#afterpay

No, it's not ok to use. But the reasons are complicated, which is why we wrote this about Pay In 4 and similar buy-now-pay-later apps:

Buy Now Pay Later Apps: That Old Predatory Lending by a Crappy New Name 

Noooo. Nooo. My darlings, only spend what you actually have-- especially for things like a burrito order or concert tickets. Do not finance these things!!

Credit cards suck too. I get it. They have interest and there are late fees. But BNPL companies are not your friends either. They have late fees too. They also sell your data and your debt. And they don't offer benefits or even contribute to your credit score.

Credit scores are dumb but if you are in America, a good one can help you like, get a car loan or an apartment.

Please. Just. Do not go into debt for unserious things. And if it's for something larger/necessary like a phone, use a credit card. BNPL companies use a lot of tricks to steer you to use their system. Ignore their tricks that want you to make them more money. Because that is what this is.

Use a credit card, pay it off like you would have to pay off the BNPL, and at least get the benefits of the card. Like rewards cash back or airline miles or cheaper hotel stays, and also contribute to having a good credit score, which you can use for things like loans in the future if you need them.

The system is already stacked against you. You don't need to make it easier for them to take your money.

Tl;dr don't spend money you don't have

Edited to add: and, fuck, do not leave a balance on your credit card. Pay it in full every month. And if you can't do that, then don't use it or spend that money.

ALL "BUY NOW, PLAY LATER" SCHEMES ARE INHERENTLY PREDATORY AND DO NOT IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE BUT WILL HARM IT IF YOU MISS A PAYMENT