Microsoft under fire for baking "buy now, pay later" option into Edge browser Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft under fire for baking "buy now, pay later" option into Edge browser Interest raised. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 2 Dec 2021 52 comments Microsoft has sparked criticism for baking a "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) option into its Edge web browser, beginning in the US. The option allows Edge to suggest a sponsored BNPL payment method when customers begin entering their card numbers into retail sites - even if specific sites do not offer it natively. Microsoft has signed a deal with third-party BNPL company Zip (previously Quadpay) to feature the sign-up option on retail checkout pages at browser level, for any purchase Edge detects between $35 to $1000. Think how a browser may suggest a previously-used credit card when paying currently. It's here some Edge users are now seeing Zip's BNPL offer advertised, with the ability to split payment into four instalments over six weeks. Microsoft first announced these plans a couple of weeks ago for the development build of its browser, Microsoft Edge Canary. But, as of today, these changes are now arriving publicly, to anyone with Edge's v64 update. "This is not a feature that should be native in any browser. It's unwanted bloat and an obvious cash grab," one user commented at the time. "Please reconsider and offer this as an extension if it needs to exist at all." Criticism of the move has centred on the fact BNPL can cause issues for those who are tempted into a payment plan they cannot keep up with, and whose credit ratings can be damaged if a payment is missed. Others have pointed to the fact Edge is provided with all copies of Windows 10 and 11 - meaning this change potentially affects billions of devices. Microsoft added Buy Now Pay Later into Edge (and so Windows 10 and 11 base OS), a thing which is known to be abused to harm people. The tags on the post on Microsoft's website say it all. Keep speaking out. pic.twitter.com/wsujv2VdWN- Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) November 30, 2021 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings 34% of people using BNPL miss at least 1 payment. They earn no positive credit, but can be reported to credit agencies for a default. This should not be built into and promoted by @microsoft software. https://t.co/WnZZglaelS- Libby Brown (@TruBluDevil) November 29, 2021 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings We've contacted Microsoft for more, and asked about its plans for a UK rollout. [UPDATE: Microsoft declined to comment further, but directed us to this FAQ page on the BNPL option which confirms it is only available in the US at present.] Last year Microsoft partnered with BNPL firm Klarna in the UK for its Xbox All Access scheme, which let customers pre-order an Xbox Series X/S for a fixed monthly fee. In February, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority announced it would step in to regulate the growing BNPL sector following the publication of a critical report into BNPL practices. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 4 Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 13 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090: a new level in graphics performance The Digital Foundry video review - and how the new GPU champion delivers for 4K 120fps gaming. Feature Evercore Heroes wants to wind people up the right way "There's less rage at them, because they didn't end your fun." Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 4 Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store