87% of BNPL “Pay in 4” users say “Pay in 4” plans have helped them avoid relying on high-interest credit debt
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new nationwide survey released today by the Financial Technology Association (FTA), conducted by HarrisX, a leading public opinion research firm, finds that American consumers view Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) “Pay in 4” payment plans as a responsible financial tool and a better alternative to high-interest credit cards. As Americans are feeling increasing economic pressure, the survey reveals that an overwhelming majority of “Pay in 4” users (91%) and more than three-quarters of U.S. adults (77%) believe these plans have had a net positive impact on American consumers, including reducing reliance on high-interest credit card debt.
“Americans very strongly see BNPL ‘Pay in 4’ as a low-cost, flexible tool to manage their finances,” said Penny Lee, President and CEO of the Financial Technology Association. “People who’ve used BNPL find it gives them flexibility, makes for a better alternative to other payment options, and ultimately supports their financial well-being. We asked, and Americans want this resource protected and preserved.”
“Americans want financial options and flexible payment opportunities as they navigate inflation and affordability concerns,” said Dritan Nesho, Founder and CEO of HarrisX. “Our research shows U.S. adults and voters overwhelmingly view Buy Now Pay Later ‘Pay in 4’ plans as a valuable financial tool that gives them greater flexibility and control over their finances while reducing their reliance on high-interest credit cards.”
Additional key findings from the survey are below. The full survey can be found here.
- More than three-quarters of all U.S. adults agree BNPL “Pay in 4” plans serve as a responsible tool for spreading costs over time, avoiding high-interest credit card debt, and helping consumers navigate periods of financial hardship.
- BNPL “Pay in 4” plans are flexible, low-cost tools to manage finances. The survey found people primarily use BNPL to spread out the cost of a purchase over time without incurring interest (89%) and to have greater flexibility (88%) and control (86%) over payments.
- 87% of BNPL “Pay in 4” users say “Pay in 4” plans have helped them avoid relying on high-interest credit cards, and nearly three-quarters (74%) feel these payment plans are better for their financial well-being than high-interest credit cards.
- Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) of BNPL “Pay in 4” users agree that elected officials should protect consumers’ access to BNPL “Pay in 4” plans as a valuable financial tool, as do 75% of Americans.
As the BNPL industry continues to grow, FTA welcomes appropriate regulations that reflect consumer protections and standards already in place at leading firms, while preserving this resource for residents and businesses that value BNPL as a low-cost, flexible payment option. Here is a snapshot of what makes BNPL work for consumers:
- Split a purchase into 4 or fewer payments over 6 to 8 weeks.
- Each BNPL loan is individually underwritten.
- No revolving balances.
- All loan terms, obligations, payment schedules, and costs are clearly disclosed.
- Late payers are paused from using the services, preventing debt accumulation.
- The average loan amount is $135.
- Gradual credit limit increase.
- Fixed repayment dates and amounts.
- Transparent and easy to understand.
- About 1 in 5 American consumers has used BNPL.
- 96% of loans are paid in full and on time.
- The majority of revenue comes from merchant fees, not interest or late fees charged to consumers.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online by HarrisX among 1,890 U.S. adults nationwide from June 18–23, 2026. The survey included an oversample of 500 U.S. adults who have used a BNPL “Pay in 4” plan at least once in the past 12 months, for a total of 965 BNPL “Pay in 4” users, including natural fallout in the national sample. Survey results were weighted using U.S. Census and Federal Reserve data to ensure they align with proportions within the national population. The sampling margin of error in this poll is +/- 2.3%. Results among Buy Now Pay Later “Pay in 4” users have a margin of error of +/- 3.2%.
About FTA
The Financial Technology Association (FTA) is a network of fintech industry leaders shaping the future of finance. We champion financial innovation and advocate for policies that expand competition, access, and opportunity. To learn more, please visit https://www.ftassociation.org/.
About HarrisX
HarrisX, a Stagwell company, is a research and strategic advisory firm that delivers clear, data-driven answers to our clients’ most pressing questions. Powered by proprietary technology and a campaign-style approach, we move fast, cut through the noise, and surface insights that drive real-world impact. With offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, we advise Fortune 100 companies, public institutions, global leaders, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations. Named the most accurate pollster of the 2020 U.S. presidential election by The Washington Post and the American Research Group, HarrisX doesn’t just deliver data — we deliver confident decisions.