UK shoppers are being urged to exercise significant caution when using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services during this year's Black Friday sales, with experts highlighting the severe risks and 'little protection' associated with these popular payment methods.
The Rising Tide of BNPL Debt
The biggest shopping day of the year arrives on November 28, with millions of Brits poised to hunt for discounts. However, financial charities and money specialists are raising the alarm as they witness a record number of people seeking help for debts linked to BNPL schemes. While these initiatives can be a useful tool for spreading the cost of a purchase interest-free, the pastime is far from the 'risk-free' option many believe it to be.
According to data from Adobe's 2025 Holiday Shopping Forecast, a staggering £132.1 million is expected to be spent using BNPL services on Black Friday alone. This figure represents a sharp 12.7% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the method's growing popularity.
Expert Warnings and Real-World Consequences
Citizens Advice has reported that it is helping 'more people than ever before' with BNPL-related issues. The charity is actively urging consumers to 'take caution, especially if they are struggling with bills already.'
Jane Parsons from Citizens Advice reminded Brits that while BNPL can seem like a 'quick solution for people wanting to bag the latest bargains,' it remains a form of credit. She emphasised that using it 'could still deal a heavy blow to your budget, with little protection if things go wrong.'
This sentiment was echoed by Vikki Brownridge at the debt charity StepChange, who clarified that while BNPL is often interest-free, 'it is certainly not risk free.'
The Spiral of Multiple Payments and Fees
The financial advice service Money Wellness told The Guardian it experienced a record month for people seeking help with BNPL debts, with another spike anticipated in January and February after the festive spending period.
Sebrina McCullough from Money Wellness pinpointed a major issue: 'A major issue is having multiple lines of BNPL credit with different payment dates throughout the month, which makes it hard to budget and easy to lose track.'
She further warned that 'Missed or late payments often come with fees, and debt can spiral before people realise.' Typically, BNPL agreements require payment in two or three instalments. While successful repayment avoids interest, failing to pay on time can lead to charges, persistent debt, and even involvement from debt collectors.
As the Black Friday frenzy approaches, the clear message from experts is to budget carefully and understand that BNPL is a financial commitment, not free money, and one that currently operates with limited consumer safeguards.
