Story perspectives

FICO to Include BNPL Loans in Credit Scores

7/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Starting fall 2024, FICO will factor buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans into credit scores, acknowledging their rising consumer use.
BNPL is particularly popular among low- and middle-income groups, including Black, Hispanic, women, millennials, and Gen Z.
Timely BNPL payments can boost credit scores, while missed payments have minor negative impacts.
BNPL offers fewer consumer protections than credit cards, leading to concerns over disputes and refunds.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has introduced regulations to improve BNPL user protections, though enforcement may be limited.

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Story summary

Starting fall 2024, FICO will factor buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans into credit scores, acknowledging their rising consumer use.
BNPL is particularly popular among low- and middle-income groups, including Black, Hispanic, women, millennials, and Gen Z.
Timely BNPL payments can boost credit scores, while missed payments have minor negative impacts.
BNPL offers fewer consumer protections than credit cards, leading to concerns over disputes and refunds.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has introduced regulations to improve BNPL user protections, though enforcement may be limited.