Buy now pay later

Consumer credit overall increased, while revolving debt — that’s mostly on credit cards — was down 1.2%, according to the Federal Reserve.

Adobe's latest forecast shows consumers are expected to spend a record $18.5 billion through buy now, pay later financing this year. That’s up more than 11% year over year.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced new rules today requiring companies like Afterpay and Klarna to investigate when customers dispute a charge, and issue refunds for returned products. They'll also have to provide periodic billing statements.

More than a quarter of Americans used a credit card to buy groceries last year and did not pay off the balance when it was due.

Adobe Analytics projects that buy now, pay later loans could drive as much as $84 billion in spending in 2024. But the debt shoppers are racking up is basically hidden from credit bureaus, lenders and economists.

Subscription offers are everywhere these days. But can they work when paying later is the whole point?

Many buy now, pay later services began as a way to help people make big-ticket purchases. Now, it's also a way to finance essentials.

The CFPB says delinquencies and late fees add up and recommends tighter regulation of loans in line with the credit card industry.

These short-term credit companies are running into questions about their customers' ability to pay them back. Regulators are paying more attention.

Despite the omicron variant, "the recovery we're in has an awful lot of momentum," says Visa chief Al Kelly.