Skip to main content

Apple Now Rolling Out Its Buy Now, Pay Later Offering (BNPL)

03/29/2023 CUToday

CUPERTINO, Calif.–Apple is finally launching Apple Pay Later, its version of the buy now, pay later (BNPL) offerings that have taken hold over the past several years and eroded credit card volume in the process.

thumbnail_Apple BNPL

In announcing the offering, Apple said users can use the service to apply for Pay Later loans of $50 to $1,000 and then repay those loans through four payments over the course of six weeks with no interest or fees.

Apple Pay Later exists within the Apple Wallet and is designed to allow borrowers to avoid paying the full price for a product right away. Apple announced the service in 2022, but its launch was delayed due to what were called “technical and engineering issues.”

‘No Impact on Credit,’ But…

According to Apple, users can apply for a loan within the Apple Wallet “with no impact to their credit,” but the company notes in the fine print that the Pay Later loan and payment history “may be reported to credit bureaus and impact their credit,” the Verge reported.

Once approved for a loan, users will start seeing the Pay Later option at checkout in apps and online on the iPhone and iPad. Apple further said in a statement that users will be able to view and manage their loans within the Wallet app and that they’ll receive notifications when payment is due.

The service is not yet available to everyone. According to Apple, “randomly selected” users will receive invites to obtain early access to Apple Pay Later. The service is only available in the U.S. and for online and in-app purchases on iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4.

Apple Handling Financial Side, Too

Unlike its earlier partnership with Goldman Sachs when it launched its credit card, with the BNPL offering the company will be handling the financial side, as well, through a new subsidiary, Apple Financing LLC, which the company says “is responsible for credit assessment and lending.”

The company did, however, partner with the BNPL program Mastercard Installments to enable Apple Pay Later, while “Goldman Sachs is the issuer of the Mastercard payment credentials,” according to the Verge.com analysis.

Apple Financing LLC will begin reporting Pay Later loans to credit bureaus starting in the fall, the company said.
Concern by Credit Unions

BNPL solutions such as that from Apple have raised strong concerns within credit unions for numerous reasons, including the loss of credit card transactions/loans by members, and the fact members can get into financial trouble due to too many BNPL purchases without that debt appearing on credit reports.

Numerous efforts have been announced or are underway within CUs to respond with BNPL financing solutions of their own.

Comments

Post a Comment

Please no profanity or political comments.

Popular posts from this blog

Sunday Reading - Individual Retirement Accounts

  Individual Retirement Accounts     Inside IRAs Individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are tax-advantaged   investment accounts that help individuals save for retirement. The money you put into an IRA is used to invest in stocks, bonds, and other assets. Anyone who earns an income—regardless of whether they are a full-timer, a part-timer, or a contractor—can open and invest in an IRA. IRAs are often good solutions for people who don’t have the option to invest in a 401(k) ( 1440 Topics )—or for those who want to put even more money aside for retirement.   Depending on the type of IRA someone gets, they will have access to either a tax-deferred or...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Sheehans Consulting LLC - "We only have one goal in mind!"

We have one goal in mind: “What is best for you? We achieve strategic initiatives, develop products, optimize profitability and productivity through best practices, and make our firm a strong asset for professional services.  With over 30 years of experience in public administration, credit union, and association management, I have developed a solid track record in leadership and development.  Please visit us at https://www.sheehansconsultingllc.com/ to learn more about what we can do for you.   _________________________________________ Check out some of NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Financial Literacy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Trump Administration Reverses Course, Restores CDFI Fund Staff In Major Win for Credit Unions

WASHINGTON—In a sharp reversal of the Trump Administration’s earlier move, the mass reduction-in-force (RIF) notices issued to all employees of the CDFI Fund last month have been rescinded, according to internal emails reviewed by Punchbowl News. The notices had threatened terminations in December as part of a broader effort by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Director Russ Vought to pressure congressional Democrats to drop their objections in the budget-funding fight. For the credit-union movement, the signal is loud and clear: critical community-development infrastructure may yet be preserved, sources stated. “Reinstating the entire CDFI Fund staff is an essential and welcome step toward restoring a program that has proven itself indispensable to underserved and military communities,” said DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jaso Stverak. “The CDFI Fund isn’t just another federal initiative—it is a lifeline for servicemembers, veterans, and low-income families who rely on miss...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Best Places to Retire

  List: Best Places to Retire Midland, Michigan , was ranked the best place to retire , according to a ranking of 850 cities by U.S. News . The top locations had the best mix of affordability, quality of life, health care access, and other benefits. The top five were rounded out by Weirton, West Virginia , Homosassa Springs, Florida , The Woodlands, Texas , and Spring, Texas . Midland scored top marks on walkability , culture , retail establishments , and restaurants . The town is just a short drive from beaches at the edge of Lake Huron . The top 25 included nine cities in Florida and six in Texas. See the full list here . _________________________________________ Check out some of NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Financial Literacy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

'Tis the season for fraud! Teller questions if member fraud is suspected.

