For a long time, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Afterpay and Zip felt like an easy, harmless way to shop. You could split your payments into smaller installments, pay no interest, and keep moving without giving it too much thought. Many Australians didn’t even consider BNPL “real credit.”

But in 2025, that perception no longer matches reality. With new regulations now in effect, BNPL is now treated much more like a credit card or personal loan. These changes have implications not just for your spending habits, but for your credit score and most importantly, your ability to qualify for a home loan.

If you’re planning to buy a property, it’s worth understanding exactly what has changed, why it matters, and what you should do about it.

What Are the New BNPL Regulations in Australia in 2025?

In the past, BNPL providers were able to sidestep Australia’s credit laws. Signing up was easy, often just a few clicks with no real checks on your financial situation. But as of this year, that loophole has closed.

Providers like Afterpay and Zip must now follow the same rules as banks when it comes to extending credit. That means assessing your ability to repay before approving you, checking your income and expenses, and making sure you’re not being lent more than you can handle.

Another major change is that missed payments are no longer just between you and the app. They can now be reported to credit bureaus, showing up on your file in the same way as a late credit card payment. In other words, BNPL is now visible to lenders, regulators, and anyone assessing your creditworthiness. The days of “easy BNPL with no credit check” are over.

Why the Government Stepped In to Regulate BNPL

The rise of BNPL brought with it a wave of problems. What looked like small, manageable installments quickly added up when users had accounts across multiple platforms. Younger Australians in particular were falling behind on repayments, accumulating debts they couldn’t manage.

Because BNPL was unregulated, providers weren’t required to check whether people could actually afford what they were signing up for. That lack of oversight led to growing concern about consumer harm. Now, regulators have stepped in to bring BNPL into the fold, making it safer, more transparent, and more accountable.

Does Using Afterpay or Zip Affect Your Credit Score Now?

This is one of the most common questions we hear: does Afterpay affect your credit score now? The answer is: yes, potentially it can.

Under the new rules, your BNPL activity may be reported to credit agencies. If you’ve missed payments, that will negatively impact your score. Even without missed payments, heavy reliance on BNPL can still raise questions. Lenders may interpret frequent BNPL use as a sign you’re under financial stress or struggling to manage your budget.

So while BNPL won’t automatically ruin your credit, it’s no longer invisible. Your usage patterns can and do form part of the picture lenders see when assessing you.

How BNPL Usage Affects a Home Loan Application?

Here’s where things get serious. Mortgage lenders are now explicitly considering BNPL alongside other forms of debt. When you apply for a home loan, your BNPL accounts are treated just like a credit card or personal loan.

Lenders will look at how often you use these services, whether you’re carrying balances, and whether you’ve ever paid late. If your spending pattern shows consistent BNPL reliance, it may reduce how much you can borrow. In some cases, it could even be enough to tip a lender towards saying no.

That doesn’t mean the occasional Afterpay purchase will kill your chances of approval. But if BNPL is a regular part of your financial life, it’s something you’ll need to address before applying.

What Mortgage Applicants Should Do If They Use BNPL

If you’re thinking about buying property, it’s a good idea to take control of your BNPL accounts sooner rather than later. Start by paying off any outstanding balances and try to cut back on usage in the months leading up to your application. Closing unused accounts can also reduce your exposure and make your financial picture look cleaner.

It’s worth checking your credit report to see whether your BNPL history is listed and, if so, how it looks. And when you meet with a mortgage broker, be upfront. Hiding BNPL use won’t help; being honest allows us to create a strategy to manage it and present your application in the best light.

Think of it like tidying up before an inspection — the fewer red flags you carry into the application process, the smoother it will go.

How Original Wealth Can Help You!

At Original Wealth, we get that credit habits have shifted. These days, most Australians have tapped a Buy Now, Pay Later service at some point. Lenders are paying attention to it too — not just whether you’ve used it, but how you’ve managed it.

When we work with clients, we look at the whole picture: what your BNPL history says about your spending, how it might show up in your credit file, and how to shape your application so it doesn’t hold you back. Sometimes that means paying down balances or closing unused accounts. Other times it’s about matching you with lenders who are more open to today’s credit reality.

The goal isn’t just “getting approved.” It’s about presenting your story in a way that makes sense to a bank, while still lining up with your real goals.

Conclusion

BNPL used to feel casual — just another payment option at checkout. But in 2025, it’s part of your credit record, and it can tip things either way when you go for a loan. The trick is to get on the front foot: tidy up accounts, clear balances where you can, and make sure your application shows you can handle repayments without stress.

Handled right, BNPL doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. It’s just one piece of your financial story, not the headline.

Not sure how your BNPL use will look to a lender? Book a free consultation with Original Wealth. We’ll cut through the new rules, shape a clear strategy, and help you get closer to your first home.