What Australians regret buying on Buy Now Pay Later apps often comes down to a few recurring categories: fashion purchases, electronics, impulse buys, and even everyday essentials.
In many cases, the regret isn’t caused by the product itself. Instead, it’s the way Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services like Afterpay, Zip, and other platforms make purchases feel more affordable in the moment, even when the total cost remains the same.
BNPL apps have changed how people shop. Splitting a purchase into smaller repayments can make budgeting easier, but it can also encourage spending that might not have happened otherwise.
Over time, those small repayments can add up, leaving some consumers wondering whether the purchase was really worth it.
Why Buy Now Pay Later Purchases Often Feel Different
There’s a reason BNPL purchases can feel less significant than paying with cash or a debit card.
When the full cost isn’t paid upfront, the financial impact often feels smaller. A $200 purchase may seem manageable when it’s presented as four payments of $50.
This psychological effect can influence decision-making.
Many people focus on the immediate affordability of the instalments rather than the total amount being spent. As a result, purchases that might have felt too expensive under normal circumstances suddenly appear within reach.
The problem is that the repayments still arrive, whether the excitement of the purchase remains or not.
This is one reason buyer’s remorse is often associated with BNPL spending.
Fashion Purchases People Wish They Had Skipped
Fashion is one of the most common categories linked to BNPL regret.
Clothing, shoes, handbags and trend-driven items are frequently purchased on impulse, especially during online sales events.
At the time of purchase, the item may feel like a bargain.
A few weeks later, the situation can look very different.
Fashion trends change quickly, personal preferences evolve, and many purchases end up being worn only a handful of times.
Common examples include:
- Fast-fashion clothing
- Designer-inspired accessories
- Seasonal items
- Sale purchases that weren’t actually needed
The challenge is that repayments may continue long after the excitement of the purchase has disappeared.
Electronics Bought on Impulse
Technology products are another major source of buyer’s remorse.
BNPL services have made it easier to purchase:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Smartwatches
- Wireless headphones
- Gaming accessories
These products are often marketed aggressively during sales events and product launches.
Many consumers experience a fear of missing out when a new device becomes available.
The issue is that technology depreciates quickly.
A phone that feels exciting today may be replaced by a newer model within months, while the repayments continue.
In some cases, people end up paying off a device they no longer use regularly.
This is why electronics frequently appear among the purchases people regret most.
Using BNPL for Everyday Essentials
One of the more concerning trends in recent years has been the use of BNPL services for everyday necessities.
Some consumers now use platforms such as Afterpay and Zip for:
- Groceries
- Fuel
- Household supplies
- Basic living expenses
While this may provide short-term relief during a difficult period, it can also create additional financial pressure later.
Unlike a discretionary purchase, essential expenses occur repeatedly.
Using BNPL for groceries today doesn’t eliminate the need to buy groceries next week.
This can create a cycle where new repayments overlap with existing commitments.
For many financial experts, this is one of the clearest warning signs that a household budget may be under strain.
Multiple Small Purchases That Add Up
Interestingly, the biggest regret isn’t always a large purchase.
Often, it’s a series of small purchases made over several weeks.
A few examples might include:
- A pair of shoes
- New activewear
- A kitchen gadget
- A beauty product
- A phone accessory
Individually, each purchase may seem harmless.
Together, they can become difficult to manage.
Consider this example:
| Purchase | Repayment Amount |
| Shoes | $20 per fortnight |
| Headphones | $25 per fortnight |
| Clothing | $30 per fortnight |
| Kitchen appliance | $35 per fortnight |
Suddenly, small commitments have become $110 every fortnight.
Many people underestimate how quickly multiple BNPL plans can accumulate.
This loss of visibility is one of the most common reasons people later regret their spending decisions.
Travel, Events and Experiences
Experiences can create wonderful memories, but they also appear frequently in discussions about BNPL regret.
Common examples include:
- Holidays
- Weekend getaways
- Music festivals
- Concert tickets
- Sporting events
The challenge is simple.
The experience may last a few days, but the repayments can continue for weeks or months afterward.
This creates a situation where consumers are paying for something that has already happened and can no longer provide ongoing value.
That doesn’t mean travel or entertainment should never be financed through BNPL services.
However, it’s worth considering whether the experience would still feel worthwhile if it had to be paid in full today.
How to Avoid BNPL Buyer’s Remorse
The good news is that most BNPL regrets can be avoided with a few simple habits.
Wait 24 Hours Before Buying
Impulse purchases often lose their appeal after a day of reflection.
If you still want the item tomorrow, it may be a more considered decision.
Calculate Total Commitments
Always look at your existing BNPL obligations before creating a new one.
The total repayment burden matters more than any individual purchase.
Limit the Number of Active Plans
Managing one or two repayment plans is usually easier than juggling several at once.
Keeping the number of active plans low reduces the risk of confusion and missed payments.
Avoid Using BNPL for Essentials
If possible, groceries, fuel and everyday expenses should come from your regular budget rather than future income.
Review Your Budget Regularly
A monthly review can help identify whether BNPL spending is supporting your financial goals or creating unnecessary pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do people regret buying most with Afterpay?
Fashion purchases, impulse buys and electronics are among the most commonly regretted purchases because they often lose their appeal before repayments are completed.
2. Is BNPL bad for your finances?
Not necessarily. BNPL can be a useful budgeting tool when used responsibly. Problems typically arise when spending exceeds what can realistically be repaid.
3. Why do BNPL purchases feel easier to justify?
Breaking a purchase into smaller repayments reduces the immediate financial impact, which can make spending feel more affordable than it actually is.
4. Can BNPL lead to overspending?
Yes. Multiple small purchases can accumulate quickly, making it easy to underestimate total financial commitments.
5. Should you use BNPL for groceries?
While possible, it can be risky. Regularly using BNPL for essentials may indicate that your budget is under pressure and could lead to future financial stress.
The Best BNPL Purchase Is One You’d Make Without BNPL
When looking at what Australians regret buying on Buy Now Pay Later apps, a clear pattern emerges. Fashion items, electronics, everyday essentials and multiple small impulse purchases tend to create the most buyer’s remorse.
In many cases, the issue isn’t Afterpay, Zip or any other platform. It’s the way easy repayments can encourage spending that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
Before using BNPL, ask yourself a simple question: would you still buy the item if you had to pay for it today?
If the answer is yes, the purchase may be worth considering. If the answer is no, it could be worth waiting.
At Unum, we believe financial tools work best when they support thoughtful decisions rather than impulse spending. A little planning today can help you avoid regrets tomorrow.