A group of South African fintechs, including Float and Adumo, have joined forces to streamline in-store BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) payments.
This collaboration marks a bold move to meet growing consumer demand for flexible, interest-free instalment payments inside physical retail stores.
It also highlights a larger trend of strategic fintech partnerships that are reshaping how South Africans shop and pay in-store.
Float’s digital BNPL platform, originally online-focused, will now expand into offline retail through this high-impact alliance with Adumo.
Combining Digital Innovation with Real-World Reach
Founded in 2021, Float allows customers to split purchases into up to 24 monthly payments using existing credit cards.
This means shoppers won’t need new accounts or credit applications—just their regular Visa or Mastercard-linked mobile banking platforms.
Unlike many BNPL providers, Float does not issue credit lines or offer loans, reducing risk and complexity for everyday consumers.
Now, through Adumo’s vast network of over 50,000 payment terminals, Float’s offering will be available across South Africa’s top retail stores.
Adumo’s Infrastructure Supercharges Float’s In-Store BNPL
Adumo already powers payment terminals at leading chains like Safari Outdoor, Verimark, Cellucity, Vision Optometrists, and Tyremart.
This integration allows shoppers to access instant in-store BNPL options directly at checkout, improving affordability and convenience on the spot.
Float also has a strong existing presence in stores like iStore, Samsung, and Cape Union Mart, with more to follow.
As a result, millions of credit card holders can now enjoy interest-free instalments, boosting spending flexibility without added financial stress.
Flexible Finance for Challenging Economic Times
With inflationary pressures rising, South African shoppers increasingly seek more manageable ways to control their monthly household spending.
Offering in-store BNPL helps retailers increase basket sizes, while customers gain better purchasing power without taking on new debt.
Float’s card-linked model is designed to align with existing consumer behaviour, making it both seamless and secure for in-store use.
This approach reduces reliance on unsecured loans or payday credit, which can carry high interest and negative long-term consequences.
Driving Fintech Innovation Through Local Collaboration
This partnership showcases the strength of homegrown fintech collaboration, using South African infrastructure and insight to deliver smart financial solutions.
Float’s founder and CEO Alex Forsyth called the move a major step in providing frictionless BNPL access to more cardholders.
He added, “We’re meeting shoppers where they are—in stores, ready to make purchases—but now with greater control and transparency.”
Together, Float and Adumo are shaping a new chapter in in-store BNPL, demonstrating how collaboration can drive inclusive financial innovation.
The Future of In-Store BNPL in South Africa
As this partnership matures, more South African merchants are expected to adopt in-store BNPL as a standard offering at checkout.
This could help balance retailer profitability with shopper affordability, particularly as fintech innovation drives more retail transformation.
For now, the rise of in-store BNPL confirms that flexible payments are no longer limited to online transactions—they’re going fully mainstream.