The ultimate Buy Now, Pay Later Christmas Shopping Guide

No matter how much Aussies love Christmas, getting prepared financially for the holiday season always seems to fall off the priority list. But with Christmas a month away, many unprepared Aussies typically lean on a credit card to get them through the festive season. 

But what if there was another way to pick up your Christmas goodies, without the debt hangover? 

It’s no surprise that Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services have taken off in Australia and is here to stay, with its payment flexibility, easy access and of course, zero interest. In fact, according to Mozo's 2021 Buy Now Pay Later Report, 42% of BNPL users have been using the service for more or three years. 

And just like a credit card, there are a few tricks to making sure BNPL works in your favour. 

This guide will take a look at some of the popular BNPL options available, where they’re accepted, plus share some tips on managing your BNPL Christmas shopping.

Afterpay

Regardless of whether you have an account or not, you’re bound to have heard of Afterpay. Afterpay is a BNPL platform that allows you to split up a single purchase into four equal interest-free payments. 

While customers must pay their first instalment at the time of purchase, the remaining balance is paid off, in part, every fortnight. 

Afterpay purchases can also be made both at in-store and online retailers. 

Just keep in mind if you miss a repayment, you will be charged a $10 late payment fee and a further $7 if the payment isn't paid after 7 days from the due date. For orders under $40, a maximum of one $10 late fee can be charged per order. For purchases over $40, this fee does not accumulate above 25% or $68 of the purchase price (whichever is less).

Which stores accept Afterpay?

The better question is, which stores don’t offer Afterpay at the checkout! 

Afterpay is available almost everywhere, from fashion to electronics and even travel or entertainment. So if you’ve got a diverse wish list amongst your friends and family, Afterpay could be your best bet. 

Some of the popular stores you can use Afterpay are:

• David Jones 
• Myer 
• The Iconic 
• Bing Lee.

Is there anything else I should know about Afterpay?

Although customers are expected to make their repayments every fortnight until the balance is cleared, there is the option to reschedule a repayment through the Afterpay app or online - but it must be either your second or third instalment. If you need to reschedule your first or final payment you need to get in touch with Afterpay's Customer Service directly. 

Zip Pay or Zip Money

Another popular BNPL choice among Aussies is Zip. In fact, according to the Zip website, the platform is currently being used by more than 2 million customers across Australia and New Zealand. Similar to Afterpay, customers are able to split their purchases into equal installments, however, you are able to choose your repayment frequency (weekly, fortnightly or monthly). 

One thing to keep in mind about Zip is that some features of the platform depend on how much you plan to spend. Zip splits its account limit into two: under $1,000 or over $1,000, AKA Zip Pay or Zip Money.

As you can see from the table above, while Zip might be handy for Aussies looking to spend big this Christmas, there are a few fees to watch out, like the monthly $6 account fee. Plus, if you don’t pay off your purchases within the first three months, you will be charged interest.

Which stores accept Zip?

Like Afterpay, customers are spoilt for choice when it comes checking out with Zip. Some popular places you’ll be able to use this Christmas include:

• Amazon Australia 
• Bunnings 
• Kogan 
• Peter Alexander.

Is there anything else I should know about Zip?

One of the latest upgrades Zip has with its service is Tap and Zip, a contactless payment method which gives customers a virtual credit card that's connected via their smartphone’s Apple or Google Pay.  This feature is available for purchases made with Zap Pay, not Zip Money.  

Klarna

Klarna began in Sweden 15 years ago before spreading its wings across the USA, UK and Europe before hitting Aussies shores. This BNPL platform was also introduced to Aussie shoppers with the help of big bank, CommBank. 

Just like other BNPLs, Klarna customers can split up their purchases into four interest-free installments. Klarna is also available at any online or physical store, even at retailers not listed on the app! 

Customers need to create a ‘ghost card’ within the app every time they wish to make a purchase. Just keep in mind that these cards have a maximum $2,000 limit, so if any of your presents exceeds this amount, you might need to consider another BNPL option. 

For any missed payments, Klarna might charge a late payment fee. For purchases under $49.99, there's no late fee. While for purchases $50 or more customers are only charged one late fee per late instalment of $3 per installment meaning the maximum you can pay for that purchase is $9 per installment. 

Which stores accept Klarna?

As we mentioned, Klarna is available anywhere online in Australia, including stores like:

• Asos
• JD Sports 
• Dick Smith 
• Sephora.

Is there anything else I should know about Klarna?

There are a few other perks that come with choosing Klarna to help with your Christmas shopping, like the fact that you’ll always be in the loop about any sales or promotions from retailers, helping you save a few bucks along the way! 

