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A Smarter Way to Manage Everyday Purchases
Buy Now, Pay Later
A smarter way to manage everyday purchases
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is now available directly in ACU Mobile and Online Banking, giving you a flexible way to manage your money on your terms.
But what exactly is Buy Now, Pay Later, and how can you use it responsibly? Let’s break it down.
What Is Buy Now, Pay Later?
Buy Now, Pay Later lets you make a purchase today and pay it off over a set number of smaller installments.
- No new accounts
- No long-term commitments
- A short-term, scheduled way to spread out the cost
Think of it like splitting the bill with your future self while keeping everything organized in your ACU banking app.
Why Gen Z Is Loving BNPL
Predictable Payments
You know exactly what you owe and when. No hidden fees. No surprises.
Short-Term Flexibility
Spread the cost over time instead of paying one large amount upfront.
Built-In Budget Awareness
Your payment schedule lives right inside the ACU app.
No New Credit Required
No new cards and no revolving debt. Just a structured payment plan.
Real-Life Situations Where BNPL Can Help
BNPL is not just for big purchases. It can help with everyday moments when spreading out payments makes life easier.
Academic Costs
- Required textbooks
- Course materials
- Laptops or tablets
- Transportation or parking passes
Life Essentials
- Car repairs
- Medical or dental bills
- Moving expenses
- Replacement appliances
Lifestyle and Personal Goals
- Gym memberships or fitness gear
- Travel or weekend trips
- Holiday shopping
- Special occasion outfits or gifts
When used thoughtfully, BNPL can help you stay on track financially without pausing your life.
How to Use BNPL Responsibly
- Only split purchases you can afford. If repayment feels difficult, it is better to wait.
- Stick to planned purchases. BNPL should support your goals, not impulse spending.
- Keep track of installments. Your schedule is visible in the ACU app.
- Avoid stacking plans. Multiple payments can add up quickly.
- Use BNPL to smooth your budget, not replace it. It should not replace saving or emergency planning.
Mobile data rates apply when using mobile banking. Must have an active ACU checking account with debit card (membership and account criteria apply) open for at least 90 days, and no account restrictions. Not all checking accounts and/or debit card transactions will qualify. ACU’s Buy Now, Pay Later is a loan product.
You must receive an offer to use BNPL. Offers will be extended for eligible in-store and online ACU debit card purchases in amounts between $100-$5,000 for eligible accounts. Certain exclusions apply including ATM withdrawals, gas stations, lotteries, loan payments (mortgage, automobile, credit card, etc.) cash advances, cash/cash equivalent or money transfer service transactions, or transactions that involve any payment or fee owed to the Credit Union. Late fees apply, see the Schedule of Fees and Charges for more information about fees. Refer to the Buy Now, Pay Later offer in online banking for additional information, APR and term options.
APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APR for Split Your Payment transactions is 15.00%. APR for Plan Your Purchase transactions is 17.00%. Because this is a fixed‑rate loan, your APR and interest rate will remain the same for the entire term. Eligibility is based on debit transactions that meet requirements. No credit qualification required. Membership account must be in good standing with no account restrictions. Members may have up to 8 active BNPL plans at a time, however, this does not mean that every member will qualify for 8 plans at once. Repayment terms range from 3 to 24 months. To see if your debit purchase qualifies for a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) plan, please log into your online banking account.
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