London, July 13, 2026 – New analysis from Experian reveals that Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) continues to grow in popularity across the UK, with consumers responsibly using the payment option to manage their finances.
From July 15th the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will begin to regulate the sector for the first time, introducing new consumer protections including clearer information, affordability checks, and access to support if they get into difficulty with repayments.
Analysis of Experian’s trusted datasets found there were more than 100 million BNPL transactions across 8.5 million customers in 2025, worth more than £7 billion in spending. Of that spend, 98.5% of balances were repaid on time, a sign that the payment option is being used responsibly by the vast majority of users.
Its popularity is continuing to grow. In March 2026, more than 9 million transactions were recorded across nearly 4 million consumers, worth £621 million. Interestingly, average transaction values remain modest at around £60 suggesting consumers are typically using BNPL for lower-value, everyday purchases rather than larger big-ticket items.
Surprisingly, users of BNPL aren’t just younger consumers. While 25-34 year-olds remain the largest user group, adoption continues to expand across all age ranges, with particularly strong growth among older demographics. Customer volumes among those aged 65-74 have increased 46% year-on-year, while usage among consumers aged 75 and over has grown 53%.
John Webb, Head of Consumer Affairs, Experian UK&I, said: “It’s clear people of all ages have enjoyed the convenience of BNPL, helping them managing their monthly budgets affectively and without getting into difficulty.
“As with all forms of borrowing, it’s important to be aware of the commitments you’re taking on and keep a close eye on what your repayments will be. And remember that each time you open a new BNPL account, it will appear on your credit report, which lenders may consider when you apply for new borrowing, such as a loan, credit card or mortgage.”
ENDS
Analysis based on analysis of BNPL payments reported to Experian. BNPL providers report repayment data with Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs), giving lenders visibility of someone’s payment behaviour so they can better assess the person’s affordability and credit-worthiness for their financial products. BNPL data does not impact a person’s Experian Credit Score.
Media contact:
Robert Goodman, Senior Media Relations Manager, Experian UK&I
Tel: +44 7989 398 498 / Email: Robert.Goodman@Experian.com
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