Category: Blog

The buy now, pay later option has become a widely favored payment method within consumer financing, with over 50% of US consumers utilizing these services through various consumer finance platforms.

What is buy now, pay later (BNPL)?

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is an innovative payment option that enables customers to acquire products and services without paying the total upfront. Instead, they can instantly finance their purchases and repay them through fixed, interest-free installments over a set period—for instance, a $100 purchase in four equal installments of $25.

Widely used by a diverse range of businesses, particularly e-commerce retailers, BNPL services help boost conversion rates, increase average order values, and attract new customers. Companies that have integrated BNPL services have experienced up to a 30% incremental rise in sales volume. This payment alternative grants customers the convenience of immediate financing for their purchases paid through predetermined installments.

As a merchant, you receive the complete payment for the item upfront, excluding any merchant fees, and are not responsible for handling the financing. Buy now, pay later providers undertake the responsibility of underwriting customers, managing installment plans, and collecting payments, allowing you to concentrate on expanding your business.

This guide provides an overview of buy now, pay later payment, and other financing options. It will educate you on their functionality and assist you in selecting a provider.

How do buy-now-pay-later services work?

1. Customers can use BNPL to purchase products or services online or in-store by selecting the BNPL option via an app.
2. Once a plan is selected, approval from the BNPL platform is obtained, initiating the payment cycle. The first payment is deducted at checkout, while the remaining installments are typically interest-free. Extra costs may be incurred for late payments.

Businesses obtain the entire payment upfront (excluding any merchant  fees) upon completing the transaction at checkout. Customers make their installments directly to the buy now, pay later provider, often without interest and with no extra fees, provided they pay on time.

Do buy-now-pay-later  payment methods affect a customer’s FICO score (Credit Score)?

What Is FICO Score?

A FICO score is the number used to determine someone’s creditworthiness. Financial institutions and lenders use this as a guide to determine how much credit they can offer a borrower and at what interest rate. FICO scores can range from 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better. A FICO score is based on a few different factors:

When customers exercise caution by avoiding overspending and consistently making timely payments, the majority of buy now, pay later payment options should not substantially affect their credit scores.

How buy-now-pay-later services make money?

Different FinTechs monetize their BNPL platform in different ways. Generally, providers derive income from the merchant, customer, or both. The fees for merchants vary depending on the provider but typically encompass an initial setup fee and a fixed charge for each transaction. Customer fees usually involve late fees incurred due to missed payments.

What are the benefits of buy-now-pay-later services?

Seamless checkout experiences are crucial for any business, especially when targeting e-commerce expansion. Customers anticipate smooth, personalized payment experiences that allow them the freedom to select their preferred payment method. Buy now, pay later payment options provide adaptability and ease to your customers, minimize fraud, and enhance conversion rates and average order values.

As the cost of living increases, customer demands for BNPL solutions will likely grow, making it a superior short-term installment payment option even for credit card holders.

Get paid upfront and receive protection from repayment risk and fraud:

The merchant obtains the entire transaction amount upfront, without delay—regardless of the customer’s success in paying their installments. Consequently, buy now, pay later providers/lender-network assume all customer risks, protecting your business from fraud. In cases where a customer files a fraud-related dispute, the buy now, pay later provider bears the risk and any related expenses.

Extend customer reach:

Providing diverse payment methods enables you to establish a relevant and recognizable payment experience, attracting more customers. Buy now, pay later options appeal to younger consumers who frequently lack credit cards: 27% of millennials and Generation Z shoppers utilized buy now, pay later services in 2021. Additionally, buy now, pay later services to possess well-established marketing channels, including shop directories and email marketing, which may present further opportunities for reaching new customers.

* Marketingcharts.com – August 2021 | Data Source: Morning Consult

Enhanced customer experience:

Buy now, pay later payment solutions provide customers with a quicker, more accessible means of obtaining financing. Customers undergo a soft credit check (as opposed to a hard review associated with other financing methods), and there are no separate applications, application fees, or added processing time. Most providers feature easy-to-understand repayment plans and terms. Additionally, returning customers can enjoy a seamless checkout process, finalizing their payments in just a few clicks.

Increased sales conversion

Customers are more inclined to complete a purchase if they can pay over time. Buy now, pay later services help alleviate the sticker shock—making four interest-free payments of $50 appears less daunting than a single $200 credit card transaction with accumulating interest.

Increase the value of sales

Buy now, pay later services eliminate the obstacle to making more substantial purchases by enabling customers to split the payment over time, accommodating their budget. For businesses offering lower-priced products, customers might be more inclined to buy extra items when they discover the option to spread the total cost over in installments.

Problems with providing Buy-Now-Pay-Later

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a popular option for consumers who want to purchase without paying the total amount upfront. However, it has many limitations. It is only suitable for specific credit types. BNPL may be an option for those with good credit and a stable income, but it will decline those with lower credit scores, resulting in low approval rates.
Most BNPL loans range from $50 to $1000. For larger purchases, there is a need for other financing options.
Additionally, existing BNPL providers have a one-size-fits-all approach and don’t offer personalized lending. In today’s world – different people need different consumer financing options, and different consumers have unique financial situations; a customized approach can help them access suitable credit for their needs and budget. Without personalized lending options, consumers may be presented with unstable lending options, resulting in an inability to repay, high-interest charges, and potentially damaging their credit score.
The lack of personalized lending options in existing BNPL providers can also be bad for merchants. When consumers are given a one-size-fits-all financing option, it can lead to a higher rate of default and late payments.

