A quarter of American adults have used Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) in the past year (26%), according to new research from YouGov Profiles. While BNPL is often seen as an option for people looking beyond credit cards, the data shows something different: even those who are satisfied with their credit cards (82% of holders) are using BNPL.

Satisfied credit card users who have used BNPL show similar purchasing behaviors to all BNPL users. About 22% use BNPL monthly, compared to 23% overall, while 28% use it every two to three months, slightly above the 26% of general BNPL users.

Who exactly are these satisfied credit card users using BNPL? Compared to the broader BNPL user base, they're more likely to be financially stable. Half (48%) have middle incomes (between 75% and 200% of the median) versus 39% of general BNPL users. Meanwhile, fewer of them fall into the lower-income category (32%) compared to general BNPL users (44%).

This group also tends to have more financial responsibilities: 42% hold mortgages, compared to 32% of general BNPL users, and 36% have auto loans, slightly above the 32% seen broadly. They’re also more likely to have student loans (27% vs. 20% of all BNPL users)

Despite these differences, motivations to use BNPL remain consistent. Half of satisfied credit card customers using BNPL appreciate the ability to spread payments over time, while 40% specifically highlight interest-free options. Convenience is also important, with 41% citing ease of use. Other benefits mentioned include budgeting flexibility (38%), immediate access to purchases without upfront payment (37%), and access to exclusive discounts or promotions (11%). 

Looking ahead, both satisfied credit card users and general BNPL users express similar likelihood of continuing to use these services. About 62% of satisfied credit card customers say they're ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to use BNPL again, closely matching the broader BNPL user base (59%).

In short, satisfied credit card users aren’t replacing their cards but instead using BNPL as an additional payment tool. BNPL companies and traditional financial institutions alike may find valuable opportunities within this dual-use segment.