Buy now, pay later grocery schemes are a ‘debt trap’ for struggling families

The latest buy now, pay later grocery-shopping deals are offering interest-free credit with money paid in three or four instalments over a month or six weeks. Photograph: Alamy

Families hit by the cost-of-living crisis are being targeted by credit firms offering “buy now, pay later” deals on weekly groceries, pet food and hot drinks.

Shoppers are urged to spread their payments for staple foods and treats to help cope with “these difficult times”. One promotion states: “Regardless of your credit rating, we will offer you a tonne of credit to do your shopping with.”