Consumer financing Platforms

While both consumer financing platforms and “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) solutions provide consumers with access to credit, there are some advantages that consumer financing platforms have over BNPL solutions. First, consumer financing platforms often offer more flexible repayment terms, allowing borrowers to choose a repayment period that suits their budget and financial situation. In contrast, BNPL platforms typically require repayment within a short timeframe, which can be challenging for some borrowers. Additionally, consumer financing platforms may offer lower interest rates and fees than BNPL platforms, saving borrowers money in the long run. Finally, consumer financing platforms may offer a broader range of loan options and loan amounts, making them a better choice for consumers who need more substantial financing for significant purchases. The main reason consumer financing platforms are more flexible and carry these benefits is that they connect to multiple lenders and are not the lender itself. Overall, while BNPL platforms can be convenient for smaller purchases, consumer financing platforms are often better for consumers looking for more effective and flexible financing options.

Buy Now, Pay Later provider comparison.

Choosing the right buy now, pay later provider depends on the types of products you sell, their prices, and your customer base. When evaluating providers, consider the following:

Repayment terms: Buy now, pay later providers offer varying installment loan plans and term lengths, ranging from several weeks to multiple years. If your business has a high average order value, seek lenders that provide repayment over an extended period (like monthly installments over six months). Conversely, merchants with lower average order values may opt for fewer installments over a shorter duration, such as four installments over six weeks.

Credit limits: Each customer will have a unique spending limit based on their usage, credit, and repayment history. However, some buy now, pay later providers impose minimum and maximum credit limits. Assess your average order value and choose a provider that offers sufficient credit for customers to complete a purchase.

Customer location: Determine the markets in which you would like to provide buy now, pay later services, taking into account your customers’ locations. Often, this may involve offering multiple buy now, pay later providers to maximize your geographic coverage. With ChargeAfter’s multi-lender platform, this is unnecessary because the ChargeAfter platform connects you to the relevant lenders and services in one platform.

Affirm

Affirm BNPL range from 4 interest-free bi-weekly payments to extended installments for eligible customers of up to 36 months. The usual 0% APR loans range from 3,6, to 12 months.

Afterpay

Afterpay, known as Clearpay in the UK and the EU, enables customers to split payments into four interest-free bi-weekly installments or three interest-free monthly installments. With 20 million active users, it operates in Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Spain, the UK, and the US.

Klarna

Klarna Pay in Installments lets customers spread the cost of an online purchase over three or four interest-free payments. Klarna Pay Later in 30 days allows customers to complete a transaction and pay the total amount later, with no extra cost. Klarna Financing provides up to 36 months of credit for approved customers.

ChargeAfter

Multi-lender consumer financing

Offering the power of choice, ChargeAfter provides a single application for personalized point-of-sale financing, guaranteeing approval and acceptance rates for any consumer financing option. ChargeAfter’s multi-lender platform caters to all credit types and currencies and connects consumers with suitable lenders for all e-commerce and in-store financing needs.

Consumer finance, not only BNPL

Unlike other platforms, ChargeAfter allows for various types of consumer finance:

• Straight Revolve: A type of credit that a borrower can continue to draw from and repay.

source: wallstreetprep.com

• Deferred Interest (6/12/18/24 Months): The interest is deferred during the promotional period. To avoid paying finance charges, the entire balance must be paid off, in full, at the end of the promotional period.
• Equal pay: Equal monthly payments are required during the promotional period. Interest does not accrue during the promotional period. This type of financing is designed to pay off promotional balance in full within the promotional period.
• Fixed pay: Fixed monthly payments are required during the promotional period. APR is assessed during the promotional period.
• B2B financing: B2B financing can take many forms, including trade credit that can help businesses manage their cash flow, invest in new equipment or technology, and fund growth initiatives. B2B financing can benefit both the lender and the borrower. It can help businesses maintain strong relationships with their suppliers and customers while accessing the capital they need to succeed.
• LTO: Lease-to-own (LTO) is a financing option to lease a product or equipment with the option to buy it at the end of the lease term. This financing option is also available for businesses or merchants.
• Private label credit cards: A retailer or brand issues private-label credit cards that can only be used to purchase at that specific retailer or brand. These credit cards may offer rewards, discounts, or other benefits to incentivize customers to use the card for purchases. Private-label credit cards can help retailers build brand loyalty and increase sales by providing customers with a convenient financing option and encouraging repeat purchases.

Supports all platforms

Easily integrate point-of-sale financing options on your Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, hybris, custom platforms, and more with simple-to-connect extensions or basic JavaScript code.

Providing POS checkout financing for your website or physical store has always been more complex.

Credit spectrum

Credit spectrum refers to the consumer’s creditworthiness range, from those with excellent credit to those with poor credit. Lenders use credit scores and credit reports to determine a consumer’s creditworthiness, and this information is used to determine the interest rate and terms of a loan. The credit spectrum typically includes different categories, such as prime, near-prime, subprime, and deep subprime, each reflecting a different level of creditworthiness.

Post-Sale management

ChargeAfter offers all-around performance and transaction reporting through an intuitive dashboard. Access your transaction history, monitor live trades, and effortlessly handle settlements, up-selling, refunds, and partial credits with just a click of a button.