Klarna also offers a rewards program, which can help you unlock rewards from big brands. Each time you make a purchase, you’ll earn 1 ‘vibe’ per $1 spent, once you’ve earned enough ‘vibes’ Klarna will let you know that you are eligible to unlock a reward. 

And for new customers who sign up to Klarna, there's the chance to receive up to 5,000 Flybuys bonus points after your first purchase. 

Humm

Touching down on Aussies shores in 2019 is Humm, a BNPL for both small and larger purchases. Like the majority of BNPL services, customers can split their purchases into installments, however the size of your purchase determines the number of installments or 'slices'. 

With Humm, you’re able to select your account based on the type of spending you wish to do. Smaller spending, called ‘Little Things’ allows you to open an account with a $2,000 limit, while larger purchases, or ‘Big Things’, could see you pre-approved for up to $10,000 or $30,000 in store. 

While you are able to purchase more items under a ‘small things’ account, so long as you stick below your limit, any additional buys under a ‘big things’ account will incur a $22 repeat purchase fee. 

There are other things to consider before signing up to Humm, like the $8 monthly fee if you are thinking about splitting your purchase up into 10 slices.

Which stores accept Humm?

As there is the option to apply for a higher spend limit, the types of stores that accept Humm can vary. Some brands you might recognise include:

• Michael Hill Jeweller 
• Godfreys
• Temple & Webster 
• Amart Furniture.

Is there anything else I should know about Humm?

With Humm, customers can make additional or early repayments to their balance without incurring any fees or charges. It’s also worth noting that once your balance is cleared across all your purchases, you will no longer be charged any fees.

Openpay

Another BNPL option is Openpay, which has recently started to make waves amongst Aussie shoppers. With Openpay, customers can sign up to an account in under 90 seconds, once approved, you can then start shopping!

Openpay allows you to split up your repayments on a schedule that suits your lifestyle best. Repayments can be either made on a weekly or fortnightly basis and can range between 2 to 24 months, depending on the size of the purchase. Of course, your repayments are interest-free, though there are a few other charges you might want to keep an eye on. 

Openpay charges fees according to the size of your purchase and where you do your shopping. Some fees you could be looking at include:

• an establishment fee for higher or big ticket spending 
• a plan management fee with each weekly or fortnightly repayment and 
• a $9.50 late payment fee.

Which stores accept Openpay?

No matter if you’re treating your partner, best friend or mum this Christmas, Openpay is available across a range of outdoor, fashion and lifestyle brands, including:

• Bunnings 
• Tarocash 
• House
• Bras n’ Things.

Is there anything else I should know about Openpay?

Just keep in mind that depending on the type of purchase you wish to make, Openpay may ask you to consent to a credit check beforehand.

Bundll

Last but certainly not least on our list is Bundll, the BNPL service brought to customers by Mastercard and Humm. Bundll customers can use the service at any store that accepts Mastercard, giving them total flexibility in their spending. 

Unlike other BNPL platforms, Bundll has a low spending limit, up to $1,000 to be exact. Each week the purchases you make through Bundll are ‘bundled up’ into one place, customers then have a fortnight to pay it off. 

There are no establishment or account fees to be mindful of, though any missed payments after 24 hours will incur a $10 late payment fee. 

Which stores accept Bundll?

Like we said, you can use Bundll at any store that accepts Mastercard.

Is there anything else I should know about Bundll?

If for any reason you think you won’t be able to pay off your bundle in time, you can request a ‘snooze’ on your repayments for an additional 14 days for a $2.50 flat fee.

Or if you need even more time to pay down your balance, you can opt to create a ‘superbundll’, which extends your repayment schedule to six fortnightly instalments over a twelve week period. Just keep in mind that doing this will incur a credit check that will appear on your credit file.

Mozo’s Buy Now, Pay Later tips and tricks

As you’ve probably gathered by now, Buy Now, Pay Later services can be a handy, low cost way to get through the festive season. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have to practise some discipline when Christmas shopping. 

Our top three tips to keep your BNPL spending in check are:

• Stick to one platform: The goal of opting for a BNPL service this Christmas is to ease financial stress, not make it worse. In this case, you might be better off sticking to one platform, as it can help you stay in control and not spend beyond your means. 
• Be realistic and responsible: While many BNPL services allow you to have multiple purchases on the go, it doesn’t always mean you should. If you are wanting to use your BNPL for more than one purchase, just be sure you’re only taking on what you can afford. 
• Set reminders: If you have a tendency to forget when bills and other payments are due, it might be worth writing down or setting payment reminders in your smartphone. This can help you keep track of your payments and more importantly, avoid being stung with late payment fees.

Want to check out all the latest and greatest Buy Now Pay Later news? Then make your next stop our Buy Now Pay Later hub.