Layaway – a payment method that seemed destined for nostalgia – is re-emerging in Australia’s fast-changing retail landscape. With cost-of-living pressures rising and more scrutiny on credit-based solutions, some shoppers are turning to old-school layaway (or lay-by, as it’s long been called here) for big purchases. But is it a smart move in 2025?
What Is Layaway and How Has It Changed?
Layaway lets you reserve an item in-store or online and pay it off in regular instalments before you take it home. Unlike Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) or credit cards, there’s no debt, no interest, and no credit check – you simply collect your item once it’s paid in full.
- Traditional layaway often involved a small deposit and weekly payments at a department store counter. You’d receive your goods once the final payment cleared.
- Modern layaway has gone digital. Retailers like Kmart, Target, and some online stores now offer app-based or online layaway with automated payment reminders and flexible schedules.
- Some fintechs are trialling digital layaway platforms, blending classic pay-before-you-own models with online convenience.
While not as ubiquitous as in the pre-BNPL era, layaway is gaining renewed interest as Australians reconsider their relationship with debt and instant gratification.
Why Layaway Appeals in 2025
Several trends are driving the layaway revival:
- Rising interest rates and tighter lending criteria have made traditional credit less attractive, especially for budget-conscious households.
- BNPL regulation has tightened in 2025, with providers now requiring credit checks and capping late fees. Some shoppers are wary of extra checks or fees.
- Cost-of-living pressures mean more Australians are planning purchases in advance and looking for ways to avoid debt traps.
- Financial wellness trends highlight the psychological benefit of “waiting” for a purchase, helping prevent impulse buys and overspending.
For example, a family looking to buy Christmas gifts without using a credit card can put toys on lay-by in August, pay them off over four months, and avoid a January debt hangover. Similarly, students or young adults might use layaway for tech upgrades, knowing they’ll get their device only once it’s fully paid.
Layaway vs. BNPL and Credit: Pros, Cons, and What to Watch For
Layaway is not for everyone. Here’s how it stacks up in 2025:
- Pros:
- No interest or credit checks
- No risk of overspending or hidden fees
- Encourages saving and delayed gratification
- Cancellation usually possible, sometimes with a small admin fee
- Cons:
- You don’t get the item until you’ve paid in full
- Limited to participating retailers and selected products
- May require strict payment schedules; missed payments can forfeit your deposit
- Not suitable for urgent or essential purchases
In 2025, layaway sits between the flexibility of BNPL and the discipline of cash savings. It’s ideal for planned, non-urgent purchases – like holidays, furniture, or seasonal shopping sprees. For impulse buys or emergencies, it falls short.
Retailers are responding by offering hybrid options: some allow you to switch from layaway to BNPL mid-way (for a fee), or give digital tracking tools so you can adjust payments. Still, it pays to check the fine print – some layaway programs now charge modest admin fees, especially if you cancel.
What’s Next for Layaway in Australia?
With financial regulation tightening and consumer confidence in credit wavering, layaway’s low-risk model is set to remain relevant, especially among younger shoppers and families. Retailers are expected to further digitise the experience, with more app-based tracking and flexible payment schedules.
Watch for emerging fintechs launching digital layaway platforms in 2025, offering everything from whitegoods to travel packages. As Australians become more intentional about spending, expect layaway to grow as a “slow and steady” alternative to debt-driven shopping.
