U.S Consumers Seek Buy Lending Flexibility for Life's Meaningful Purchases

Data Indicates Even Successful Budgeters Can Benefit from Alternative Payment Options

SAN DIEGO, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Opy, a leading payments fintech, unveiled the results of a U.S consumer survey, investigating the trends, behaviors, and opinions of 1,000 U.S Americans on Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) as an alternative payment method for dental care and veterinarian costs. The survey results provided interesting trends regarding budgeting practices for high-cost care, the sustainability of paying off high-balance bills, and how COVID-19 changed the perception of BNPL for Americans.

Worries About Future Costs of Dental and Veterinary Care

According to the survey findings, 69 percent of Americans worry about future dental costs. In contrast, two-thirds of U.S pet owners worry about future veterinarian costs, indicating a lack of easy and accessible funds to pay for care. Seventy-one percent surveyed said they would regularly use BNPL over traditional payment methods, such as credit card, debit, or cash when visiting the dentist. The trend was even higher for pet owners, as 86 percent stated they too would opt for BNPL over traditional payment methods. These findings are mainly due to BNPL's payment flexibility and fixed rates.

While two-thirds of dental patients were knowledgeable about BNPL as an alternative payment method, only 49 percent have used loan financing for dental visits. Additionally, 77 percent of pet owners reported they were familiar with BNPL, but only 56 percent have used the BNPL as a means for managing and paying for veterinarian expenses. The disconnect could indicate not enough dental providers nor veterinarians offer many options for U.S consumers to cover costs, such as installment loan financing.

"The numbers don't lie," says Brian Shniderman, U.S. CEO and Global Chief Strategy Officer at Opy USA. "Americans are longing for the ability to choose BNPL when making a more significant purchase, such as when visiting the dentist or seeking veterinary care for their pets. In addition, dental patients and pet owners who have greater access to alternative payment methods will seek more consistent visits and treatments, with less worry and anxiety about covering the related expense of doing so. I'm proud to represent a brand that is working to help change lives by offering a fair, friendly way to finance people and pet care, especially when it's a big bill that's hard to pay off in a month or two."

Additional findings from the survey indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced Americans' opinions on BNPL, as two-thirds of those surveyed who frequently visit the dentist reported they are more interested in utilizing BNPL now than before the pandemic, while three in four pet owners reported the same sentiment. In addition, millennials cover the vast majority, at 75 percent, whose interest in BNPL options has increased the most. 

"Americans have spoken, and the solution is easy; dental and veterinarian practices need to incorporate installment loan financing as a payments option," explains Mike Kimbell, SVP, Head of U.S. Healthcare at Opy. "Quality pet and dental care is only the beginning. Providing a financial offering such as Opy will ensure healthcare providers can maintain an economically sustainable practice and maintain customer loyalty," Kimbell continues.

Of all participants surveyed, the bulk of the respondents indicated that payment flexibility is the most desirable feature of BNPL, with 43 percent of dental patients and 43 percent of pet owners reporting their preference.

"Healthcare, for both dentists and veterinarians, is the perfect market to offer closed-end installment loan financing. Opy's unique, flat-fee product provides a seamless payment experience, helping dental patients and pet owners spread out payments over longer terms, with higher costs, for the purchases that matter most in life," Shniderman continues. 

The online survey of 1,000 Americans was commissioned by Opy and conducted by market research company 72Point Inc. between January 20, 2022, and January 24, 2022.

For more information on Opy and for a direct report on the survey findings, visit https://www.opy.com/us/reports/infographic-buy-now-pay-later-over-traditional-payment-methods/.  

About Openpay
Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY) is an emerging leader in payments fintech, working to create a transparent, friendly approach to financing life's most meaningful purchases. Openpay delivers an omnichannel financing solution that extends beyond traditional Buy Now, Pay Later in the form of their next-generation "BNPL 2.0" product. BNPL 2.0 provides the gateway to complete transactions, up to $20,000 with payback terms of up to 24-months, across underserved BNPL verticals, including Automotive, Healthcare, Home Improvement, Memberships, Education, and Retail. Openpay has fine-tuned its innovative products for both consumers and merchants, providing transparent terms with quick credit decisions and customizable payment plans for consumers, along with a B2B payments offering that facilitates end-to-end trade account management. Openpay operates in Australia and in the United States (operating as Opy) and serves New Zealand and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.opy.com.

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SOURCE Opy