Buy Now, Pay Later apps like Klarna, Clearpay, and Laybuy have transformed how we shop. They offer convenience, flexibility, and the ability to buy without upfront cost. But for many UK shoppers, that convenience has come at a cost, financial, emotional, or both.
In 2025, BNPL buyers’ regret is real. From impulse buys to overambitious tech upgrades, here are the top 10 things people wish they hadn’t bought using BNPL – plus tips to avoid making the same mistake.
1. Trendy Fashion Pieces
“I bought £300 worth of ‘going out’ clothes… and I never wore them.”
Fashion remains one of the most dominant categories for BNPL, especially among Gen Z and millennial shoppers. Fast fashion brands, in particular, promote Klarna and Clearpay at checkout, making it easy to build a basket that feels more like a wishlist than a budgeted purchase.
But trends fade fast. Many shoppers find themselves with wardrobes full of impulse buys they rarely (if ever) wear. The sense of urgency around “drops”, sales, and limited-time offers encourages spending without thinking. Unfortunately, when the novelty wears off, the payments remain.
2. Luxury Skincare and Makeup
“Three serums, two moisturisers, and a chemical peel kit later… I still had acne.”
The beauty industry thrives on aspiration, and BNPL has made high-end skincare feel accessible to everyone. Social media hauls, influencer routines, and TikTok “Get Ready With Me” videos often include affiliate links to Klarna-enabled stores.
The problem? Skin takes time to respond, and most people don’t need a 10-step routine. Many regret chasing overnight results by purchasing £600 worth of creams and tools in one click. It’s not just the cost of each item; it’s the collective total, stretched across multiple BNPL platforms, that creates the real financial drag.
3. Gym Equipment for New Year’s Resolutions
“Used once. Still paying it off.”
January is prime time for fitness-related purchases. Resistance bands, smartwatches, Peloton-style bikes, or home gym setups often feel like investments in a better future.
The reality for many? The motivation fades, and the equipment becomes a stylish clothes hanger. These purchases often fall into the “wishful thinking” category rather than the practical one. While spreading the cost makes them feel manageable, paying £30 a month for 12 months for something that gathers dust creates a strong sense of guilt.
4. Latest iPhone / Android Upgrades
“I didn’t need it. I just wanted it.”
Phone upgrades used to involve contracts and loyalty. Today, a Klarna popup at checkout can get you a brand new device in three clicks. That ease makes it tempting to chase the latest camera features or AI enhancements.
But smartphones now cost upwards of £900, and spreading that over 6 or 12 months with interest is essentially a loan. Many regret ditching perfectly good phones for marginal improvements and flashy launches. The pressure to stay “current” comes with a long tail of repayments.
5. Home Office Setups
“Multiple monitors, fancy lighting, but zero increase in productivity.”
During the rise of remote work, many invested in their home offices using BNPL. Ergonomic chairs, standing desks, ring lights, noise-cancelling headphones, all justified as work expenses.
While comfort matters, some users admitted to going overboard. The logic was: “I’ll be working from home forever.” But as hybrid policies return or job changes happen, those once-essential gadgets lose their shine. With BNPL, the buyers’ regret lingers with every repayment.
6. Festival Tickets & Travel Packages
“Didn’t go. Still owe Klarna.”
Experiences are now BNPL-friendly, from concerts to long weekends in Lisbon. Travel companies and ticket platforms allow users to split costs easily but life doesn’t always go to plan.
From cancelled plans to missed flights or burnout, many end up paying off memories they never made. The emotional toll of financing a trip you didn’t take can feel heavier than any late fee.
7. Gaming Consoles & Add-Ons
“I got caught in the hype and ended up spending over £800 with Zilch.”
Gaming isn’t just a hobby; it’s an ecosystem. And BNPL has made it dangerously easy to over-invest. From consoles to game passes, headsets to skins, many gamers spread payments across multiple providers.
Impulse and excitement fuel these purchases, but once the thrill wears off or a new console drops, regret kicks in. What starts as a “harmless” payment plan quickly snowballs when layered with accessories and add-ons.
8. Designer Handbags / Sneakers
“Thought I was investing in style. Turns out it was just a flex I couldn’t afford.”
The resale market and influencer culture have made designer goods feel like smart buys. BNPL breaks down that £600 bag into £50 a month, which feels more achievable.
But many realise later that they bought it for the Instagram post, not personal value. Designer regret is particularly acute when resale value plummets or trends shift. It’s less about the item, more about the story we wanted to tell with it.
9. Subscription Bundles
“I forgot I’d used BNPL. Paid more than the original price due to late fees.”
Some platforms now offer BNPL for annual subscriptions to software, gyms, or even online learning. It sounds smart: spread the cost, get the benefit.
But subscriptions are easily forgotten. Users often end up paying for something they’re not using, or miss payments because they didn’t track them. Small recurring debts add up, and unlike physical items, there’s no resale value but potentially a lot of buyers’ regret.
10. Impulse TikTok Buys
“Saw it in a 15-second video. Paid for it for 6 weeks.”
Social media has turbocharged impulsive spending. Whether it’s an air fryer, LED lights, or a viral cleaning gadget, BNPL options make it possible to act on a whim.
Influencer marketing thrives on urgency. But once the item arrives, reality rarely lives up to expectations. Many users feel buyers’ remorse is amplified by embarrassment and wasted money.
Final Thoughts: Buyers’ Regret
BNPL can be a useful tool when used for planned, necessary expenses. But when it’s used to satisfy impulse or aspiration, regret can kick in fast. Whether it’s fashion, tech, or experiences, the common thread is emotional spending without clear repayment awareness.
The best way to avoid regret? Pause before purchase. Sleep on it. And ask yourself: would I still buy this if I had to pay in full today?
Unlike a TikTok trend, BNPL debt doesn’t disappear in 15 seconds.
