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People are missing out on vital protections by using buy now, pay later instead of credit cards to pay for holidays, experts warn.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) has grown hugely in recent years, and holiday firms and hotel chains have been adding it to the options for payment when booking online, saying it can make trips more attainable.

“Stay now, pay later” is the new slogan from budget hotel chain Travelodge, which recently announced that guests can now pay via Klarna, Clearpay or PayPal – the three companies that dominate the UK BNPL market.

Similarly, a number of travel agents and flight booking sites offer BNPL under the banner of “Fly now pay later”. Customers do not have to pay the full cost of their flights upfront – they can spread the cost over instalments.

And Airbnb announced in late 2023 that it was teaming up with Klarna in the UK so guests could spread the cost of stays over weeks or months. The service is available for reservations priced between £35 and £4,000.

Data issued this week showed that searches on Google for phrases such as “buy now pay later flights” and “buy now pay later hotels” are up sharply on earlier this year, suggesting people are looking for ways to book more flexibly.

BNPL is a form of credit where the cost of what you are buying is typically split into three or four instalments. If you keep to your repayment plan, you will not usually pay interest or charges.

However, there is concern that some people could end up taking out loans they cannot afford to pay back on time, thereby incurring charges, tipping them into debt and damaging their credit score.

Experts warn that using BNPL to pay for holidays or trips also offers fewer consumer protections than more traditional credit.

“While it can be really convenient, it’s worth remembering that it doesn’t come with the same protections as a credit card,” says Matthew Sheeran from Money Wellness, a debt solutions and budgeting website.

If you pay with a credit card, section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act means that if a purchase between £100 and £30,000 goes wrong, the credit card provider is jointly liable with the retailer.

Sheeran says that with BNPL, if there is a problem, “you’ll usually have to chase the retailer or travel provider yourself, which can be stressful and time-consuming. It’s worth checking whether the BNPL provider offers any dispute process, but these aren’t as robust or guaranteed as section 75”.

He adds that while this form of payment is fine for smaller low-risk purchases, for bigger spends, a credit card still offers a safety net.

“BNPL is starting to edge into travel because it offers a way for people to ‘buy now, budget later’,” says Maisie Blewitt at Transfer Travel, an online marketplace where people can buy and sell unused trips.

She says that if you pay using BNPL and the airline or hotel goes bust, for example, your money could be at risk of being lost.

“Refunds can be messy, too, because if a trip is cancelled, instalments can keep coming out of your account until the refund clears, which could take weeks,” she says.

She adds that as this is a developing area of regulation, terms and protections can differ from provider to provider.

“Before using buy now, pay later for a holiday, make sure you carefully read and fully understand the small print,” says Blewitt.

People who use BNPL in this way typically do not have to pay for the trip before they travel, so charges may still be coming out of their account months after they have been away.

There is no universal maximum spending limit, so how much you can borrow depends on which provider you use, your creditworthiness, and how much risk it is willing to take.

“It feels risk-free, and that’s the problem,” says Sebrina McCullough from Money Wellness. “Interest-free offers make it feel like a payment method, not borrowing. But it’s still credit, and if you use it to fund what you can’t afford, the risks grow.”

The UK’s financial regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, is to start regulating BNPL from July 2026.

This means BNPL loans will become regulated credit agreements and, crucially, people using this form of credit will be covered by section 75. They will also be able to access the Financial Ombudsman Service if they need to make a complaint.

Ripple’s recent wave of high-profile acquisitions signals growing strength and ambition in bridging traditional finance with crypto.

Yet concerns persist that Ripple’s reliance on XRP-linked financing exposes weaknesses in the company’s long-term financial sustainability and its ecosystem’s real utility.

Ripple’s recent acquisitions, including Hidden Road and GTreasury, underline its accelerated push into traditional finance and its effort to expand financial infrastructure into corporate markets.

However, Ripple’s growing footprint in traditional finance has reignited long-standing concerns about XRP’s utility and relevance. These newly acquired services primarily target institutional clients that rely on conventional financial instruments, leaving XRP with little to no role in their core operations.

This disconnect has become a focal point of growing scrutiny among analysts and investors, who question whether Ripple’s business expansion truly supports the long-term value of its token.

Despite recent acquisitions, Ripple’s financial reality still heavily depends on XRP sales and tokenomics. The company continues to hold and release large volumes of XRP.

