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More Than Half of Americans Fear Covering Unexpected Expenses in 2025

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Rising Cost of Goods and Economic Uncertainty Create Financial Strain and Shift Payment Preferences, According to New Splitit and PYMNTS Consumer Study

ATLANTA, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New research from Splitit and PYMNTS finds that more than 53% of consumers are concerned about affording unexpected expenses in 2025 amid rising anxiety over economic uncertainty. “Managing Unplanned Expenses: How The Pay Later Economy Fits Consumer Needs,” which surveyed more than 7,000 consumers, highlights the financial strain unplanned purchases create—especially among parents and younger consumers—and how credit accessibility sways spending and payment behaviors. These report findings are especially crucial as leading indicators point to a broad decline in consumer confidence, driven by worries over the impact of tariffs on household finances.

“From trade turbulence to market volatility, Americans are navigating a growing list of financial challenges,” said Nandan Sheth, CEO of Splitit. “Consumers are feeling very anxious at the moment, which is why we see consumers becoming more strategic in managing unplanned expenses, balancing financial stability with flexible payment options. Credit card-linked installments provide a smart way to handle life’s surprises, allowing shoppers to leverage their existing credit lines while maintaining financial flexibility. With many consumers already accustomed to using their credit cards for these types of purchases, this approach offers a seamless and responsible way to stay in control in today’s uncertain economy.”

Unplanned expenses, such as emergency car repairs (42.9%) and home repair costs (34.3%), often come with a hefty price tag. Home repairs, the most expensive category, carry a median spend of $2,112. Despite the growing popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), only 9% of consumers used it for emergency purchases—showing that many still default to credit cards, with 38% of Baby Boomers relying on them for emergency costs. As consumers look for more budget-friendly payment options, there’s a clear opportunity for flexible pay-later solutions that prioritize transparency and control.

The report highlights a broader trend: Consumers are relying on credit cards and alternative financing solutions to manage both emergency and impulse spending. Among key findings:

$605 is the median cost of emergency purchases over $250.50% of consumers cite the rising cost of goods as the top reason why they expect to make fewer impulse purchases this year.Gen Z is the most concerned about their ability to cover unexpected expenses at 63%.36% of consumers made an impulse purchase of at least $250 in the last three months, with a median spend of $497.33% of consumers used a credit card as their primary form of payment for their most recent emergency purchase.45% of BNPL users say knowing their purchase would be approved was a key factor in their decision to use it.48% of consumers who made their latest impulse purchase with a credit card paid it off in full at the next statement, while 30% opted for installment plans.Gen Z leads the shift toward credit card-linked installment payments, with 24% choosing merchant-offered installment plans—double the rate of older generations.

Credit accessibility continues to shape purchasing behavior. Consumers with strong credit are more likely to finance unexpected expenses, while those with below-average credit hesitate to make unplanned purchases due to limited financing options. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are leaning into flexible payment options—26% of millennials expect to increase their impulse purchases in the next year.

With installment plans resonating across generations—36% of non-Boomer consumers who paid by credit card for an impulse purchase chose an installment plan—it’s clear that consumers are seeking more control over how they pay. As economic uncertainty continues, flexible payment solutions will play a critical role in helping shoppers manage their financial well-being.

Yet, even as consumers navigate emergency expenses, half of shoppers made an unplanned purchase last year, highlighting the tension between financial caution and spontaneous spending. This paradox suggests that while consumers are mindful of budgets and economic uncertainty, they are still drawn to impulse buys, whether driven by emotional triggers, limited-time deals or social influence. For brands, this means balancing affordability, value-driven messaging and flexible payment options with strategies that tap into the spontaneity of consumer spending.

Methodology

The survey for the “Managing Unplanned Expenses: How The Pay Later Economy Fits Consumer Needs” report was conducted with 7,078 consumers across all demographics from January 29 to February 7, 2025.

Download the full report here.

About Splitit

Splitit is a global payment solution provider that lets shoppers use the credit they’ve earned by breaking up purchases into monthly installments using their existing credit card. Splitit enables merchants to improve conversion rates and increase average order value by giving customers an easy and fast way to pay for purchases over time without originating new credit. Splitit serves many of Internet Retailer’s top 500 merchants and is accepted by more than 1,500 eCommerce merchants in over 30 countries and shoppers in over 100 countries.

Splitit Media Contact
Danielle Poggi
Berns Communications Group
dpoggi@bcg-pr.com

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SOURCE Splitit USA, Inc.

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Axera’s ADAS Chip Arrived in Europe with Leapmotor, Advancing Global Expansion

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October 20, 2026

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SHANGHAI, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axera’s intelligent driving chip has entered the European market in Leapmotor’s new global compact electric hatchback, marking a major step in the company’s international automotive expansion. Purpose-built for global markets, the chip brings Axera’s production-proven driver assistance technology to European consumers.

The vehicle is a core offering in Leapmotor’s global lineup, designed to make intelligent driving more accessible and support the automaker’s international growth. Industry data show that Leapmotor delivered over 660,000 vehicles from January to September 2026, including over 150,000 exports. With overseas sales approaching 23% of total deliveries, Leapmotor’s international momentum provides a strong foundation for expanding deployments of Axera’s ADAS chip beyond China.

Designed as a standardized ADAS SoC for global applications, the chip features Axera’s proprietary AXNeutron mixed-precision NPU. It natively supports BEV perception models and dynamic allocation of compute resources across INT4, INT8, and INT16 precision levels. Its proprietary AI-ISP supports 8MP@50fps, enabling reliable detection of pedestrians, non-motor vehicles, and road signs in challenging lighting conditions, including backlit scenes, rainy nights, and tunnels.

The chip first entered mass production in China in April 2026, debuted in a best-selling Leapmotor model. Powered by the chip, the complete driver assistance system was an early adopter of BEV perception models and introduced the industry’s first visual HMI prompts for road markings in its system class. It also meets China’s latest mandatory regulatory requirements, enhancing driving safety and comfort. With Leapmotor’s overseas production rollout, this mature ADAS solution is now reaching European consumers.

Since mass production began, Axera’s ADAS chip has rapidly scaled to more than 50,000 vehicle installations per month. It is now deployed across key models from leading Chinese brands, including Leapmotor, etc., with production ramping up well beyond industry expectations. The European launch is only the beginning of Axera’s global automotive expansion. Combining high integration and performance with low power consumption, and backed by comprehensive functional safety and cybersecurity certifications, the chip serves as a standardized ADAS platform. Multiple international Tier 1 suppliers have incorporated it into their global supply chains, while design wins with overseas automakers continue to advance.

Axera’s ability to deliver its proprietary intelligent driving chip platforms at scale has helped it respond to demand generated by China’s new mandatory regulations and the international expansion of the Chinese automotive supply chain. The company has quickly established itself among China’s leading automotive ADAS chipmakers. According to industry research, Axera’s share of its intelligent driving chip market segment rose from 8.9% in the first half of 2025 to 33.32% in the first half of 2026. It was the only domestic chipmaker in that segment to more than double its market share over the period, reinforcing its growing influence in the automotive chip market.

Automotive SoCs have become a core growth driver for Axera. Its first-half 2026 financial report recorded shipments of 420,000 automotive intelligent SoCs and 24 new design wins. The number of vehicle brands it serves grew to 25, including seven international and joint-venture automakers, reflecting continued growth in both scale and international reach.

Building on its established presence in China, Axera is expanding its role in the global ADAS market. The company will draw on its successful mass-production deployments to secure and bring more domestic and overseas vehicle programs to production, increase automotive chip shipments, and support sustained international growth.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/axeras-adas-chip-arrived-in-europe-with-leapmotor-advancing-global-expansion-302913700.html

SOURCE Axera Semiconductor Co., Ltd.

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The Eurovision Effect: Agoda Maps Asia’s Travel Interest Ahead of the Bangkok Grand Final

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October 20, 2026

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has seen a rise in travel interest to Bangkok this November, building towards one of the region’s biggest cultural moments of the year with the inaugural Eurovision Asia Grand Final, happening in the Thai capital on 14 November.

The contest marks a milestone for the region: the first-ever pan-Asian expansion of the 70-year-old Eurovision franchise, bringing finalists from 11 countries to the stage for a potential regional audience of millions. Against this backdrop, Agoda’s insights on travel interest suggest the region is packing its bags in more ways than one.

A Region Watching Bangkok

Travel interest to Bangkok is up 14% year on year for stays around the Grand Final period (9–22 November), based on Agoda accommodation searches from travelers across Asia. The leading markets considering Bangkok stays during this period include Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and India.

Vietnam travel interest to Bangkok more than doubled for the Grand Final period year on year based on accommodation searches, up 105%. India followed with a 43% increase, reflecting Indian travelers’ continued interest in short-haul travel to Southeast Asia, while Malaysia recorded a 4% rise, building on an already well-established travel relationship with Thailand. As host nation, Thailand is also embracing the moment at home: domestic travel interest to Bangkok for the same period is up 30% year on year, as Thai travelers plan to be part of the excitement in their own capital.

Opening Acts: Regional Interest Ahead of the Grand Final

Beyond Bangkok, Agoda search data reveals increasing travel interest amongst some popular travel destinations across Asia that have also had their own National Finals.

