While a majority of the Australians surveyed use Buy Now Pay Later services, just 18% of these customers are aware of new regulations, a report by Afterpay and Experian has found.
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) providers are required to hold an Australian credit licence and conduct credit checks on new users as of 10 June. While 18% of BNPL customers surveyed were aware of these changes, 62% said they would feel more confident using BNPL under the new regulations.
“Awareness of the new rules remains low, but support for a proportionate regulatory framework is high. That tells us we have an opportunity — and an obligation — to improve credit literacy and help Australians understand how credit reporting works, what behaviours affect their scores, and how to make choices that protect and grow their financial wellbeing,” says Experian A/NZ Credit Bureaux managing director Brian Bond.
“The evolving BNPL landscape isn’t just about compliance — it’s about building consumer confidence and driving loyalty. Shoppers are increasingly looking to retailers and providers that align with their values of transparency, responsibility, and financial wellbeing,” the Australian Retail Association said in a statement.
The report found that 76% of those surveyed currently hold a BNPL account, with 75% saying they would continue to use these services after the new regulations enter into effect.
Among BNPL users surveyed, 56% said they would trust providers more with no credit checks required.
Generation Z has seen the highest BNPL adoption rate, with 90% of those aged 18 to 28 surveyed using Afterpay. Baby Boomers use Afterpay the least, at 51%.
Afterpay customers have an average credit score of 743, the report found. This is below credit card applicants’ average of 771, but above personal loan applicants’ average of 646.
