Eyes now, pay later: Aussies using BNPL for cosmetic and dental work
The allure of instant gratification is costing Australians dearly, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,017 respondents revealed 2 in 5 (44%) use buy now, pay later services (BNPL).
Of those who do, 38% – equivalent to 3.5 million people – regret a purchase they've made.
Shoppers are purchasing just about anything, from clothing and accessories (38%), to electronics and gadgets (31%), home goods and furniture (31%), and everyday essentials (25%).
Shockingly, 15% are using the service for cosmetic or dental work.
Australian users are also splitting their purchases into installments for experiences and entertainment (19%) and travel (18%).
Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder, said BNPL is easy credit and it is no surprise that many users would use it impulsively.
"The repercussions of buyer's remorse can be far-reaching, especially when impulse purchases become a financial pitfall.
"Failing to be responsible with how you spend your money is something many people can relate to."
Finder's research shows more than 1 in 10 (14%) admit to buying something they didn't need.
But the consequences extend way beyond simple buyers remorse, with 12% admitting their series of installments spiraled into other financial difficulties, and 6% saying they found themselves unable to afford the repayments.
Pike said BNPL can feel like an easy shortcut to get what you want, faster.
"While it provides quick access to credit, it's important to remember it's a debt that needs to be paid off.
"For major expenses like cosmetic procedures, a solid savings plan is often a more financially sound approach than taking on debt for something you want right now."
Pike said if not used responsibly, BNPL can wreak havoc on your budget.
"If you're not paying off your repayments in time, this can lead to a cycle of debt and financial stress.
"If you're struggling to curb this costly habit, the best thing to do is sleep on it. If you still desire the item 24 hours later, it becomes much easier to justify the financial outlay.
"Another drastic option is to cancel your account with the platform – this forces you to only spend money you have, making you more mindful of your money and reducing the temptation of impulsive swipes."
Do you regret any of your BNPL purchases?
| Yes, I bought something I didn't truly need | 14% |
| Yes, it led to other financial difficulties | 12% |
| Yes, the purchase was not worth the money | 11% |
| Yes, the item or service was not as expected / poor quality | 7% |
| Yes, I can't afford the repayments | 6% |
| Yes, I could have gotten the item or service cheaper elsewhere | 3% |
| No | 62% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,017 respondents, 446 of whom use BNPL, June 2025 |  |
What types of purchases do you currently have buy now, pay later (BNPL) debt for?
| Clothing and accessories | 38% |
| Electronics and gadgets | 31% |
| Home goods and furniture | 31% |
| Everyday essentials (e.g., groceries, petrol, utility bills) | 25% |
| Experiences/Entertainment (e.g., concert tickets, events) | 19% |
| Travel (e.g., flights, accommodation) | 18% |
| Cosmetics or dental work | 15% |
| Vehicle repairs or accessories | 8% |
| Education or courses | 5% |
| Other | 3% |
| None of the above | 12% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,017 respondents, 446 of whom use BNPL, June 2025 | |
Sources
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,017 respondents from June 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
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