According to a survey by PartnerCentric.com, 52% of Americans now rely on installment-based payment services to cover everyday purchases, including groceries. The most popular items purchased through BNPL include medium to large products like electronics, furniture and home goods, with an average minimum price of $250. But 31% of consumers also reported using those programs for essentials like groceries, highlighting the financial strain many households are facing. BNPL programs are especially popular among younger Americans, with 59 percent of Gen Z and 58 percent of millennials opting for flexible payment methods. The survey also found that 35 percent of consumers plan to use BNPL more frequently in 2025, a figure that jumps to 65 percent among Gen Z. Popular BNPL providers like Afterpay, Affirm, PayPal Pay in 4 and Klarna have become critical financial tools for many Americans, offering flexible installment plans with no interest, helping consumers manage their rising expenses. These options won’t affect credit scores if payments are made on time. Economic uncertainty appears to be adding to the trend. Fifteen percent of survey participants said they tried BNPL in 2025 due to the increased cost of living.