BNPL Credit Reporting Poised to Reshape Payment Behaviors

(New York, NY) As major credit bureaus begin incorporating Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) data into their reporting systems, consumer payment behaviors are poised to shift—but only for those who are aware of the change. According to Auriemma Group’s latest issue of The Payments Report, over half (54%) of cardholders say BNPL credit reporting would influence whether they choose to pay with BNPL over a credit card—with more saying they’d lean toward credit cards (38%) than toward BNPL (16%).

This potential shift in preference is accompanied by changes in repayment behavior. One-third (34%) of BNPL users say they would prioritize paying off balances as quickly as possible if their activity were reported. Yet others would move away from BNPL altogether, with 6% saying they would stop using it. This dual reaction suggests that, for some, credit reporting doesn’t simply change payment methods—it alters their approach to debt management altogether.

Over 6-in-10 debit cardholders feel that BNPL providers should be reported to credit bureaus. However, Auriemma’s research found that over half worry that doing so will harm borrowers overall.

“These findings underscore that awareness alone isn’t enough to drive behavior change,” says Jonathan O’Connor, Senior Manager of Research at Auriemma Group. “Cardholders are weighing the benefits of building credit against the possibility of negative outcomes, and their choices will depend on how they perceive and balance those risks.”

Generational differences also play a role. Millennials are far more likely than their older counterparts to believe BNPL credit reporting would yield a positive impact on their credit score while Baby Boomers and older, who are less engaged with BNPL overall, are more likely to believe the change will have no impact on their scores.

“Reporting BNPL activity to credit bureaus introduces both accountability and opportunity,” says O’Connor. “Some cardholders will embrace BNPL as a credit-building tool, while others will treat it more cautiously, changing how and when they choose to borrow. But for many, the biggest change will come only once they fully understand how BNPL activity affects their credit profile.”

Want to learn more about Buy Now, Pay Later? Auriemma has been capturing trend data about BNPL offers, enrollment, providers and more on a quarterly basis since 2019. Email research@auriemma.group for more information.

Survey Methodology

The Payments Report

This Auriemma Group study was conducted online within the US by an independent field service provider on behalf of Auriemma Group (Auriemma) in June 2025 among 802 adult debit cardholders. The number of interviews completed for both is sufficient to allow for statistical significance testing among sub-groups at the 95% confidence level ±5%, unless otherwise noted. The purpose of the research was not disclosed, nor did respondents know the criteria for qualifying.