[bytesandbots]

These constructs also helps people buy more expensive items than what they could afford without credit. I wouldn't jump to that conclusion just because it exists. Credit companies also take small fraction of the transaction. The store is willing to pay that fees because it increases their revenue.

[krageon]

If they can't afford it without credit, they can't afford it with. And vice-versa. There is no credit construction that will make this different, except if it has a negative interest rate. To me this is obvious because if they can afford the credit, they can afford to save.