U.S. Zip CEO: Stop Judging Buy Now, