: PCH agreed to an $18.5 million settlement with the FTC in 2023 following allegations of "dark patterns" that tricked consumers into making unnecessary purchases.
In late 2023 and throughout 2024, PCH’s credit and sales practices came under intense scrutiny, eventually leading to the company's downfall:
If you have outstanding "buy now, pay later" orders or are a past prize winner, the situation is currently unstable: pch buy now pay later
While is widely known for its "Price Patrol" and million-dollar sweepstakes, it has also historically operated as a massive direct-to-consumer retailer. One of the most contentious aspects of its business model has been its "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) credit system, which allows customers to order merchandise with $0 down and pay in installments. The PCH Credit System
: Customers can often order products—ranging from kitchen gadgets to collectibles—without paying anything at the time of purchase. : PCH agreed to an $18
: The cost is typically broken down into four or more monthly payments, which are sent via paper invoices in the mail.
For decades, PCH has offered a unique form of credit that targets low-to-middle-income consumers. Unlike modern BNPL services like Affirm or Klarna, PCH’s system was deeply integrated with its mail-order catalogs and sweepstakes entries. The PCH Credit System : Customers can often
: PCH filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2025. It was subsequently acquired by ARB Interactive for $7.1 million. Current Status for Consumers