Shopping often collides with budget constraints, prompting banks, e-commerce platforms, and fintech companies to offer the “Buy Now Pay Later” facility.
This service allows you to shop without immediate financial worries, and it’s gaining significant popularity.
However, much like Buy Now Pay Later, credit cards offer a similar mechanism.
To determine the more suitable option between these two, understanding their respective merits and demerits is crucial.
Comparing Credit Cards and Buy Now Pay Later:
Both credit cards and Buy Now Pay Later have their own advantages and disadvantages, particularly when it comes to shopping.
By examining their similarities and differences, you can determine which choice aligns better with your preferences.
Similarities:
The primary commonality between credit cards and Buy Now Pay Later is the availability of the EMI payment option post-purchase.
This enables you to spread your payments over a few months or even a year, depending on the terms set by your service provider.
While EMI might not be available across all Buy Now Pay Later platforms, credit cards consistently offer this feature.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider the applicable interest rates for EMI payments.
However, a key distinction arises in the repayment timeline. Credit card purchases must typically be settled within 40 to 50 days, failing which penalties may be imposed.
Conversely, Buy Now Pay Later provides the flexibility of repaying the bill in three easy installments, often without any fees.
Differences:
Credit cards frequently offer rewards and cashback incentives, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Conversely, such benefits are generally absent in Buy Now Pay Later arrangements.
However, Buy Now Pay Later tends to levy lower interest charges compared to credit cards, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Making an informed choice between credit cards and Buy Now Pay Later entails assessing your shopping patterns, financial priorities, and preferences for reward programs.
Both options cater to distinct consumer needs, ultimately providing avenues for more seamless and flexible shopping experiences.