White-label consumer finance platforms

As a large retailer or established brand, ChargeAfter is dedicated to promoting your brand rather than ours. Tailor the entire point-of-sale checkout financing experience to align with your brand identity and provide customized Point of Sale finance offers that your customers will easily recognize.

Support

ChargeAfter prioritizes the success of our merchants by offering 24/7 support and assistance. Whether you require aid with processing financing settlements, custom reporting, or developing creative for your next buy now pay later financing campaign, we’re here to assist you in achieving your goals.

About ChargeAfter

ChargeAfter’s headquarters is in New York. The company’s investors comprise prominent entities such as The Phoenix, Citi Ventures, Banco Bradesco, VISA, MUFG, BBVA, Synchrony Financial, PICO Venture Partners, Propel Venture Partners, Plug and Play VC.

For more information & or to Schedule a Demo, visit- https://chargeafter.com/contact-us/

Join us at the Fintech Nexus New York event on May 10-11, 2023, as we explore the dynamic world of financial technology and its impact on the financial services industry. As a comprehensive media organization, Fintech Nexus delivers vital insights, networking opportunities, and motivation, bridging the gap between conventional finance and its future evolution.

We invite you to visit ChargeAfter‘s booth at this event to witness firsthand how we’re shaping the future of consumer financing. As part of the consumer lending track, ChargeAfter is hosting an insightful panel discussion in collaboration with Citi Bank on May 11th, titled “Will Banks Dominate the Future of Consumer Financing?”.

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from industry leaders about the latest trends and innovations in consumer financing and how banks are positioned to take the lead.

The panel discussion will feature Terry O’Neil, Managing Director, Head of Embedded Commerce and Strategic Growth at Citi Bank, and Meidad Sharon, CEO of ChargeAfter. The conversation will be moderated by Jeffrey Tower, EVP Business Development from ChargeAfter, ensuring a lively and thought-provoking discussion.

Fintech Nexus New York promises to be an exciting event for professionals from the banking, fintech, and investment sectors, with over 5,000 attendees expected. Be part of this exceptional gathering, and remember to drop by ChargeAfter’s booth to expand your knowledge, forge new connections, and get inspired for the future of finance.

See you there!

ChargeAfter has been nominated as a USA finalist in the 2023 Banking Tech Awards. The nomination demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in fintech. As we look forward to the winner’s ceremony on June 1, 2023, we eagerly anticipate the outcome and the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements and successes of ChargeAfter and its fellow nominees.

The yearly Banking Tech Awards USA celebrates remarkable accomplishments and triumphs in the American banking and fintech sector. The United States hosts numerous prominent global financial service centers and experiences rapid growth in the financial technology market. These awards honor the exceptional achievements and successes of the nation’s most talented individuals and innovative businesses.

ChargeAfter has been nominated as a USA finalist in the prestigious 2023 Banking Tech Awards this year. The company is a finalist for ‘Best Embedded Finance System – Lending’ award – a testament to its exceptional work in fintech. With their innovative embedded lending platform, ChargeAfter has made significant strides in the industry, offering businesses a seamless and efficient way to offer any type of consumer financing.

The 2023 Banking Tech Awards, presented by FinTech Futures, is the top international source of unbiased intelligence and expertise for professionals within the fintech industry. The awards highlight the rapid growth and cutting-edge developments in the financial technology market by showcasing the best and brightest in the field.

The winner ceremony will occur at the luxurious 583 Park Avenue in New York City on June 1, 2023. This event will bring together leaders, innovators, and visionaries from the banking and fintech sectors to celebrate their achievements and successes. It promises to be an unforgettable night filled with networking opportunities, inspiring speeches, and the recognition of outstanding accomplishments.

To join the celebration and witness the crowning of the winners, bookings can be made at https://informaconnect.com/banking-tech-awards-usa/purchase/select-package/. Take the opportunity to participate in this exciting event, where you can connect with industry professionals, learn about the latest trends in fintech, and celebrate the triumphs of the best in the business.

Introduction:

 

The consumer credit market has evolved significantly, from its limited offline beginnings to the emergence of point-of-sale financing and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options. These developments have provided consumers with greater choice and flexibility. However, limitations in lending offerings at the point of sale – in-store and online – can still restrict consumer options and hinder merchant sales. This is where ChargeAfter comes in, connecting lenders and consumers at any point of sale, offering a seamless solution akin to how Visa and MasterCard operate in the payment space. In this podcast, Meidad Sharon, the founder and CEO of ChargeAfter, explores the evolution of the credit market and how ChargeAfter addresses the limitations in the current market.

 

The Evolution of the Credit Market:

 

In the podcast, Meidad Sharon discusses how the credit market has evolved from a limited, offline solution to one with point-of-sale financing and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, offering consumers more choice and flexibility. However, he points out how current lenders tend to focus on specific financial products, credit segments, and territories, limiting consumer options and hindering merchant sale conversions.

 

ChargeAfter’s Solution:

 

ChargeAfter aims to address these limitations by easily connecting multiple lenders and consumers at the merchant’s point of sale, online and in-store, providing a seamless solution similar to how Visa and MasterCard connect the payment space. With ChargeAfter, merchants can access multiple lenders in a single integration, covering the full credit spectrum and offering various financing solutions for B2C and B2B customers. This approach aims to optimize financing options, increase sale conversions, and create a more connected consumer credit market.