These periodic sales, managed through an escrow system, have long served as a key source of liquidity and operational funding for the firm.

Yet this reliance on selling XRP contrasts with the company’s long-promoted vision of the token as a functional bridge currency rather than a financial asset.

For years, the narrative has been that XRP would become the bridge currency, settlement fuel, and utility token within XRPL and Ripple’s infrastructure. But new data introduces a structural disconnect.

An effective example is Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin.

As of the beginning of October, RLUSD has reached a market cap of nearly $789 million. Yet, BeInCrypto reported earlier that around 88% of RLUSD’s supply is on Ethereum, not XRPL.

Many XRP holders expected RLUSD adoption to increase demand for the token. Transactions on the XRP Ledger require small XRP fees that are burned. However, most RLUSD activity happens outside the Ledger altogether, limiting its impact on the token’s overall utility.

This situation has created a strategic tension for Ripple, which is expanding beyond XRP’s original purpose. Once expected to benefit from this growth, the token plays only a limited role in new operations.

So far, this shift has not led to greater XRP usage or burns, raising doubts about its real-world utility.

The debate over XRP’s relevance has now expanded to include how Ripple manages and influences the circulation of its token.

Ripple’s intervention in XRP’s market has added another layer to the debate over the token’s utility.

The company recently revealed plans to raise $1 billion worth of XRP to establish a digital asset treasury, one of the largest fundraising efforts centered on a single cryptocurrency.

Supporters view the plan as a sign of confidence in XRP’s long-term prospects and an attempt to bring market stability.

However, critics argue that a company raising capital to buy its own token risks blurring the line between financial strategy and price support.

Some analysts warn that such large-scale interventions could reinforce the perception that Ripple’s success still depends on XRP speculation, rather than genuine on-chain or institutional utility.

Ultimately, the initiative highlights the same structural challenge facing Ripple’s ecosystem. While the company swiftly expands into traditional finance, XRP’s practical role within that growth remains limited.

Read original story Ripple Grows Beyond Crypto—But Can XRP Keep Up? by Camila Grigera Naón at beincrypto.com

SHANGHAI, Oct. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Track Test Drive: From October 15 to 16, the EXEED International User Summit launched its track test drive in Shanghai. A total of 124 guests from 24 countries attended. The event featured on-track experiences and static displays, allowing participants to witness EXEED’s industry-leading “firsts” and “onlys” in person.

BEV Highlights: As a premium global NEV brand, EXLANTIX showcased its BEV lineup with outstanding performance. The models can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 3 seconds, delivering supercar-level power. They also feature a turning radius of just 5.65 meters — the smallest in their class.

Hybrid Highlights: In hybrid technology, EXEED combines the industry’s first REEV Golden Extended-Range system with the world’s exclusive Quad-Motor AWD PHEV. During the event, four upcoming global hybrid models also made appearances.

From October 15 to 16, the EXEED International User Summit launched its track test drive in Shanghai. A total of 124 guests from 24 countries attended. Through immersive on-track experiences and static displays, EXEED presented its latest achievements in electrification, hybrid technology, intelligence, and design. The event allowed guests to experience multiple industry “firsts” and “onlys” in person.

After test-driving several EXEED models including the ES, ET, E01 PHEV, and VX PHEV, top Qatari auto influencer Mohammad Nehad Ahmad Alomari-Zrdifd from Horsepower commented: All of these cars deliver a great driving experience, each with its own strengths. For instance, the ES has a futuristic design, the ET handles turns very well. But what they all share is impressive acceleration and excellent handling!

BEV Highlights: ES BEV and ET BEV, High-Performance Electric Models

As one of the key models on the track, the ES BEV demonstrates exceptional aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of just 0.205Cd and delivers an impressive 8,000 N·m of wheel-end torque. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds. Equipped with the IAS intelligent air suspension and CDC adaptive damping system, the ES BEV continuously adjusts ride height and damping stiffness according to road conditions and driving modes. This intelligent coordination effectively minimizes body roll during high-speed cornering, enhancing handling precision and overall stability.

The ET BEV also delivered impressive performance, with an electric motor producing a peak output of 353 kW. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, unleashing strong power from the very first moment on the track. Its chassis features class-leading IAS intelligent air suspension and CDC adaptive damping, capable of completing dynamic adjustments within 1 second. Paired with an advanced double-wishbone structure, the ET BEV maintains a stable body posture even under aggressive track driving. Notably, its 5.65-meter turning radius—the smallest in its class—ensures agile handling during slalom tests and adds practical convenience for everyday driving.

