You can get a loan for groceries by applying for a personal loan online or using a buy now, pay later (BNPL) plan, often offered in stores or online.
More Americans are using BNPL plans for groceries due to their convenience and to combat rising costs. These types of loans break purchases down into manageable payments, but with any borrowing option, there are risks to consider.
We’ll walk you through common pay later options and how CreditNinja installment loans can be a helpful alternative.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay for groceries with a personal loan or buy now, pay later (BNPL) plan when facing financial strain.
- Buy now, pay later solutions are a common way to spread out grocery costs, but they’re best used when you can comfortably repay them on time.
- A personal installment loan may be a better fit for larger expenses or when you need more flexible repayment terms than what BNPL offers.
In Store: Pay Later Options At Retail
Buy Now Buy Later (BNPL) loans, also referred to as later loans, have been rising in popularity because they allow you to split up purchases into several individual payments over time.¹
BNPL plans come in several forms, including pay-in-4 plans, store-specific financing, and short-term loans for larger purchases like furniture or appliances.²
The most common BNPL option for groceries is a pay-in-4 installment plan, which splits your purchase into four payments. The first payment is due at checkout, with the rest typically charged every two weeks.
Exact approval criteria for BNPL money services depend on the provider; most consider these factors, even if you have bad credit:
- Credit score.
- Cost of the purchase.
- Funds available on your chosen payment method.
- Prior history with that provider.
Most grocery items qualify, but eligible categories and spending limits may change based on the provider, store, purchase amount, and your account history.
How Buy Now Pay Later Works At Checkout
There are two main ways to use buy now, pay later for groceries: either by selecting BNPL directly at checkout if the store offers it, or downloading a BNPL app and using a virtual card in-store or online. Some providers also let you pay with a one-time QR code that the cashier scans at checkout.³
Fees, Terms, And Late Payments
Since many BNPL plans don’t charge interest, they can be helpful if you’re looking for a flexible financing option. However, if you pay late, you might face late fees, and with some longer payment plans, you may also be subject to high interest rates. Together, these can add up over time, making it difficult to repay.
Consumer Trends: More Americans Choosing BNPL
Many Americans are facing financial strain and feeling the impact of rising grocery costs, leading more shoppers to use BNPL plans.⁴ According to a recent survey, 25% of BNPL users have used the service to buy groceries, up 14% from 2024.
For some shoppers, BNPL plans can be a helpful way to spread out the cost of grocery trips without interest, instead of using a high-APR credit card.
Buying Groceries With BNPL: Use Cases
BNPL plans are best for short-term needs, like when your paycheck is only a few days away. They can be an effective way to budget and avoid interest when used in specific situations, like larger grocery trips or unexpected expenses, as long as you can comfortably repay the balance on time.
For example, imagine you spend $200 on groceries a few days before payday. With a BNPL service, you split the purchase into four $50 payments, knowing you’ll have income available to pay each installment.
Credit Impact And Responsible Design
When you apply for a BNPL plan, providers typically perform a soft credit check, which won’t affect your credit score. However, due to FICO changes, some BNPL data may now be included in certain credit scores.⁵
Ultimately, it depends on whether your BNPL provider reports your payment history to the credit bureaus, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and make sure to pay on time and avoid opening too many loans at once.
How CreditNinja Installment Loans Can Help
The problem with BNPL is the risk of mismanaging it. They work best when the issue is timing, but they may not be the best fit for every situation. If you need more flexibility, a personal installment loan may be an alternative form of borrowing to consider.
If finances are tight, Credit Ninja’s installment loans can help cover grocery costs with manageable monthly payments and flexible repayment terms. This way, you also don’t have to worry about eligible purchase categories and brands while you’re shopping.
If approved, you often receive your money the same day* or next business day, making it a quick and easy way to manage unexpected expenses.
FAQs About Loans for Groceries
Can you use buy now, pay later for groceries?
Yes. If you’re looking for a loan for groceries, a buy now, pay later (BNPL) plan may be an option for eligible purchases. Availability depends on the store, BNPL provider, and the items you’re buying, so it’s important to review any purchase restrictions before checking out.
Does using buy now, pay later for groceries affect your credit score?
It depends on the provider. Many BNPL companies perform a soft credit check during the application process, which doesn’t affect your credit score. However, some other lenders report repayment activity to the credit bureaus, so missed payments could affect your credit history.
Is a personal loan or buy now, pay later better for groceries?
The best option depends on your situation. A BNPL plan may work well for smaller grocery purchases you can repay quickly, while a personal installment loan may be a better fit if you need to cover larger expenses or want more flexible repayment terms.
Sources:
- Buy Now, Pay Later Groceries: How It Works + Where to Use It | The Sacramento Bee
- Different types of Buy Now, Pay Later | Chase
- 6 Steps for Using Buy Now, Pay Later In-Store | Experian
- More Americans are financing groceries with buy now, pay later loans — and more are paying those bills late, survey says | CNBC
- What Is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)? | Nerdwallet
Chelsea Schemm is a Milwaukee-based content writer with nine years of experience as a copywriter and editor. She specializes in creating clear, trustworthy, and educational content that helps consumers better understand topics like budgeting, credit, and lending.
