Holiday shoppers are opting to buy now, pay later — without using credit cards.

By Jordan-Marie Smith,

Jeanette Woods, Mary Louise Kelly

Published December 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM CST

Klarna, Affirm, and other companies are pushing "buy now, pay later" sales models. And consumers are taking advantage.

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Jordan-Marie Smith

Jordan-Marie Smith is a producer with NPR's All Things Considered.

Jeanette Woods

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.