Stories of PayLater Users: Casual Experimentation Leads to Addiction and Debt Traps

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The PayLater feature, or “buy now, pay later,” is now available on nearly all e-commerce platforms and can be easily accessed by all users. With this feature, e-commerce users can purchase desired items without immediate payment, instead using a credit system. The sudden appearance of PayLater services in e-commerce apps has sparked curiosity and interest among many users. “In the TikTok and Shopee apps, there wasn’t any before. It only appeared in 2025, suddenly prompting activation. Basically, I just wanted to, casually clicked it,” said Waci when interviewed by Kompas.com at her residence in South Jakarta on Friday (27/3/2026). The mother of two admitted that her initial PayLater limit was only around Rp 150,000. However, due to frequent use, it has now increased to Rp 350,000. Waci stated that she has used the PayLater limit to buy various items, from clothing and electric fans to daily necessities, including soap. Waci admitted to using PayLater not out of urgent need, but because she felt too lazy to pay in cash. “Too lazy to use cash, just let it be on credit first. Pay next month because it’s a shame to spend the money immediately. Actually, I have the money, but I don’t pay now, ah, next month,” she continued. Another user, Vita (29), also admitted to frequently using PayLater not because of a lack of money, but because she dislikes paying upfront. “First, out of curiosity; second, for example, if I have money but fear that buying clothes will deplete it and not last the month. So, I think, fine, I’ll buy first with PayLater and pay when payday comes,” said Vita when met in South Jakarta on Friday. On the other hand, Vita does not feel worried about using PayLater because the interest charged is relatively small and not detrimental, in her view. The private sector employee admitted to starting using PayLater in 2022 out of curiosity. In the first year, she only used it to buy monthly internet packages. However, over time, her usage has increased, including for purchasing skincare products.