Americans are increasingly relying on “buy now, pay later” loans to cover essentials like groceries and fuel, according to a LendingTree survey. The August poll of 2,000 respondents found 41 considered a BNPL loan, up 5 from July and the highest level since tracking began in 2021. Newsweek reported that 41 of current BNPL users made a late payment in the past year, up from 34 the previous year. Once used mainly for non-essentials, BNPL loans are now increasingly covering necessities like groceries and fuel, reflecting growing financial strain on U.S. consumers. Half of respondents said they plan to take a BNPL loan in the next six months, while 60 of current users already hold multiple loans. Gen Z stands out, with 64 having used BNPL and 71 carrying multiple loans. Americans are increasingly turning to BNPL loans to cover daily expenses as wages lag behind inflation and tariff-driven cost pressures intensify financial strain.