Core Viewpoint - The introduction of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans into credit scoring by FICO will begin impacting consumer credit scores starting in fall 2025, marking a significant change in how these loans are perceived in the credit landscape [2][3][7]. Group 1: Overview of BNPL Loans - BNPL loans allow consumers to make purchases in installments, typically with little to no interest and without hard credit checks [4]. - Major BNPL providers include Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, and PayPal Pay Later, which offer flexible payment options at checkout [5][10]. Group 2: Impact on Credit Scores - Previously, BNPL loans did not affect credit scores as they were not reported to credit agencies, allowing consumers to use them without impacting their credit history [6][11]. - FICO's new scoring models, FICO Score 10 BNPL and FICO Score 10 T BNPL, will incorporate BNPL data, but lenders will need sufficient data from BNPL providers before these scores can be utilized [8][9]. Group 3: Expected Changes and Consumer Behavior - The impact of BNPL loans on credit scores is expected to be similar to opening a new account, with scores potentially improving or decreasing by about 10 points for most consumers [12]. - The effect on individual credit scores will vary based on the consumer's overall credit profile and the specifics of their BNPL loans [13]. Group 4: Consumer Usage Trends - A significant portion of BNPL users are utilizing these loans for essential expenses, with 47% using them for groceries and 35% for medical bills, raising concerns about the financial health of these consumers [14][15]. - Nearly half of BNPL users have missed at least one payment, indicating potential risks associated with increased reliance on these financial products [15].

Group 1 - Klarna's stock performance post-IPO indicates a need for patience from investors, particularly in the context of the growing "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) trend [1] - Klarna, based in Stockholm, is one of the pioneering personal fintech companies that provide short-term loans to consumers with minimal or no fees [1] - The popularity of BNPL loans is increasing as consumers facing financial strain seek alternatives to manage rising costs [1] Group 2 - Klarna's IPO saw a nearly 15% gain, reflecting the excitement surrounding the BNPL market [4] - PayPal's CEO views the BNPL sector as a significant growth driver, especially in light of Klarna's IPO performance [4] - Klarna's IPO pricing exceeded expectations, positioning it as a strong competitor against Affirm in the BNPL space [4]

[Click here for information about joining the class action] On March 17, 2025, the fintech company Klarna, in advance of its initial public offering in the U.S., announced that it was replacing Affirm as the exclusive provider of Buy Now, Pay Later ("BNPL") loans for Walmart. On this news, Affirm's stock price fell $6.38 per share, or 12.74%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $43.70 per share on March 18, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, ...