 

Support Each Lender Unique Underwriting Model:

 

ChargeAfter presents lending options to consumers based on each lender’s unique underwriting model, which considers various data points beyond credit scores. Consumers can then choose the best fit for their preferences from the available credit options, allowing them to find the most suitable financial solution.

 

Future of the Credit Market:

 

The market now recognizes that BNPL and point-of-sale financing are here to stay and will likely be the future of consumer credit. Consumers are likely to expect all their credit options to be available instantly at the point of sale. Major payment players have adopted consumer finance, including BNPL, within the last 18 to 24 months, merging the previously separate payments and point-of-sale financing markets. This trend indicates that BNPL and point-of-sale financing will become a standard offering alongside credit cards and alternative methods like PayPal.

 

ChargeAfter’s Role in Enabling Regulation:

 

As the BNPL market matures, regulation is essential to protect consumers from over-borrowing and to ensure transparent disclosures. ChargeAfter, as the platform embedding lenders and BNPL providers at the point of sale, plays a significant role in enabling this regulation by connecting merchants to regulated and trusted lenders while providing the best solution to consumers.

 

Demand from Banks to Enter or Expand Their Presence in  POS Financing:

 

There is a growing demand from banks to enter or expand their presence in the POS financing and  BNPL market. They have provided credit for many years and are eager to expand their offering at the point of need with multiple consumer financing products.

ChargeAfter supports banks and financial institutions by embedding them in the merchant’s customer journey, shopping carts, and checkout experiences through white-label BNPL & consumer finance solutions, allowing banks to offer financing to their consumers without being a tech expert or a customer experience expert.

 

Sector-Specific Differences in Financing:

 

Point of sale financing and BNPL vary across different sectors. In industries with high average order values, such as healthcare, home improvement, furniture, and electronics, financing is crucial for consumers, accounting for up to 80% of sales. In other industries, financing accounts for 10%-50% of sales, it is on the rise.

 

ChargeAfter’s Vision for the Future of the BNPL Market:

 

ChargeAfter has a big vision for the future of the BNPL market, anticipating more lenders, financing products, and more consumer financing options. They see new forms of financing emerging to cater to changing consumer preferences, like renting items instead of long-term ownership. As consumer demand increases and the number of solutions are on the rise – the need for an embedded lending platform for POS financing becomes inherent to omnichannel customer journeys, simplifying the consumer financing process end to end. 

Financing data will become increasingly important to merchants, lenders, and financial institutions,  enabling them to optimize their offerings and gain better visibility into consumer behavior. ChargeAfter provides control, connectivity, and real-time matching between consumers, transactions, and lenders while addressing data security and compliance challenges for banks and merchants.

Conclusion:

The consumer credit market has undergone significant changes, and point-of-sale financing and BNPL options have emerged as key players. ChargeAfter is an innovative solution that connects lenders and consumers at the point-of-sale, offering a seamless and optimized financing option for B2C and B2B customers. Its unique technology simplifies complex underwriting, regulations, and compliance needs. Its data-driven approach allows its partners to maximize the benefits of offering point-of-sale financing. The future of the BNPL market looks bright, and ChargeAfter has a big vision to expand its platform by adding more lenders, financing options, and countries. The credit market continually evolves, and ChargeAfter is well-positioned to create a more connected credit market.

Take advantage of valuable insights into the evolution of the credit market and how ChargeAfter is changing the game with point-of-sale financing and BNPL options. Listen to the podcast featuring Meidad Sharon, the founder and CEO of ChargeAfter, now to learn more!

 

 

Over the past few years, many retailers have concentrated on direct-to-consumer and e-commerce. As part of this – specific consideration has been given to consumer financing, and significant agreements have been made between consumer finance FinTech companies and big-brand companies such as Walmart, United Airlines, Amazon, Lenovo, and many others, even though these retailers already have well-established private label credit card programs.

Consumer appetite for consumer financing and BNPL drives merchant demand for point-of-sale financing.

* https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/buy-now-pay-later-us-users

Beyond surveys, historical growth statistics, or forecasts for rising popularity in consumer finance, the evidence lies with two simple metrics:

—  How many companies include consumer financing at their point of sale, and
—  Are any big brand retailers are embracing it

The fact is, consumer financing has always been a staple with big retailers.

The difference in recent times is that big brands recognize the benefits of partnering with innovative FinTechs, allowing them to concentrate on their core business while benefiting from new technologies as they are developed.

Previously, this was exclusive to merchants with the resources to integrate or develop point-of-sale finance options into their platform.

Innovation by FinTechs has accelerated the adoption of consumer finance as demand by merchants is fueled by consumers’ need for affordability in the face of the current and imminent challenging financial environment.

It is essential to understand that consumer finance does not exclusively mean Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), although BNPL does fall under the umbrella of consumer finance.

 

Evolution of consumer finance

 

Consumer financing has evolved from credit cards and prime lending solutions often offered by traditional financial institutions such as banks to a technology-diverse fintech landscape with various financial service providers and platforms.

But what does this new ‘landscape’ offer, and how do we navigate it?

We look at how merchants use various consumer finance options and highlight their benefits.

 

Credit Card

The credit card option at checkout is widely known to us. It is the most prevalent payment method. Almost all banks and financial institutions provide many credit card types that are accepted as payment methods offering goods or services anywhere. One can purchase anything within a predetermined credit limit and pay later without impacting their monthly budget. A key advantage of using a credit card is converting the total purchase amount into affordable equated monthly installments (EMI), facilitating easy repayment over time. EMI conversions from credit card purchases have transformed the shopping experience significantly.

