Middle-aged and using buy now, pay later? You’re not alone - here’s how to use it safely

Are you in your 40s or 50s and finding yourself reaching for buy now, pay later (BNPL) to cover purchases? If so, you’re not alone.

New analysis from the University of Bristol's Personal Finance Research Centre, based on an Opinium survey of 5,528 UK adults, shows a sharp rise in BNPL use among people aged 40 to 59 over the past two years.

While younger adults still use it most, growth has been fastest among middle-aged groups.

What is BNPL and why are more of us using it?

BNPL allows you to delay payment for something you buy. Instead of paying upfront, you split the cost into smaller instalments over a few weeks or months.

That can feel helpful if you’re waiting for payday or want to spread the cost of a larger purchase.

And you’re certainly not alone in turning to it.

A 2025 survey by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that usage has jumped by two million people over the past three years.

A growing trend among middle-aged adults

The University of Bristol research found BNPL remains most popular with younger adults, used by 27% of under-30s and 24% of those aged 30 - 39.

Our own data shows more young single women with children are seeking help with BNPL debts as they try to "plug the gap and can't make ends meet".

But, according to the analysis, uptake in these groups has grown more slowly than among older adults.

Over the past two years:

• among 40 - 49-year-olds, usage rose from 16% to 21%
• among 50 - 59-year-olds, it increased from 12% to 18%

Earlier figures from UK Finance also showed usage among 55 - 64-year-olds jumping from 10% in 2023 to 21% in 2024.

All of this suggests BNPL is becoming not just a ‘young person’s tool’, but also a routine part of everyday budgeting for many in midlife.

Changes are coming, and they’re designed to protect you

Until now, if something went wrong with BNPL payments, you had limited protection because the sector wasn’t fully regulated.

Financial experts, including us, have seen how BNPL can leave people struggling with debt, especially if you’re using it to cover essentials like food, bills or school costs.

That’s about to change.

From 15 July 2026, the FCA will formally regulate BNPL providers. That means companies offering BNPL will have to follow rules similar to banks and credit card firms.

Here’s what that will mean for you:

• Firms must be authorised by the FCA
  If a lender isn’t authorised, it won’t be allowed to offer you BNPL.
• You’ll get affordability checks
  Before you click ‘buy’, lenders will have to check you can realistically afford the repayments.
• You’ll get support if you’re struggling
  If you fall behind or face financial difficulty, firms will be required to offer help.
• You’ll get clearer information
  You should be told exactly what you’re signing up for, in plain, understandable language.
• You’ll be able to complain properly
  If something goes wrong and the company doesn’t resolve it, you’ll be able to take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, giving you someone independent in your corner.

How to use BNPL responsibly

If you do use BNPL, a few simple habits can help you stay in control:

• Only buy what you can afford. Ideally, only use BNPL for items you already have the money for, you’re just choosing when to pay.
• Keep track of what you owe. Missed payments can lead to fees and affect your finances.
• Avoid juggling multiple providers. Using several BNPL services at once can make budgeting harder than you think.
• Don’t borrow to repay borrowing. Avoid using credit cards or loans to clear BNPL debts. If possible, repay directly from your bank account or debit card.

BNPL can be a useful short-term tool. But it works best when you stay in control of it, rather than letting it quietly become a growing debt problem.