As Americans look for more ways to stretch their budgets, Buy Now, Pay Later is now a standard payment option. 

PartnerCentric just released its 2026 update to a consumer survey on BNPL adoption and use:

• 72% of Americans use BNPL, a 20% increase from 2025
• Millennials now outpace Gen Z in usage, with 21% managing 3+ BNPL plans monthly
• 24% say the cost of living is driving them to use BNPL more
• 1 in 6 are increasing their BNPL use in 2026
• 18% use BNPL for groceries, and 11% use it for delivery food

However, increased use results in increased risk of missing payments: 24% report missing at least 1 BNPL payment in the last year, and 28% reported negative consequences to their credit score. 

The full report is linked above.