I just woke up (like, literally) at this time of writing and the first thing I saw was KFC Malaysia offering Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) to buy their lists of tender fried chickens. Yup, you read that right.
You can now spread your payments over three months (instalment-free) just to get your fix of crispy, deep-fried goodness. If that sounds absurd to you, you’re not alone.
KFC Malaysia has partnered with Boost Credit’s QSR PayFlex to introduce BNPL for their meals. This means that if you’re craving a Snack Plate but don’t have enough cash today, you can still get it and worry about paying later.
Some see this as a fantastic option, more of an easy way to manage expenses and still enjoy their favourite comfort food. Others, however, are raising eyebrows. Like, should you?
BNPL has become a staple in e-commerce, but now it’s expanding into everyday purchases, including fast food.
And it’s not just KFC Malaysia. Starbucks Malaysia and Atome have done it last 2 years when they offered you your favourite cup of coffee at a 3-month instalment plan. Just look at this guy’s post:
On the other side of the world, DoorDash in the US recently announced this week that it’s also offering BNPL for food deliveries too. The logic behind this? Well, mostly making it easier for customers to make payments. But at what cost?
KFC Adds Debt as the 12th Secret Herbs & Spices
The fact that people are turning to deferred payments just to buy fast food speaks volumes about the current economic climate. Experts have long warned about the risks of rising debt, particularly among lower-income households.
BNPL services, while marketed as convenient and interest-free, still involve a psychological trade-off—normalising debt for non-essential purchases.
For many, BNPL was initially a way to afford higher-ticket items like electronics or furniture. But when it trickles down to daily meals, it raises a troubling question. Are people struggling so much that they need to finance a piece of fried chicken?
Data from the attached report indicates that BNPL adoption is highest among younger consumers and lower-income groups, who often use it to bridge financial gaps.
The concern is that short-term convenience can lead to long-term financial stress, especially when multiple BNPL purchases accumulate. One meal today might not seem like much, but one BNPL a day, couldn’t keep the debt away.
So, what happens when BNPL becomes a lifestyle rather than a last resort?
Have We Forgotten How to Save?
Well, this has sparked a bigger conversation.
I would first like to know on what happened to saving up before making big purchases? I remember a time when I was little when I had to learn to save up money before I could buy my first PlayStation game.
Yes, I know that BNPL helps to get you the things you like easier, and faster but shouldn’t that be for big purchases?
The idea of delayed gratification seems to be eroding as easy credit options become more accessible. Critics argue that BNPL when used irresponsibly, encourages a buy-now-worry-later (or as I’d like to say buy now, cry later), mentality, which could lead to financial strain down the line.
And while it may seem harmless to spread an RM20 meal over three months, the problem is when it becomes a habit. A KFC bucket today, a burger tomorrow, and before you know it, you’re juggling multiple BNPL payments for things you could have just waited to afford.
This also highlights regulatory concerns, noting that while BNPL services operate outside traditional lending regulations, they still contribute to consumer debt.
Financial watchdogs in several countries have started taking a closer look at how BNPL impacts credit scores and financial health. If left unchecked, BNPL could create a cycle where people rely on deferred payments just to maintain their daily lifestyles, pushing them further into financial vulnerability.
Putting Debt on a Plate
The BNPL industry is facing increasing scrutiny worldwide. In the US, financial watchdogs have started cracking down on BNPL providers due to concerns over hidden fees, lack of consumer protection, and the rising risk of defaults. Australia and the UK are also stepping up regulations to ensure responsible lending practices.
So while BNPL for fast food may seem like a quirky development, it’s part of a much larger shift in spending habits. One that has both supporters and critics fiercely debating its long-term implications.
Beyond regulatory concerns, there’s also a psychological impact. The report suggests that easy access to BNPL encourages impulse spending, as consumers feel less immediate financial pressure.
This can lead to a distorted perception of affordability, where individuals buy things they wouldn’t normally purchase if they had to pay upfront. In a world where instant gratification is king, BNPL is feeding into a culture of “spend first, worry later.”
Should You BNPL Your Fried Chicken or Just Wait for Payday?
At the end of the day, it boils down to personal financial responsibility. If you’re using BNPL to manage cash flow wisely, great. But if you find yourself constantly needing it for basic expenses, it might be time to reassess your spending habits.
BNPL is a tool, and like any tool, it depends on how you use it.
Just remember that if you have to split the cost of a meal over three months, maybe that meal isn’t something you should be buying in the first place. One thing that could help is maybe by saving RM1 a day, rather than adding more flavours to your debt collection?
Financial discipline and mindful spending are key.
The convenience of BNPL should not become a crutch for poor financial habits. As this trend grows, it’s important to ask ourselves. Are we leveraging financial innovation to improve our lives, or are we simply making it easier to fall into debt?
What do you think? Would you BNPL your KFC snack plate?
Featured image: Edited from Freepik
