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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.

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Recurring Payment Management Tools Could Drive Cardholder Loyalty and Spend Consolidation

(New York, NY) Once a mainstay of gym memberships and magazine subscriptions, recurring payments have evolved into a dominant force in everyday spending—from streaming services and cloud storage to buy now, pay later plans and auto-refilled essentials. As these payments grow in number and complexity, cardholders are looking for smarter ways to stay on top of them.

Recent research from Auriemma Group’s Mobile Pay Tracker reveals that tools offering visibility and control over recurring payments don’t just add convenience—they can influence which card a consumer chooses to link and even spark provider switching.

Two-thirds of cardholders (66%) say they are interested in a recurring payment management tool offered by their credit card issuer, with similar interest seen for debit cards (63%) and mobile wallets (55%). Enthusiasm runs even higher among Apple Pay users (75%), who gained access to such a feature in April, potentially raising the bar across the payment landscape.

“Cardholders want visibility and control—and recurring payments are no exception,” says Jonathan O’Connor, Senior Manager of Research at Auriemma Group. “Providers that help manage subscriptions and bills are well-positioned to strengthen loyalty and become the go-to for linked payments.”

In fact, many cardholders say these tools would directly impact their behavior. Among those interested in recurring payment management tools, more than 6-in-10 say they would be more likely to link recurring payments to the provider (e.g., credit or debit issuer) offering them.

And 44% of those likely say they would go a step further—switching at least some of their existing linked payments to a provider that offered a better way to view and manage their recurring payments, similar to the service Apple Pay has rolled out. This is even more common among younger cardholders. 53% of 18–34-year-olds say they would switch at least some of their existing recurring payments to a provider offering better management tools.

As recurring payments continue to grow—and as digital tools reshape how consumers interact with their finances—payment providers that offer proactive solutions may find themselves winning not just the next transaction, but the next wave of loyalty.

“Recurring payments management tools are becoming an increasingly important factor in the competition for preauthorized payments,” says O’Connor. “Cardholders are telling us that the right tools can tip the scale—not only in where they link payments, but in which provider they trust to manage their financial routines.”

Survey Methodology

Mobile Pay Tracker

This Auriemma Group study was conducted online within the US by an independent field service provider on behalf of Auriemma Group (Auriemma) in April 2025 among 2,181 Mobile Pay (i.e., Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet) eligible adult credit 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.

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Are Stored Value Accounts a Replacement or Complement to Traditional Banking?

(New York, NY) The rapid evolution of FinTech solutions continues to reshape consumer perceptions of banking, with stored value accounts (SVAs) emerging as a potential competitor to traditional banking accounts and cards. Auriemma Group’s latest issue of The Payments Reports uncovers positive sentiments around SVAs, underscoring their role in the financial ecosystem and raising questions about their long-term viability as a banking alternative.

SVAs offered by providers like PayPal and Venmo allow consumers to preload or receive funds and use them for a variety of transactions. Auriemma’s research shows that 61% of debit cardholders view SVAs as at least complementary to traditional banking, while 31% believe these accounts could replace at least some banking functions. Notably, 8% feel SVAs could entirely replace traditional banking services.

“Stored value accounts represent an important evolution in financial tools, but the collapse of Synapse underscores the risks of fintech intermediaries not covered by the FDIC,” says Jonathan O’Connor, Senior Manager of Research at Auriemma Group. “While stored value accounts offer benefits like lower fees and faster transactions, traditional banks deliver stability, security, and trust—advantages that consumers continue to value.”

What Can Traditional Banks Do?

SVAs are causing a modest stir among cardholders. Less than three-in-ten say they would be likely to use the option if offered by a FinTech provider. However, as SVAs grow in popularity, traditional banks can differentiate themselves by doubling down on their strengths and addressing evolving consumer needs. Auriemma’s research highlights several strategies banks can use to endear themselves to current and potential customers:

  1. Building Trust: Traditional banks should emphasize their strong track record of security—including FDIC backing—and fraud prevention. Providing clear, transparent policies and educating customers about safeguards can build trust that SVAs may not yet fully inspire.
  2. Enhanced Digital Experiences: Streamlining mobile and online banking interfaces can help banks compete with the tech-first approach of FinTechs. User-friendly apps with integrated budgeting tools, instant payments, and easy account management could make a significant difference.
  3. Personalized Financial Products: Banks can leverage their broad customer data to offer tailored financial products, such as personalized savings plans or rewards programs that align with individual spending habits.
  4. Bundled Offerings: By packaging SVAs with more traditional banking services—like high-yield savings accounts, credit cards, and loans—banks can create holistic financial solutions that FinTechs may struggle to match.

Opportunities for Growth

Most of those who have used a SVA with a FinTech provider say they would likely use more of that provider’s products, if available. This highlights the possibility of expansion SVAs create for those who use them. While largely benefiting FinTechs hoping to expand into other financial services, SVAs could also be a gateway for traditional banks hoping to deepen their relationship with new and existing customers.

“Traditional banks have the advantage of deep customer relationships, established financial stability, and the trust that comes with rigorous regulatory oversight. By leaning into these strengths and innovating alongside FinTechs, banks can remain central to their customers’ financial lives,” says O’Connor. “Our research shows that the future of banking will likely blend the reliability of traditional institutions with the agility and accessibility of modern FinTech solutions, creating a dynamic ecosystem that meets a diverse set of consumer needs.”

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 October 2024 among 804 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.

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