FICO to Include ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Loan History in Credit Scores

FICO, the company behind the widely used credit score system, is updating its model to include "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) loan history. These short-term installment plans—once mostly for splurges like electronics—are now being used for everyday essentials like groceries. The move aims to give lenders a fuller picture of borrowers' habits, but it could also mean more scrutiny for people relying on BNPL to make ends meet.