What drives young adults’ intention to adopt buy now, pay later (BNPL) services?

The extensive adoption of digital financial technologies, particularly those offering innovative credit solutions, has significantly transformed the way young adults manage their financial affairs. Among these, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) emerges as a short-term financing mechanism that enables consumers to break down payments into interest-free installments. This approach is particularly appealing to younger consumers who place a high value on flexibility and convenience. Although BNPL services are experiencing rapid growth, a noticeable gap persists in academic research concerning the primary factors influencing young adults’ decisions to utilize these platforms. This study aims to address that gap by investigating the motivations underlying young individuals' engagement with BNPL. Employing a quantitative methodology, data from 395 survey participants were analyzed. The results indicate that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and flexible payment options significantly enhance the likelihood of BNPL adoption among young adults. These findings deepen our understanding of the drivers motivating young consumers to adopt digital financial tools. The implications of these results are particularly relevant for financial institutions, policymakers, and educational entities seeking to better align fintech offerings with the evolving expectations of younger populations. Furthermore, this research provides policymakers with valuable insights to inform future financial technology initiatives.