The 2026 BNPL Tradeoff Survey by American Banker reveals that while buy now/pay later (BNPL) lending is gaining popularity among consumers, many banks and credit unions are hesitant to adopt it due to regulatory concerns and perceived risks. Nearly half of the surveyed institutions currently offer BNPL, but competitive pressure and the need for revenue generation are driving those who plan to implement it, despite significant apprehension about compliance and risk management.
Risk and regulatory concerns are significant barriers to BNPL adoption among financial institutions, despite consumer demand and competitive pressure. For professionals in the fintech space, this highlights an opportunity to develop solutions that address these compliance challenges, potentially positioning your firm as a go-to partner for banks hesitant to enter the BNPL market.