Returning a Bag Bought With Buy Now, Pay Later

Check the plan’s refund policy before you buy, and keep records of every return. The FTC says that these plans also typically offer fewer protections in a dispute, and that even if you use a credit card to make payments, those protections might not extend to the original purchase.

What the FTC says

• Before you use any payment plan, ask what the plan’s refund policy is: what happens if you are still making payments and then decide you do not want the item, and whether they will give your money back or charge fees.
• Find out the reputations of the store and the plan, especially for returns and disputes, by searching the names with “complaint”.
• When it comes to disputes, these plans also typically offer fewer protections.
• Even if you use a credit card to make payments to the plan, those protections might not extend to the original purchase.
• Always get a copy of the contract, and keep good records of the payments you make.
• Most states have specific laws for rent-to-own, lease-to-own and layaway plans, and some have consumer credit laws that apply to BNPL.

What to do when you return a bag

1. Keep the return proof, the tracking number and the date.
2. Tell the plan’s company about the return in writing.
3. Ask what to do about any instalment due before the refund.
4. Keep paying unless the company confirms in writing that payments are paused.
5. Report a problem to your state attorney general or the FTC.

Where this answer stops

This follows the FTC’s general advice. Each plan has its own terms, and these may allow or prevent a pause. Check the contract and your state’s rules.