The Danger of Buy Now, Pay Later

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” — Luke 12:15In an age of instant gratification, getting what we want has never been easier, even if we can’t afford it. But as “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services become increasingly popular, they’re quietly reshaping our relationship with money, debt, and even contentment. Let’s explore how these programs work, why they’re spiritually and financially dangerous, and how Scripture invites us into a better way.What Is Buy Now, Pay Later?Originally used for large purchases like furniture or electronics, BNPL services now allow consumers to split nearly any purchase into multiple payments—even cheeseburgers. DoorDash, for example, lets customers finance their food in four installments. The convenience may seem harmless, but it can mask deeper issues.Companies like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, Zip, Sezzle, and PayPal offer these options at checkout. According to Experian, more than 80% of U.S. shoppers have used BNPL. The ease is attractive, but the long-term impact can be devastating.BNPL makes it seem like you’re not going into debt, but that’s exactly what’s happening. Small recurring payments across multiple platforms add up fast, leading to overdraft fees, financial stress, and, in many cases, high interest rates—some as high as 36% for missed or extended payments.A $60 DoorDash meal split into four $15 payments doesn’t seem bad—until you do it for every meal. Or take a $3,000 couch bought with a BNPL plan: one missed payment, and that couch could ultimately cost $8,000 due to fees and interest.Scripture’s Warnings About DebtThe Bible doesn’t shy away from warning us about the dangers of debt. Proverbs 22:7 tells us, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.” Debt isn’t just a financial issue—it can become an emotional and spiritual burden, dividing our attention and devotion.In Luke 12:15, Jesus reminds us that “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Yet BNPL feeds the lie that more stuff equals more satisfaction. Instead of trusting God to provide, we try to manufacture comfort and control through impulsive spending.Why are we tempted to buy now and pay later? Often, it’s not out of need, but out of insecurity, impatience, or discontentment. Paul models a better path in Philippians 4:11–13: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content...I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”True contentment doesn’t come from a checkout screen—it comes from trusting the Lord to provide, even when the budget feels tight.A Better Way: Practical and Spiritual WisdomSo, how do we resist the pull of BNPL and grow in godly contentment?Practically:Build margin. Save up for purchases ahead of time.Budget for “wants.” Use a separate category or envelope system.Set spending limits. Use cash or debit card to help avoid overspending.Spiritually:Examine your heart. Ask: Am I trusting God, or just trying to feel better?Pursue contentment. Let God define your enough.Practice gratitude. Train your heart to see God’s provision in what you already have.Freedom to Live GenerouslySaying no to unnecessary debt frees us to say yes to generosity. When we live with open hands and open hearts, we reflect the freedom we have in Christ—freedom from striving, fear, and scarcity. And that’s far better than four easy payments.So next time you see a “Pay in 4” button, pause. Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Can I pay for it in full? And does this reflect trust in God, or just in a payment plan?Wise stewardship begins with contentment, and contentment begins with Christ.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I are sending our son on a five-week mission trip to Scotland. We’re debt-free and want our kids to stay that way. I’m hesitant to open a credit card, but what’s the best, safest way to give him access to money while he’s overseas?We recently sold our home at a profit, bought a new one, and are now debt-free. However, the new home needs repairs, and we still have a mortgage. Should we tithe on the profit from the home sale, or use those funds for the house needs?I’m a recently retired teacher with two annuities—one worth $19,000 and the other about $13,000. I’ve just opened an IRA and wonder if I should roll the annuities into it, or if there might be a better strategy.I’ve inherited a large amount of cash-valued property and need guidance on how to manage it wisely, especially to minimize potential tax liability.We paid off our home in October 2024. Do we need the deed and title to protect ourselves from fraud, or is it handled automatically?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Credit CounselorsWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.