Gone are the days when luxury was limited to the rich. Today, even college students and freshers are flaunting iPhones, expensive perfumes, and international trips. Thanks to the rise of credit tools like no-cost EMIs, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and credit cards, Gen Z is experiencing luxury without paying upfront.

Apps like ZestMoney, Slice, Uni, and Simpl have made it incredibly easy to buy big-ticket items and split payments over months-without added interest. Brands, too, are offering easy EMI options, even on clothing and gadgets, making luxury accessible to Tier-2 and Tier-3 city youth.

But while these tools offer convenience, they come with a risk. Many young users are unaware of credit scores, late fees, or the long-term debt traps they can fall into. Experts warn that without financial literacy, these credit habits could backfire.

Still, for now, Gen Z is shaping a new trend-aspirational living powered by monthly installments. The emotional satisfaction of “living now, paying later” seems worth it for a generation that values experiences, appearances, and access over ownership.