 

As popular as credit cards have been, consumers know their glaring disadvantages. The most infamous being high-interest charges. Further, the prime lender provides the loan (credit). i.e., the institution that issued the credit card reduces the credit limit by an amount equal to the bill amount converted into EMIs. 

 

Buy Now, Pay Later

 

Single Lender BNPL Platform

 

BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) is unsecured consumer credit and an increasingly popular fintech-enabled payment option, most commonly offered on e-commerce platforms. The history of BNPL traces back to the installment plan – a way to pay for large purchases over time by spreading it over several smaller payments.

 

As a form of POS (point-of-sale) financing, credit originates directly at the time and point-of-sale, as opposed to a customer being required to secure credit from a lender ahead of their shopping experience.

Fintech companies have developed different flavors of BNPL. However, most are similar in that they have a single lender. Sometimes, as with PayPal, the lender is also the technology provider.

 

Studies have shown that BNPL increases retail sales. The reason is that some consumers may not have a credit card, prefer not to use credit cards, and many times look at BNPL as a better alternative to credit card installments, as  BNPL offers an alternative to installment payments that is often with favorable repayment terms when compared to the use of credit cards.

 

Most, if not all, well-known big brands, such as Amazon, Walmart, and many more, have teamed up with BNPL FinTechs to expand their consumer financing options to increase sales while limiting risk. This strategy has proved to be successful.

 

 

Walmart

Walmart is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. With over 10,000 stores in 27 countries, Walmart offers a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, clothing, and home goods, at low prices to attract budget-conscious shoppers. The company is known for its efficient supply chain management. Walmart added Affirm as a  BNPL for installments of 3,6 and 12 months.

 

 

Amazon

The largest retailer in the world and founded in 1994, Amazon is a multinational technology company. It specializes in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. 

In this example , Amazon has partnered with ZIP to offer short terms installments. 

The problem with single-lender BNPL

 

However, although very convenient, single-lender BNPL platforms do not necessarily offer the consumer the best loan terms and are limited to BNPL only.

 Customers must conform to single-lenders’ terms of service and credit score policy.

 Imposing these terms of service may result in less than desired loan terms offered to the consumer or, even worse, a failed loan origination. Both scenarios heighten the probability of sale abandonment.

Big brands have recognized that consumers shop for the best deals, not only in products and services but also in costs and terms associated with financing their purchases.

 For this reason, established merchants offer customers multiple payment options at checkout. Including multiple BNPL service providers and options. Most of which are single-lender platforms.

Bed Bath & Beyond, for instance, diversifies its consumer financing options to its customers by partnering with multiple BNPL financing providers.






Merchants have found that sale abandonment decreased because customers have more options for lending at the point-of-sale. While this is a good strategy by the merchants, it has many limitations. For one, it is still a limited short-term installment offering. Even when using several BNPLs, surveys found that almost 30% of merchants report that their consumer financing approval rates are less than 60%. 

Furthermore  –  it creates a fragmented checkout experience. Sometimes, customers may still abandon their cart, feeling overwhelmed, unsure, and confused with the various options. Decision paralysis occurs because there is too much choice.

 

A study by SMARTASSISTANT found that 54% of consumers have stopped purchasing products from a brand or retailer website because choosing was too difficult.

The same is true for products & services and checkout payment options alike.

Multi-lender Consumer finance & BNPL platforms

 

As a means to offer the advantages of the different types of consumer finance options available and address their shortcomings, ChargeAfter developed a multi-lender consumer finance embedded lending platform.

Backed by over 40 lenders, in a single checkout financing option, merchants can offer their customers the best consumer loan at checkout, which is lightning fast and provides the best loan terms.

ChargeAfter’s platform and network finds the best loan suited for the customer and merchant with a streamlined and efficient process that feels indigenous to the merchants’ site and brand.

Unlike conventional consumer finance options and single-lender BNPL, surveys have shown that multi-lender consumer finance platforms achieve loan approvals of 80% or more.

ChargeAfter’s platform is seamlessly integrated throughout the merchants’ channels – online and in-store –  to create an omnichannel experience that feels proprietary to the consumer. The benefit of omnichannel experience in itself adds value to the merchant.

As a solution that maximizes return through its obsession with the customer journey experience, ChargeAfter’s platform elevates the consumer experience, reduces cart abandonment, and increases return business.

Some examples of big brands using a multi-lender platform include:

 

Lenovo

Founded in 1984 and specializing in personal computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices, Lenovo is the world’s largest PC vendor by unit sales.

Lenovo is a multinational technology company that operates in over 60 countries.

Jerome’s
Jerome’s Furniture is a family-owned and operated retailer that has been serving Southern California for over 65 years.

 

 

 

About ChargeAfter

 

ChargeAfter is the leading multi-lender white-labeled consumer financing platform and lender network for global banks, financial institutions, and merchants. Powered by a data-driven decision engine and network of international lenders, ChargeAfter streamlines the distribution of credit into a single platform that merchants can implement rapidly online, in-store, and across any point of the loan.

ChargeAfter investors include The Phoenix, Citi Ventures, Banco Bradesco, Visa, MUFG, BBVA, Synchrony Financial, PICO Venture Partners, Propel Venture Partners, and Plug and Play VC. ChargeAfter is headquartered in New York.

