BNPL Is About to Impact Your Credit Score — Here’s What That Means for You
If you're one of the millions who have used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps like Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm, there’s a new development you’ll want to keep on your radar: those payments might soon start affecting your credit score.
BNPL has long been treated as a convenient, interest-free checkout option. But now, credit bureaus are beginning to include it in your credit file, meaning your repayment behavior could soon work for or against you, depending on how you manage it.
Let’s walk through what’s changing and what it means for you.
What’s Changing With BNPL and Credit Scores?
Until recently, your BNPL activity was largely invisible to credit bureaus. You could take out a BNPL plan, make your payments (or not), and it wouldn’t show up on your credit report. But that’s starting to shift in a big way.
Experian kicked things off in 2022 with a dedicated BNPL bureau. Since then, Equifax and TransUnion have begun working with a few BNPL providers to collect and test data. It’s part of a broader move to treat BNPL more like traditional forms of credit.
Meanwhile, credit scoring models like FICO and VantageScore are being updated to account for BNPL without unfairly penalizing short-term loans. The goal is to reflect real borrowing behavior, especially for people who may not use credit cards or loans but do rely on BNPL.
So, going forward, making your BNPL payments on time could help build your credit. But if you fall behind, it could now count against you — just like a late credit card payment.
Why Are They Doing This Now?
BNPL has exploded in popularity. People are using it for clothes, groceries, and everyday purchases. With billions in annual transactions, credit bureaus and lenders simply can't afford to ignore it.
Additionally, many BNPL users are younger or have little to no credit history. Including this data helps build a more accurate credit profile, giving lenders a fuller view of how someone manages debt.
It’s also about risk management. If a lender can see your BNPL habits, they can make more informed decisions before approving new credit.
How Will This Affect Your Credit Score?
It really depends on how you’re using BNPL.
If you make your payments on time and don’t overextend yourself, it could actually help. It adds depth to your credit profile and shows responsible use of installment-based credit.
On the flip side, missed payments may soon show up as delinquencies on your credit report. If you’re juggling multiple BNPL plans or using it in place of a budget, that could raise red flags for lenders. Overuse, even if you're paying on time, might suggest you're financially stretched.
In plain terms, BNPL is becoming a real credit product in the eyes of lenders. It's best to treat it like one.
What Should Consumers Do Next?
Here are a few easy ways to stay on top of things:
Use payment reminders or set up auto-pay to avoid missed installments.
Don’t stack too many BNPL plans at once. It’s easy to lose track.
Check your credit reports regularly (from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) to spot any BNPL listings or errors.
Continue working on your traditional credit, such as a secured card or a small personal loan. It helps round out your profile.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
Some BNPL activity is already being reported by select lenders, and broader participation is expected throughout 2025. While not every provider is onboard yet, the direction is clear.
So even if nothing has hit your report yet, it’s smart to act as if it already does. Responsible use now will only help later.
Bottom Line
For individuals looking to establish or rebuild their credit BNPL reporting
is a chance to make your everyday purchases work for you (considering you stay on top of your payments). But it also means BNPL is not as “risk-free” as it once seemed. Think of it as another form of credit, and treat it with the same caution.
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