  When a credit union employee suspects a member may be subject to fraud, they should initiate a careful conversation focusing on the nature of the transaction and external influences. The goal is to help the member identify red flags without the employee asking for sensitive personal information that the credit union should already have on file.  Initial Verification Questions    .pdf Before discussing the specifics of the suspicious activity, the employee should confirm the member's identity in accordance with established internal protocols.  Questions About the Transaction/Activity If the member confirms they are conducting a suspicious transaction (e.g., a large wire transfer or purchase of gift cards ), the employee should ask questions to help the member pause and think critically:  "What is the purpose of this transaction?" "Do you personally know the person or business you are sending money to?" "Have you ever met the...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Are You Holding Your Credit Union Back? A Directors’ Guide to Stepping Up Your Game & Staying Relevant

These are harder questions ...     May Blog - Asking Some Harder Questions ...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Now Available - "Financial Literacy" From NCOFCU

https://www.ncofcu.org/financial-literacy The National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions (NCOFCU) is dedicated to enhancing financial literacy among our members, members, particularly targeting the Millennial and Gen Z demographics. We are excited to share our engaging financial education video series, designed to address their key concerns regarding earning, saving, and spending money wisely. Here are several critical financial lessons that can significantly impact your personal finance management and long-term financial health. Discover how staying informed and educated about financial products and market trends can empower you to make smarter financial decisions. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT3lzRTXnHw4LjHuOIk31eTDxaQ7J7B0f   _________________________________________ Check out some of NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Financial Literacy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Existing home sales fell for the 11th consecutive month in December, hitting the slowest pace since November 2010

Sales of previously owned homes dropped 1.5% in December from the previous month, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales ended the year at a seasonally adjusted, annualized pace of 4.02 million units, which was 34% lower than December 2021. It is the slowest pace since November 2010, when the nation was struggling through a housing crisis brought on by faulty subprime mortgages. Total sales for the year were down 17.8% from 2021. Home sales have now fallen for 11 straight months, due to much higher mortgage rates, which began rising last spring and had more than doubled by fall. Sky-high prices, driven by high demand during the first years of the pandemic, weakened affordability even further and caused supply to fall sharply. “December was another difficult month for buyers, who continue to face limited inventory and high mortgage rates,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the Realtors. “However, expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rate...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Loan Growth Part 3

MADISON, Wis.–Credit union loan balances rose 1.1% in February, faster than the 0.2% reported in February 2021, even as membership growth slowed significantly during the first two months of 2022, according to data released as part of CUNA Mutual’s April Trends Report. The Report, which is based on data through February, showed overall loan growth was 9.6% during the last 12 months. What is actually happening below the surface? According to the Trends Report, consistent with the trend line the analysis shows large credit unions reported significantly faster loan growth in 2021 as compared to smaller credit unions. Credit unions with assets greater than $1 billion reported loan growth of 8.4% compared to credit unions with assets less than $20 million, reporting loan growth of 0.9%. Here's a look at how credit unions performed by category, according to the newest Trends Report” ...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Sunday reading - What's the story behind Thanksgiving?

What's the story behind Thanksgiving? While European settlers in North America had long observed days of thanks, prayer, and reflection, the “ first Thanksgiving ” most often refers to a 1621 meal between the Pilgrims and the native Wampanoag people.   In 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving Day on the final Thursday of November to be celebrated each year. A large meal shared with loved ones is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving celebrations, where the average gathering size is seven and most people consume 3,150-4,500 calories .   What began as a neighborly meal to celebrate a successful harvest has transformed into an annual economic and cultural powerhouse: The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for air travel as Americans prepare to eat upward of 40 million turkeys  and 80 million pounds of cranberries. ... Read what else we  learned about the holiday here . ...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»