From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-03 06:05:00

DoorDash has partnered with Klarna, allowing customers to finance purchases. This move offers flexible payment options for groceries, electronics, and more. However, experts worry about the “eat now, pay later” trend contributing to America’s debt binge. Klarna offers pay in full, pay in four, and pay later options.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued new rules treating buy now, pay later (BNPL) products like credit cards. Despite protections, BNPL increases spending risks, especially for financially constrained consumers. Experts warn that offering easy credit access could worsen America’s debt binge.

Financially constrained shoppers may be vulnerable to spending increases with BNPL. Experts criticize borrowing money for takeout food and warn against the “eat now, pay later” trap. Data from the Federal Reserve shows increasing credit card, auto loan, mortgage, student loan, and HELOC balances. Continued borrowing at unsustainable levels is a concern.

Researchers found that once people use BNPL services, they continue to do so repeatedly. Consumers should avoid paying for food in installments or deferring payments, as this could lead to financial troubles. Instead, stick to a budget, save for the future, and consider cooking at home to avoid overspending.

To avoid overspending, consider deleting apps that make it easy to overspend and focus on home cooking to save money. While financing deliveries may seem convenient, it can lead to financial difficulties. Stick to a budget and save for the future to maintain financial stability.

Read more: DoorDash has a new ‘buy now, pay later’ option but experts are skeptical. Would you try it?