Norwegian top 3 auto KOL Falch Krister Riis also shared his feedback after testing the ES and ET: Both cars offer great handling. The ES accelerates quickly, while the ET is very comfortable to drive — and its charging speed is amazing!

Hybrid Highlights: ET REEV and RX PHEV Lead the Way, Balancing Performance and Efficiency Across the Hybrid Range

In the hybrid lineup, the ET REEV and RX PHEV served as the key models for the track test. The VX PHEV and E01 PHEV also made appearances, showcasing the breadth of EXEED’s hybrid offerings. The ET REEV features the industry-first Golden Extended-Range technology, equipped with a high-efficiency engine achieving 44.5% thermal efficiency. One liter of fuel can generate 3.7 kWh of electricity, the highest in its class. It also comes with front and rear electric motors, delivering a total system output of 345 kW. The AWD system provides robust power, enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 4.9 seconds. Even in a discharged state, the vehicle can reach 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. On the track, the ET REEV’s electric-motor-driven system ensures rapid throttle response during straight-line acceleration, delivering a driving feel on par with that of pure electric vehicles.

The RX PHEV is equipped with the world’s exclusive Quad-Motor AWD PHEV system. It delivers a combined output of 395 kW and 650 N·m of torque, accelerating from 0–100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. This demonstrates the performance advantages of its four-motor hybrid system. On the track, the vehicle’s hybrid “Sport Mode” coordinates power delivery, providing strong acceleration during straight-line runs. Additionally, with a combined range exceeding 1,300 km, the RX PHEV eliminates range anxiety for everyday driving.

Intelligent Technology: ET and ES Feature VPD + RPA for an Enhanced Parking Experience

Beyond performance, EXEED also showcased its advancements in intelligent technology during the track event. Both the ET and ES models are equipped with VPD (Valet Parking Drive) and RPA (Remote Parking Assistance), offering a new level of convenience and safety for parking.

As the only model in its segment equipped with VPD, the system features two modules: Remote Valet Parking and Remote Smart Summon. Once the vehicle enters a designated area, the driver can activate Remote Valet Parking and leave. The system autonomously searches for a parking space, parks the car, and then automatically locks, closes the windows, and powers down. For the next use, drivers can activate Remote Smart Summon via the mobile app. The system will then bring the vehicle out of the parking spot and drive it to the designated pick-up point.

The RPA addresses the common problem of parking in tight spaces where exiting the vehicle is difficult. The driver selects a suitable parking space, engages the P gear, and applies the handbrake. Using Bluetooth or the key fob, the system is activated with a single command, and the vehicle parks itself automatically. For tight spaces where getting back in is difficult, the vehicle can also be remotely controlled to exit the spot with ease.

Premium Highlights: E02 and MX Presented, Showcasing New Technology Premium

In the static display area, the all-new E02 and MX drew significant attention. Their striking design language captivated media and KOLs, who stopped to admire and photograph the vehicles. The E02 features a distinctive “Cloud Waterfall” grille, conveying strength and presence. Its side profile highlights the “Wind-Flow Horizon” beltline. This line stretches from the headlights to the rear and runs parallel to the roofline, creating an elegant and cohesive silhouette. At the rear, the “Sunset Glow” through-tail lamps feature a clean, sculpted design. When illuminated at night, they showcase the fusion of Eastern aesthetics and modern technology.

The MX features a “Starwing” light strip that runs parallel from the headlights to the taillights. Its minimalist yet profound design creates a dreamlike effect, as if the entire vehicle is surrounded by starlight. The light strip houses 472 LEDs, stretching a total length of 3,499.3 mm, to deliver a dazzling starry visual experience. The MX is paired with five-spoke star-pattern wheels, crafted with a hollow multi-layer structure. The interplay of light and shadow creates a three-dimensional starburst effect, enhancing the vehicle’s refined, tech-premium appeal.

The track test drive in Shanghai offered more than 120 guests an immersive experience. It showcased EXEED’s achievements and capabilities across performance, intelligent technology, and design in the new energy sector. Looking ahead, EXEED plans to introduce its new energy vehicles to high-regulation markets such as Norway and Denmark, providing local customers with more premium mobility solutions.

Contact: Ting Li, lixueting@mychery.com