The TL;DR
It can. Missed BNPL payments can bring fees and can be reported to credit reference agencies. Since 15 July 2026, BNPL is regulated by the FCA, with affordability checks before you borrow.
The detail
- BNPL providers now have to give clear terms up front, including what happens if you miss a payment.
- You can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if something goes wrong.
- 10.9 million UK adults used BNPL in a year (FCA).
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Your 5-minute move
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Related questions
Receipts · checked 9 November 2026