{"id":18427,"date":"2026-10-21T15:15:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T13:15:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paynopain.com\/?p=18427"},"modified":"2026-10-21T15:17:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T13:17:31","slug":"bnpl-for-merchants-when-to-offer-pay-later","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paynopain.com\/en\/blog\/bnpl-for-merchants-when-to-offer-pay-later\/","title":{"rendered":"BNPL for merchants: when does offering installment payments make sense?"},"content":{"rendered":"

manage their purchases. According to our 2026 survey, \u201cPayment Methods: The Ultimate Decision\u201d, 32% of Spaniards use BNPL regularly or occasionally. However, its adoption varies considerably depending on age, purchase category and transaction amount.<\/span><\/p>\n

For merchants, offering installment payments should not simply be a response to the growing popularity of BNPL. The decision should depend on whether this payment method suits their customer profile, <\/span>average ticket value<\/span><\/a> and product or service offering.<\/span><\/p>\n

When does it make sense to offer BNPL? In this article, we explore who uses Buy Now, Pay Later most frequently, which sectors see the highest adoption rates and what merchants should consider before adding it to their payment strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Which sectors use BNPL the most?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

BNPL adoption varies across sectors. Our survey shows that this payment method is particularly common in categories involving higher-value purchases.<\/span><\/p>\n

Technology and electronics lead the way, with 66%, followed by home appliances and household equipment (57%) and travel bookings and experiences (34%).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Use<\/p>\n

These findings show that installment payments are particularly relevant for purchases that may involve a significant upfront expense. In these cases, spreading the cost over several payments gives consumers another way to manage their spending.<\/span><\/p>\n

BNPL user profile<\/b><\/h3>\n

Beyond the sector, the customer profile also plays an important role. Age, in particular, is one of the factors showing the greatest differences in BNPL adoption.<\/span><\/p>\n

Generation Z, aged 18 to 28, leads the use of installment payments, with 56% using this option regularly or occasionally. Among Millennials, aged 29 to 44, the figure falls to 32%.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Generation X, aged 45 to 56, records 26%, while Baby Boomers, aged 57 to 76, reach 28%.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Use<\/p>\n

By contrast, gender differences are considerably smaller. 33% of men say they use installment payments regularly or occasionally, compared with 30% of women.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, the findings indicate that BNPL is more widely used among younger consumers and in certain categories associated with higher-value purchases.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>4 signs that BNPL could be a good fit for your business<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Our survey findings provide a useful starting point for assessing whether BNPL for merchants aligns with a business’s characteristics and customers’ needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Your <\/b>average ticket value<\/b><\/a> is high<\/b><\/h3>\n

According to our survey, technology, electronics and household equipment are the categories where financing is most commonly used. These purchases often involve a significant financial outlay.<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, businesses with a high average order value (AOV) may benefit from offering installment payments, giving customers greater flexibility when making a purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. You sell products that require careful consideration<\/b><\/h3>\n

Not all purchases involve the same decision-making process. Buying an electronic device, replacing a household appliance or booking a holiday may require more planning than making a lower-value purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a context of <\/span>inflation<\/span><\/a> and increasing pressure on household budgets, the upfront cost can play a greater role in purchasing decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n

For some consumers, the ability to spread payments over time can make it easier to manage their spending without paying the full amount at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

For merchants, offering both immediate payments and installment payments helps accommodate different customer preferences and financial circumstances. This can be particularly relevant in categories where the transaction amount may influence whether a customer completes a purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Your customers are young or familiar with online shopping<\/b><\/h3>\n

The customer profile is another important factor to consider. According to our survey, more than half of Generation Z consumers (56%) use installment payments regularly or occasionally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Generally speaking, this generation is particularly familiar with digital environments, more willing to try new <\/span>payment methods<\/span><\/a> and tends to have lower purchasing power.<\/span><\/p>\n

The difference compared with other age groups is significant. Therefore, businesses primarily targeting younger consumers may find that offering BNPL can help improve conversion rates.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. The upfront cost may be a barrier to purchase<\/b><\/h3>\n

Finally, merchants should consider how much the purchase amount may influence a customer’s decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

When certain products or services involve a significant upfront expense, offering installment payments allows customers to spread the cost instead of paying the full amount at checkout.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What do customers look for when choosing installment payments?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Understanding who uses BNPL is important, but so is knowing why consumers choose installment payments.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to our survey, the three main reasons are:<\/span><\/p>\n