 

 For more information, visit: https://chargeafter.com/about/.

Consumer finance is not set to grow. It’s growing! As consumer behavior shifts towards online shopping, the benefits of eCommerce financing are becoming increasingly evident. By offering flexible payment options, ecommerce financing empowers customers to make purchases they might otherwise defer, significantly boosting conversion rates and reducing cart abandonment. For retailers, this means increased sales and the ability to reach a wider audience, including those needing access to traditional credit. Additionally, ecommerce financing can foster greater customer loyalty, encouraging repeat purchases through convenient and accessible payment plans. This trend aligns with the broader growth of POS financing, illustrating the critical role of flexible payment solutions in modern retail strategies.

According to recent data from Globaldata, (POS) point-of-sale financing continues to grow significantly within the total unsecured lending balances in the United States. As of 2023, credit card balances amounted to around $1.08 trillion, reflecting a substantial increase from previous years. The POS software market was valued at approximately $5.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10% through 2030. This growth is primarily driven by the rising adoption of contactless payment methods, which are favored for convenience, speed, and safety. The retail sector remains the leading end-user segment within this market, highlighting the expanding influence of POS financing.

POS software market outlook 2019-2030 ($ Billion)

Market size ($ Billion)

Similarly, according to McKinsey Consumer Lending Pools, the same trend is can be seen internationally with POS financing making up 11%

Prudence Research has also shown, how BNPL, a financial instrument for short term installment loans,  falling within the POS Finance umbrella, has grown and how it is forecasted to grow dramatically in the coming years. For instance, the Buy Now Pay Later market size is forecasted to grow to a staggering 3.2 Trillion dollars by 2030.

Financing can expand the customer base for various purchases, including appliances, electronics,  furniture, home improvement projects, and services like elective medical procedures and dental equipment and procedures. Offering financing options can boost sales for any seller, whether in a brick-and-mortar store, online, or through a call center, and cater to all consumer types.

Buying a product or service that costs between $1,000 and $10,000 is more complex than making a $50 purchase by swiping your credit card. Businesses need to make an effort to attract a broader range of consumers. Through embedded finance, consumer financing has expanded beyond buy now, pay later and adopted long-term installment payment, 0% APR, revolving lines of credit, and more, to offer consumers flexible payment options.

Industry analysis found how consumer financing increases merchant sales. For instance:

• According to The Inaugural Citizens Point of Sale Survey by Citizens Financial Group, the most notable finding is that 76% of consumers are more likely to make big-ticket sales when given the option of consumer financing, such as BNPL or other payment plan options. Of those surveyed, 66% want consumer finance alternatives to credit cards.The survey revealed that consumers would prefer non-credit-card consumer financing with fixed monthly plans,  clear payment terms, and a clear understanding of how the amount will be paid off as the most important factors when considering a large purchase.
• Comparably, a study by Futurepay.com reports that 56% of shoppers are more inclined to purchase a high-priced item online if financing options are available. This percentage increases to 73% for frequent online shoppers. These statistics are very close to findings by the Citizens Financial Group.
• A recent FREE retailer insights survey by ChargeAfter indicates that from a retailer’s perspective, 85% of retailers expect year-on-year growth in consumer financing.

Higher value, more sales with ecommerce financing options

Merchants selling higher ticket items who offer consumer finance options achieve more sales than merchants without consumer financing options.

‘The Big Ticket: What’s stopping Shoppers’ (big-ticket survey) published its findings and according to them, financing alternatives stimulate high-value purchases. Over two-thirds of shoppers (68%) and 79% of daily shoppers would be more inclined to purchase a high-priced item if they could divide the cost into smaller payments. For high-priced items under $1,000, almost half of all shoppers (47%) prefer alternative financing over a credit card to complete the transaction. Even at a price as low as $200, 15% of shoppers were willing to switch away from a credit card.

Similarly, ChargeAfters’ Retailer survey released in 2023, from a retailers’ perspective, states that merchants recognize that financing options drive big-ticket purchases.

The number of BNPLs merchants offered to customers is not affected by the retailers Average Order Value (AOV). However, other POS financing options vary significantly depending on the AOV of the business. When the AOV is less than $500, companies typically offer 2.5 different POS financing options. However, when the retailer AOV exceeds $500, this number increases to 3.5 different POS financing options. As their AOV increases, merchants seek to diversify their payment options to meet customer demands. There is no one-size-fits-all solution regarding financing options, particularly with a substantial AOV. Offering a limited BNPL of pay in four or six installments is insufficient as customers require more flexibility and choice.

Financing options by average order value (AOV)

Fintech companies at the forefront of consumer finance innovation offer embedded financing & lending technologies making it easier for merchants to integrate omnichannel consumer financing solutions.
Embedded finance solutions that integrate easily, such as ChargeAfters’ multi-lender platform, allows merchants to offer their customers quick, convenient, and personalized financing options. Customers connect to a wide choice of financial products and lenders in a single application, resulting in an 85% approval rate. Merchants increase sales by offering consumer financing and installment payments on sales where the same customers would typically walk away from the sale.

Reduce cart abandonment with consumer finance

The Big Ticket: What’s stopping Shoppers survey found that 66% of shoppers abandon their carts after adding an item to their shopping cart. 72% of this abandonment was due to the items being too expensive, and 16% because there were no payment options.

