New Law from 1968 Causes Apple Pay Later Program to Halt Withdrawals
Money | June 19, 2024, 9:03 a.m.
Apple Pay Later's withdrawal may not have been solely due to upcoming legislation but rather a reinterpretation of the Truth in Lending Act (TiLA) from 1968. Previously, TiLA did not cover Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans like Apple Pay Later. However, following an investigation by the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), BNPL lenders could now fall under TiLA's regulations. This means lenders must ensure consumer protection, investigate disputes, pause payments, provide refunds, and issue credits when necessary. By withdrawing Apple Pay Later, Apple can sidestep potential compliance issues and paperwork. CFPB Director Rohit Chopra emphasized that consumer rights apply regardless of payment method. Apple likely chose to avoid the added complexities and focus on its core business, rather than navigating the increased scrutiny of BNPL lending.