How does Fupay work?

How does Fupay work?

Many Aussies use Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services for buying moderately priced goods, either services or in several stores. Given the popularity of BNPL services, providers are constantly innovating their customer offerings by letting eligible customers borrow larger amounts or issuing a mobile app-based virtual card. 

Fupay calls itself a lifestyle management platform and claims to help millennials understand financial responsibility. While its BNPL offerings cover a wider range of expenses including house rent and groceries incentivised with cash-back and rewards, it also offers customers insights regarding their finances. However, customers can only borrow small amounts, typically not exceeding $500. 

Disclaimer

This article is over two years old, last updated on June 1, 2022. While RateCity makes best efforts to update every important article regularly, the information in this piece may not be as relevant as it once was. Alternatively, please consider checking recent bnpl articles.

What features are offered by Fupay?

Customers can borrow money from Fupay in three different ways, depending on the expense they are trying to meet

They can pay their utility bills through the Fu Bills feature, which allows them to borrow up to $500. Fupay also offers a tap-and-pay service through its virtual Fu Card that can be used in stores while, for instance, buying groceries, or online. 

The third option is Fu Cash, which is a small cash deposit of up to $200 similar to a payday loan. When you use any of these services, you need to pay a flat borrowing fee equal to 5 per cent of the amount borrowed, which you have to repay in 8 weeks. 

Remember that you should meet Fupay’s lending criteria and share data to prove that you can repay the debt before borrowing money. Also, like other BNPL services, Fupay requires customers to download a mobile app, but you need to link your bank account before you can access any services. 

The Fupay app also gives users access to their online bargain store, Fu Place, and their financial analysis service, Fu Flow. Customers can make purchases on Fu Place and pay using either their Fu Card or another payment method, while they can use Fu Flow to track bill payment deadlines, spending patterns, and manage their finances better. 

What are the pros and cons of using Fupay?

Unlike other BNPL services, Fupay focuses on ensuring its customers manage their money, which has both advantages and disadvantages for borrowers. 

Some of the advantages include:

  •  You can use Fupay for expenses not traditionally associated with BNPL services, such as rent and food.
  •  Fu Flow can help you keep track of payments due and ensures that you understand your borrowing power.
  •  You can’t usually borrow large sums of money using Fupay which makes repayment and debt management easier.
  •  Fupay doesn’t require you to undergo a credit check before borrowing money, making it easier for younger people without a significant credit history to gain approval.

Some of the disadvantages associated with using Fupay include:

  •  Not many merchants may accept Fu Card payments without charging you a borrowing fee.
  •  If you need to borrow more than $500, Fupay may not be suitable for you.
  •  The number of installments in which you can repay the money borrowed using Fupay varies depending on the amount, and you may have to pay back   the entire sum at once when you make small transactions.
  •  You need to be a salaried professional or otherwise receive regular income in your bank account to qualify for borrowing from Fupay.
  •  Although Fupay doesn’t conduct a credit check, you need to share all your financial information, including bank transaction data with Fupay to help them assess your borrowing power. Further, Fupay may continue assessing this data over time.
  •  Needing to repay money to Fupay will likely count as an outstanding debt when you apply for other kinds of credit like a car loan or home loan.

Note

If you’re in a financial position where you’re seeking credit to afford basic needs, such as food or accommodation, it may be worth seeking financial advice. You may also want to consider reaching out to your bill providers and requesting hardship support through this period. 

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Product database updated 23 Dec, 2024
Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Personal Finance Editor Alex Ritchie before it was published as part of RateCity's Fact Check process.

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