Another Research conducted by beymard.com in 2022 shows that site trust (18%), complicated checkout process (17%), inability to calculate total order cost upfront (16%), not enough payment options (9%) and. Credit card declines (4%) are the main reasons for abandonment. These statistics can be significantly improved with the correct embedded finance technology.

According to recent research conducted by Baymard Institute in 2024, the main reasons for cart abandonment include high extra costs (48%), the site requiring account creation (24%), slow delivery (22%), lack of trust in the site’s security (18%), complicated checkout processes (17%), inability to see total order costs upfront (16%), and insufficient payment options (9%). Credit card declines account for 4% of abandonments. These issues can be significantly reduced with the correct embedded finance technology.

With an embedded lending platform like that of ChargeAfter, merchants can increase sales by decreasing cart abandonment.

Conclusion: Boost sales with ecommerce financing

Reducing cart abandonment is one of the most significant benefits of offering consumer financing and installment payments in e-commerce stores. Many customers abandon their carts because they need help to afford the full price of an item at the time of purchase. However, by offering financing options, merchants can make sales more affordable and accessible, reducing the likelihood of cart abandonment and increasing the chances of a sale.

In addition to reducing cart abandonment, offering financing options can increase customer loyalty and repeat business. Customers who take advantage of financing options are more likely to return to the same merchant for future purchases, as they have established a relationship and trust with the merchant through the financing process.

Offering ecommerce financing options can help merchants reach a wider audience of potential customers. Many consumers who may not have been able to afford high-ticket items in the past may now be able to do so with financing options, opening up a whole new market for the merchant.

Finally, offering financing options can help merchants stand out from the competition and differentiate themselves in the crowded e-commerce marketplace. By providing financing options, merchants can provide a more comprehensive and customer-centric shopping experience that distinguishes them from other retailers.

Introduction

Embedded finance is a growing trend in the finance industry that involves integrating financial services into non-financial customer journeys, and it is now becoming prevalent in both B2C and B2B contexts. Embedded finance options will eventually be the norm for B2C purchases, even for traditionally conducted offline transactions. This trend helps to increase customer engagement and loyalty. As this trend continues to grow, many industries are exploring various embedded finance use cases.

 

 

What is Embedded Finance?

Embedded finance allows non-financial companies to integrate financial services or products into their digital offerings, making it more convenient for customers to purchase products and streamlining business processes. This trend has also led to embedded fintech, wherein financial service platforms integrate into commercial or financial service platforms.

In short, an embedded finance ecosystem integrates the various spheres necessary to complete the entire cycle of a financed transaction.

For instance, when a retail customer makes a purchase (in-store or online) and opts to pay for the purchase in installments, three things need to exist;

The Seller – The merchant selling the product or services through the systems they employ. In this case their Point-Of-Sale system.
In embedded finance, this is the ‘Distributor’ or ‘Embedder.’
These are retailers, software companies, and marketplaces – that integrate financial services into their products to benefit their customers.

 

The Lender – providing finance for the product or services purchased in point #1 for a fee and/or interest, allowing the seller to sell a product with no financial risk.
However, sometimes the ‘lender’ role is also fulfilled by the seller as a second source of revenue by offering loans with interest.
This is the ‘Balance Sheet Provider’ or ‘Financial service provider’: Banks, fintech, and other financial institutions.

And

Technology Provider – configuring and integrating the systems between the seller system and the lender system to create and maintain a seamless transaction
The ‘Technology Provider’ or ‘embedded financing platforms‘ are both experts in the seller technologies and service design and well-versed in the regulations and intricacies of providing financial services. They help stitch the embedded finance ecosystem together. They look at the customer journey to provide processes that are simplified and personalized.

 

A real world example would be Point of Sales financing whereby:

• The retailer would be the ‘Seller’ such as Lenovo

 

 

• The ‘Balance Sheet Provider’ would be a group of lenders bidding to offer the best consumer financing deal (long term installments financing)

 

• The ‘Technology Provider’, such as ChargeAfter’, enables this transaction to occur by integrating and connecting ‘The seller’ with ‘the balance sheet provider’ in an automated manner, facilitating the transaction efficiently.

 

 

Types of Embedded Finance

* Embedded finance, a multi-trillion dollar opportunity, Source: The rise of embedded finance, Dealroom and ABN AMRO Ventures, 2022

 

• Embedded Lending and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)

 

BNPL is an example of embedded lending. It falls under Point of Sale financing (also known as POS financing). BNPL  is a lending option that allows customers to purchase goods or services and pay for them through short term installment loans. BNPL financing is usually offered by fintech companies.

Point-of-sale (POS) financing is an umbrella term that describes a variety of embedded lending  methods and products. These include BNPL but also pay over time for longer and bigger purchases, as well as 0% APR, revolving line of credit, lease-to-own, and more.

Point-of-sale loans like these are gaining popularity and have become essential in improving the user experience and driving customer loyalty through repeat purchases.
According to a 2022 article by The Ascent, 56% of consumers surveyed in 2021 have used a buy now, pay later service, this is up from 37% in July 2020*

* https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/buy-now-pay-later-statistics/

 

Increasingly, Point-of-sale loans are integrated with online e-commerce websites as well as in-store.
Well-known big retail brands such as Best Buy, Costco,, Target, Walmart, and countless others recognize the value in offering various embedded consumer finance options in their online channels and stores with an omnichannel experience. Many of these big brands opt to integrate with consumer financing platforms such as ChargeAfter instead of developing their own.

