60% of attendees used “Buy Now, Pay Later” to afford Coachella 2025 — and it’s getting harder to tell if we’re partying or panic-spending, according to Observer.
The desert may be dry, but the debt sure isn’t.
This year’s Coachella 2025 festival didn’t just break sound barriers — it broke spending limits too. According to Observer, a staggering 60% of attendees used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services to fund their weekend escape, up from just 18% in 2009. It’s the latest reminder that even vibes now come with financing options.
GA tickets started at $599 — and that’s before you factor in outfits, Airbnbs, Ubers, or overpriced burritos. Thanks to the festival’s payment partnership, all it took was a $49.99 down payment to lock in your spot. The rest? Just a few easy installments… and maybe a long-term dent in your budget.
“It’s a trap disguised as flexibility,” said UCLA economist Wesley Yin. He warns that the easier it is to split the cost, the easier it is to overspend — especially when it comes to once-a-year FOMO-fueled events.
And this isn’t just about music. BNPL has become the go-to payment method for everything from sneakers to sushi, turning Gen Z and Millennials into accidental debt collectors… for themselves.
Coachella used to be a cultural milestone. Now it’s a credit milestone too. Welcome to the era of Buy Now, Pay Later, Dance Forever, Stress Next Month.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Related:
Why are more rich Americans opening Swiss bank accounts recently?
Gold Is at a Record High. Why It Could Climb Even Higher?
Nvidia’s CEO makes surprise visit to Beijing after US restricts chip sales to China
The Rule of 40: Your Ultimate Guide to Evaluating Software Stocks
How does the Eurodollar System Influence Global Markets?
Nvidia faces $5.5 billion charge as US restricts chip sales to China
China to now pay up to 245% tariffs on imports to US: Trump’s latest move
China appoints new trade envoy in face of tariff turmoil
Rumoured Iphone Fold could cost over $2,000 at launch
What the Market Isn’t Telling You: Gold, Bonds, Hedge Funds & Fed’s Next Move
