Press release
Buy Now, Pay Later: additional consumer protection needed
In 2024, Dutch consumers used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) to pay for online purchases 17% more often. Although the number of payment issues decreased, they still remained significant. Major e-commerce platforms have nearly as many deferred payment users as BNPL providers, with similar risks. This is evident from research conducted by the AFM. We support tightening the threshold amounts for creditworthiness assessments and BKR checks. Under the current thresholds, 9 out of 10 BNPL transactions with payment issues would not require a check under the new legislation.
In short
- BNPL grew by 17% in 2024; fewer but still many payment issues
- Indications of poor financial health among a part of BNPL users under 35
- BNPL providers and e-commerce platforms: nearly equal user numbers and comparable risks
- By November 2026: BNPL under AFM supervision
- AFM supports tightening the threshold for creditworthiness assessments and BKR checks
BNPL grew by 17% in 2024; fewer but still many payment issues
In 2024, BNPL providers processed around 53 million transactions totaling €5.1 billion, marking a growth of approximately 17% over the past year. Although payment issues decreased, they remained substantial. BNPL providers issued about 6.9 million default notices , charged late fees 1.8 million times, and transferred around 0.6 million transactions to debt collection agencies.Indications of poor financial health among a part of BNPL users under 35
Our analysis reveals signs of poor financial health among a portion of BNPL users under the age of 35. For example, one in six users is overdrawn for an average of seven to eight days per month. They also reverse or miss around ten direct debits per year. This number increases with more frequent use of BNPL. These insights are based on statistical data from a bank and highlight the importance of strong consumer protection.BNPL providers and e-commerce platforms: nearly equal user numbers and comparable risks
The three e-commerce platforms Amazon, Bol, and Zalando also offer deferred payment services. In 2024, they had 4.4 million users in the Netherlands. In comparison, the four BNPL providers—Billink, In3, Klarna, and Riverty—had around 5.5 million users. Nearly 0.9 million platform customers had to pay late fees in 2024, a number comparable to that of the four BNPL providers. The platforms report taking measures to prevent debt issues. We also advocate for their adherence to the BNPL code of conduct.By November 2026: BNPL under AFM supervision
By November 2026 at the latest, the BNPL sector and major e-commerce platforms will fall under our supervision due to the implementation of the revised Consumer Credit Directive. A legally required age verification will be introduced. We want this to take effect as soon as possible to prevent minors from using BNPL.AFM supports tightening the threshold for creditworthiness assessments and BKR checks
The current threshold for creditworthiness assessments and BKR checks is €250. Since 9 out of 10 BNPL transactions with payment issues are below this amount, we support lowering the threshold. Otherwise, these transactions would still not require a creditworthiness assessment or BKR check under the new legislation.Contact for this article
Would you like to receive the latest news from AFM?
Subscribe to our newsletter, we will keep you up-to-date.