The Financial Technology Association (FTA), a trade body representing FinTech firms, has published nationwide research showing US consumers regard Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) “Pay in 4” plans as a sensible way to manage money and a preferable option to costly credit cards.
The poll, carried out by public opinion research firm HarrisX, found that 91% of “Pay in 4” users and 77% of American adults believe the plans benefit consumers during a period of economic strain, in part by cutting dependence on expensive credit card borrowing.
Support for maintaining access to the product was similarly strong. Some 88% of BNPL “Pay in 4” users and 75% of Americans agreed that policymakers should safeguard consumers’ ability to use these plans.
The FTA said it supports proportionate regulation that reinforces the consumer safeguards leading providers already operate, while keeping intact an affordable and flexible payment method used by millions of people across the country. According to the association, BNPL offers fixed repayment schedules, clear terms and no revolving balances, with 96% of loans settled on time and in full.
The FTA is a trade association that advocates on behalf of financial technology companies, engaging with policymakers on issues affecting the sector.
The research was conducted online by HarrisX between 18 and 23 June 2026 among 1,890 US adults, with an oversample of 500 adults who had used a “Pay in 4” plan at least once in the previous 12 months, giving a total of 965 users. Results were weighted against US Census and Federal Reserve data, with a margin of error of +/- 2.3% overall and +/- 3.2% among users.
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