ChargeAfter’s omnichannel multi-lender platform is designed to support merchants by providing various financing options to consumers and businesses. The platform is pre-integrated with more than 30 leading lenders, enabling merchants to offer multiple financing options using a single application directly on their e-commerce website or retail location. The platform allows for a quick financing approval process, with up to 85% of financing approvals completed in less than three seconds.

ChargeAfter’s embedded  financing platform is designed to offer shoppers various financing options, regardless of their credit history. The platform offers 0% APR, open lines of credit, short and long-term installments, card installments, lease-to-own, and B2B financing options.

 

There are many examples of well-known retail brands that offer embedded financing and BNPL at the point of sale. Below are some examples:

Jerome’s Furniture:

showcases its financing options already at the homepage, allowing customers to prequalify for financing offers.

 

 

 

In addition they embed the financing offer within the PDP:

 

 

42photo.com

Presents a promo pop up with the financial offer – welcoming any customer to to choose business financing

 

embedding the Point of Sale financing as part of a seamless checkout process:

 

 

Digital Wallets Integrated into Mobile or Online Platforms

 

Digital wallets allow customers to store and use digital currency to make payments or transfers, manage their financial accounts and track their spending. They can also be linked to traditional bank accounts or credit cards, providing a seamless and convenient way to make transactions. Examples of digital wallets include Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

• Some of Apple’s partners, to name but a few, include Best Buy, Disney, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, Walgreens, Costco, Target, and Taco Bell.

 

 

 

• Google Pay also facilitates payment with Best Buy and other distributors.

 

 

• Loyalty programs with digital or store credit rewardsLoyalty programs that offer rewards or cashback in the form of digital currency or store credit allow customers to earn and use rewards or cashback within the platform or service they are already using. For example, credit card companies or retailers may offer rewards or cashback through loyalty points redeemed for discounts or other benefits.A familiar example of a loyalty program is the Star Bucks Rewards.

 

 

Conclusion

Embedded finance has arrived and is making its way into the finance ecosystem. The trend will continue to grow throughout all verticals of business and service providers, and more industries will adapt to it. By integrating financial services or products into their platforms, merchants  can offer a more seamless customer experience while streamlining their back-end processes. With the advent of omnichannel lending, including POS financing and BNPL, the future of B2C and B2B financing at the point of sales looks bright.

The rapidly evolving retail financing landscape presents new growth opportunities for merchants looking to expand their businesses.

Providing an omnichannel experience for consumer financing options is becoming increasingly important. With implementing a consumer financing platform a priority, it is crucial to manage the financing cycle and integrate with in-store point-of-sale systems. In this article, we will outline key points based on ChargeAfters’ Retailer Survey on the State of Consumer Financing related to retail financing and the implications for merchants in 2023.

 

 

What is in the Survey

Explore a range of retailer priorities on consumer finance, including:

 

Demand for Consumer Financing

Find out the importance of consumer financing and retailers’ take on consumer demand for POS financing.

 

Consumer Finance Approval Rate

In the survey, we assess the frequency of customers who walk away with a poor customer experience and lost revenues for the business and how statistics are a problem for near-prime and subprime customers.

Merchants find this information critical for expanding their financing options to remain competitive. Learn about the importance of Retail financing options such as in-store financing, checkout finance, and payment plans and how these can help merchants offer financing solutions that meet the needs of their customers.

 

Demand for Expanding Consumer Finance Lenders

Retailers want to serve the entire credit spectrum better and add to their lender portfolio. See how important it is for retailers to add B2B lenders, tertiary lenders (also known as a third-look lender), and secondary lenders to their financing portfolio.

The survey reveals how the drive to broaden the variety of options for consumers translates directly to improving the customer experience and revenues for the merchants, who are currently leaving money on the table.

 

Importance of Implementing Consumer Finance

End-to-end management of the financial cycle is crucial for financing platforms. Retailer insights reveal retailer priority on implementing a consumer financing platform and the range of essential considerations required, like, how the platform should manage the financing cycle, from reconciliations to chargebacks and dispute resolution, the ability to integrate with in-store Point-of-Sale, offering an omnichannel experience and connectivity to various lenders.

 

How vital is Consumer Experience & Omnichannel?

Providing omnichannel financing options is vital for most merchants, but smaller merchants must catch up. Today’s consumers often require an omnichannel experience when utilizing consumer financing and BNPL tools. The survey shows the importance of consumer experience and omnichannel from the retailer’s perspective.

The data paints a picture of consumer finance as an increasingly critical function in the business, linked to customer experience, revenues, and business growth. With technology investments and expansion a priority, merchants ask themselves – am I remaining competitive enough to support the business and my customers?

 

 

Conclusion

Download the FREE survey to gain insight into retailers’ demand for consumer financing, particularly for lower-priced items.

Find out what retailers need to improve customer experience and revenue and how crucial it is for merchants to provide an omnichannel experience for financing options. In the survey, learn how consumer financing is becoming an integral part of the customer experience, with some retailers creating a unique function for BNPL and consumer financing options.

As technology investments and expansion become a priority for merchants in 2023, they must remain competitive enough to support their businesses and customers. By understanding and addressing these critical findings in our survey, You can see how merchants can leverage the advantages of financing and capitalize on the growth opportunities offered by the rapidly evolving retail financing landscape.