Why Real Credit Advice Should Come from Experts—Not Influencers

Recently, a social media personality known for her financial “hot takes” made headlines warning young Americans that Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans are a “trap.” While her tone may resonate with an online audience, her understanding of how credit really works leaves much to be desired. This is the danger of mistaking popularity for expertise.

Let’s take a closer look at what she got wrong—and why consumers deserve better guidance.

BNPL Isn’t the Enemy

When used as intended, BNPL loans offer a practical and low-cost alternative to credit cards. The key point this influencer misses is that most BNPL loans charge no interest or finance fees if payments are made on time. That’s not a trap. That’s a feature—one that’s helped millions of consumers manage purchases without paying more than the sticker price.

Credit cards, on the other hand, typically carry high APRs, compounding fees, and penalties for late payments. Yes, there are 0% APR promotions—but those are often temporary and tied to strict terms.

BNPL Preserves Credit Card Flexibility

Another point this influencer overlooks is the strategic use of BNPL to protect available credit lines. Many consumers choose BNPL for large or recurring purchases specifically because it doesn’t tie up their credit card limits. Maintaining available credit on cards is vital to a consumer’s financial health—not just for emergencies but also for credit score optimization, as credit utilization is a major factor in FICO scoring.

Credit Building: The Full Picture

The idea that BNPL loans “don’t help your credit” is only partially true—and deeply misleading. While not all BNPL providers report to credit bureaus today, this is rapidly changing. More importantly, BNPL loans also don’t damage your credit if paid as agreed, unlike credit cards, where even one missed payment can drop a score by dozens of points.

The irony here is that credit cards, the influencer’s preferred tool, pose greater long-term risk for consumers who are stretched thin. A missed BNPL payment may be inconvenient, but a missed credit card payment can haunt a consumer’s credit for years.

Influencers vs. Experts

Understanding credit risk, payment behavior, and consumer finance isn’t about branding. It’s about data, regulation, and long-term financial impact. That’s not something learned through likes and follows—it’s built through years of industry experience and insight into how consumers actually live and spend.

The influencer in question may mean well. But her simplified, emotionally charged view of BNPL does more to stir fear than to educate. Consumers deserve better—especially in a time when access to flexible, transparent credit tools is more important than ever.

In Closing

BNPL isn’t for everyone—but it is far from the “trap” it’s been made out to be. Used responsibly, it’s a legitimate credit option that provides flexibility without fees, helps consumers preserve their credit card lines, and reduces exposure to revolving debt.

Financial advice should come from people who understand credit from every angle—not from those who trade nuance for clicks.