Buy Now Pay Later isn't just for shopping addicts—it’s actually a lifeline for small businesses to get loans.

We often view 'Buy Now Pay Later' (BNPL) as a predatory tool for consumer debt. But this study shows it has a secret benefit: it helps small, 'invisible' businesses build a digital credit history. Because BNPL creates a record of successful transactions, it allows these tiny merchants to access formal bank loans for the first time, growing their revenue three times faster than larger competitors. It’s a financial 'bridge' that formalizes the informal economy. For you, it means the 'pay in four' button isn't just about consumer convenience; it’s actually changing the power dynamic between small shops and big banks.