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Black Friday installment plans hide costly interest traps for shoppers

That ‘great’ Black Friday discount might vanish with sky-high interest. Some retailers charge nearly 19%—here’s how to avoid the debt trap.

In this picture we can see food boxes in the racks. We can see price notes.
In this picture we can see food boxes in the racks. We can see price notes.

Verivox warns against installment purchases online - Installment loans usually much cheaper - Black Friday installment plans hide costly interest traps for shoppers

Black Friday deals may be enticing, but installment payment options can come with high interest charges. A recent comparison by Verivox highlights significant differences in borrowing costs for the same purchase. Consumers could pay substantially more depending on where they finance their shopping. For a €2,500 purchase repaid over three years, interest rates vary widely. Otto charges the highest rate at 18.92%, adding €729 in interest. Amazon and MMS E-Commerce also impose high rates of 10.01% and 10.90%, respectively. The comparison reveals a clear gap in borrowing costs during Black Friday promotions. A €2,500 purchase could cost €729 in interest at Otto but only €255 through a Verivox personal loan. Authorities continue to monitor the impact of high-interest installment plans on household debt levels.

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