StepChange welcomes detail of FCA regulation for Buy Now, Pay Later products
11 February 2026
StepChange Debt Charity is pleased to see the FCA confirm its new protections for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) borrowers today, which will come into force from 15th July 2026.
For several years the charity, alongside others in the sector, has raised concerns that consumers using BNPL are not properly protected from financial harm. These new regulations will be vital in bringing BNPL in line with other forms of consumer credit.
Peter Tutton, Director of Policy, Research and Public Affairs at StepChange Debt Charity, said:
“Today’s confirmation and detail on the regulation of Buy Now, Pay Later products are hugely welcome. It brings relief not only to us at StepChange, but to many across the sector who have long campaigned for these overdue protections.
“Buy Now, Pay Later can be a helpful way for people to spread costs. But like any form of credit, it carries risks when repayments become difficult. The absence of FCA regulation until now has only heightened the risk of financial harm for those relying on BNPL.
“Going forward people using BNPL products will be protected by affordability checks, consistent support from lenders and access to the Financial Ombudsman if things go wrong – these are all essential safeguards for borrowers using any type of credit.
“We would urge anyone using BNPL to always double check that the repayments will be affordable, and if you are struggling to repay – free and impartial debt advice is available from charities like StepChange.”
Notes to Editors
- Please contact The FCA’s press office for more information.