{"id":57972,"title":"Affirm chief links rising fuel costs to increased demand for payment flexibility","publisher":"Stockmark.IT","author":"Stockmark.IT Website","published":"2026-08-31T05:55:28+00:00","modified":"2026-08-31T05:55:28+00:00","canonical_url":"https://stockmark.it/affirm-ceo-sees-greater-bnpl-demand-as-gas-prices-climb/","markdown_url":"https://stockmark.it/affirm-ceo-sees-greater-bnpl-demand-as-gas-prices-climb.md","json_url":"https://stockmark.it/affirm-ceo-sees-greater-bnpl-demand-as-gas-prices-climb.json","category":"Business","categories":["Business"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/affirm-chief-links-rising-fuel-costs-to-increased-demand-for.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"Max Levchin, chief executive of buy now, pay later provider Affirm, has stated that rising fuel prices are driving consumers to seek greater flexibility in managing their budgets. Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box on Friday, 28 August, Levchin acknowledged that the American consumer cannot ignore the impact of higher gas prices. He noted that customers are increasingly turning to the company to help manage these costs across various inflationary pressure points.\n\nAccording to data from the American Automobile Association, the national average gas price stood at $4.07 per gallon as of Sunday, 30 August. Although this figure represents a slight decrease from May, it remains nearly a dollar higher than the level recorded a year ago, prior to the onset of the Iran war. Levchin explained that during periods of inflation, demand for their services typically increases as individuals become more deliberate about their spending. He described consumers as being more thoughtful about how they allocate their funds, with Affirm positioned to assist in this process.\n\nDespite the current demand, Levchin expressed concern regarding the long-term effects of sustained price pressure on the broader economy. He cautioned that while consumers currently appear financially healthy, persistent inflationary trends are not beneficial in the long run. His remarks followed the recent release of Affirm’s earnings, which indicated that the buy now, pay later sector is moving deeper into everyday spending. This shift suggests that affordability is increasingly dependent on providing flexibility across a growing number of transactions rather than simply financing single large purchases.\n\nIn a question-and-answer session with analysts, Levchin highlighted the value of free use of money for all consumers. He cited one specific use case as helping individuals fit considered purchases into their monthly outflows. Recent research from PYMNTS Intelligence indicates that Affirm is used by 45% of buy now, pay later users, slightly ahead of Klarna and PayPal Pay Later, which both stand at 44%, and Afterpay at 42%. The study also found a growing trend of consumers using multiple providers simultaneously. The number of users who had employed at least two companies rose from 68% in April 2025 to 74% in May 2026. This multi-provider behaviour may be attributed to the differing product offerings, such as Affirm’s short-term plans and financing lasting up to five years, compared to Klarna’s Pay in 30 and Pay in 4 options."}