South Korea’s national selection show, Korea’s Next Wave, aired on 4 September, and general travel interest to South Korea from across the region rose 18% year on year. Vietnam saw a similar effect, with travel interest in the country rising 5% year on year around its own national selection show on 3 October.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared: “As the Official Travel Partner of Eurovision Song Contest Asia, Agoda is proud to support this cultural milestone and first in the region. We believe that Asia doesn’t just watch moments like these, but travels for them. Whether you’re heading to Bangkok for the Grand Final or inspired to explore the city this November, Agoda makes it easy to find the right stay for every kind of traveler, from Siam’s shopping energy to the culture of the Old Town.”

Where to Stay in Bangkok: A Neighborhood Guide for The Grand Final Season

For travelers planning a trip around the Grand Final, Bangkok offers a distinct experience depending on where you base yourself. Here’s a closer look at four neighborhoods worth considering.

Siam, Bangkok’s commercial heart, is where the city’s retail culture is on full display. Malls like Siam Paragon and Siam Center sit alongside boutiques and department stores, plus some of the city’s most photographed street energy. There is easy access to the BTS Skytrain, with the rest of the city a short ride away. Between shopping runs, visitors can explore Jim Thompson House, a preserved home-turned-museum, or cool off in one of the area’s food courts.

Thonglor and neighboring Ekkamai are Bangkok’s go-to districts for nightlife. Packed with cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, live music venues, and talked-about restaurants, the area draws locals and travelers alike for a livelier evening. It’s a fitting base for anyone attending Grand Final events after dark, with plenty nearby to keep the celebration going.

Sathorn, home to many of Bangkok’s most prestigious hotels and business towers, offers a more refined side of the city. Its riverside setting along the Chao Phraya makes it popular for skyline and sunset views, particularly from the district’s signature rooftop bars, alongside fine dining, dinner cruises, and the ICONSIAM mall across the water.

Bangkok’s Old Town is where the city’s history comes alive, for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Thai culture. Home to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and its Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun’s riverside spire, the area rewards exploration on foot or by longtail boat along the canals. It offers a quieter, more traditional base for balancing Grand Final excitement with a slower side of Bangkok.

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SOURCE Agoda

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Ingenico Selects Cognizant as Global Strategic Technology Partner

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October 20, 2026

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Five-year agreement will help simplify and modernize Ingenico’s global technology operations

LONDON, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) today announced that it has been chosen by Ingenico, the smart technology powering in-person commerce, as its global strategic technology partner. Under the five-year agreement, Cognizant has been tasked with embedding AI across Ingenico’s infrastructure and operations, security and data to support the modernization of Ingenico’s technology operations, including infrastructure, security, business and corporate applications and data systems, while providing managed services across end-user services, service desk, application support and engineering.

Every day, Ingenico’s smart technology powers millions of interactions worldwide, helping businesses deliver better customer experiences, build loyalty and drive growth. By combining seamless payment acceptance with powerful data and insights, Ingenico enables customers to reduce complexity and get more from every interaction, all backed by the security, reliability and trust the company is known for. To support its next phase of growth and innovation, Ingenico sought a strategic technology partner to simplify and modernize its technology operations and create a scalable foundation for future growth.

Cognizant will support the consolidation and modernization of Ingenico’s IT environment, helping strengthen security, improve operational efficiency and increase agility across the business.

“The payments industry continues to evolve rapidly, with growing demands around security, resilience, operational efficiency and innovation,” said Rohit Gupta, UK&I Managing Director at Cognizant. “We’re proud to have been selected by Ingenico as a strategic partner. Together, we’ll help modernize key operations, strengthen core technology foundations and support Ingenico’s long-term growth ambitions.”

“At Ingenico, we’re constantly evolving our technology and capabilities to help our customers grow, simplify complexity and deliver superior customer experiences,” commented Tim Fulton, CIO at Ingenico. “As we looked for a partner to support the next phase of that journey, Cognizant stood out through its industry expertise, global scale and understanding of our business. Together, we will modernize key IT operations, strengthen the foundations that underpin the trusted solutions our customers rely on, and increase agility across the business to support future growth and innovation.”

About Cognizant
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is an AI builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

About Ingenico 
Ingenico is the smart technology powering in-person commerce. Every day, its intelligent solutions help businesses turn millions of payment interactions into opportunities to deliver superior customer experiences, build loyalty and increase revenue. 

With more than four decades of innovation and expertise, over 3,000 employees worldwide, and tens of millions of devices deployed across more than 120 countries, Ingenico combines seamless acceptance with powerful data and insights. Its intelligent solutions help businesses reduce complexity, grow faster and get more from every customer interaction, backed by the reliability, security and trust for which Ingenico is known. For more information, visit www.ingenico.com

Media contacts:

U.S.
Alex Dudley
alex.dudley@cognizant.com 

Europe / APAC
Sarah Douglas
sarah.douglas@cognizant.com 

India
Vipin Nair
vipin.nair@cognizant.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ingenico-selects-cognizant-as-global-strategic-technology-partner-302912595.html

SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions

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