‘Buy now, pay later’ might be driving up costs

A surge in Americans opting for "buy now, pay later" plans for everyday essentials like groceries is raising concerns about rising overall costs. This trend, which allows consumers to split payments over time, might lead to higher prices for consumers due to increased demand and potential markups from providers. The implications extend beyond immediate affordability, as it could affect consumer debt levels and financial stability, making it essential for consumers to weigh the long-term costs against the convenience offered by these payment plans.