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美国人“消费自由”的尽头,是分期买鸡蛋?
Hu Xiu· 2025-06-04 00:46
Core Insights - The increasing trend of American consumers using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services for everyday purchases like groceries and bills indicates a significant shift in consumer behavior [1][5][49] Group 1: Consumer Behavior - Approximately 19% of American consumers utilized BNPL services in 2023, with nearly a quarter of these users employing it for grocery purchases, up from 14% a year prior [5][8] - The average loan amount for BNPL transactions is around $135, suggesting that these small loans have become a common financial tool for many households [9] - BNPL usage is particularly prevalent among younger consumers, with nearly half of the users being under 36 years old [12][27] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The BNPL market has seen explosive growth since its introduction in the U.S. in 2019, with an estimated 86.5 million users expected by 2024, reflecting a 6.92% increase [14][12] - Major players in the BNPL space, including Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, Zip, and Sezzle, dominate over 95% of the market share, with a total loan issuance of $24.2 billion in 2021 [19][20] - BNPL platforms charge merchants fees that are typically double those of traditional credit cards, yet many retailers are willing to adopt these services due to increased average order values [40] Group 3: Financial Implications - The average cumulative borrowing amount for BNPL users has reached $2,085, with over a third of users making more than five transactions per quarter in 2023 [18] - The rise of BNPL has raised concerns about potential financial strain, as evidenced by an increase in late payment penalties from 7.8% in 2021 to 10.5% in 2023 [34] - BNPL is often perceived as a convenient option rather than a last resort, with 37.2% of users citing convenience as their primary reason for using the service [36][39] Group 4: Regulatory Environment - The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with BNPL, particularly for consumers in economic distress, leading to regulatory scrutiny [24][25] - Despite these concerns, the CFPB has indicated it will not prioritize enforcement actions against BNPL providers at this time [25] Group 5: Comparative Analysis - The BNPL model in the U.S. shares similarities with China's installment payment systems, though differences exist in regulatory frameworks and integration within e-commerce platforms [45][46] - Both countries are experiencing a trend towards "lightweight consumption credit," encouraging consumers to spend more through convenient payment options [48]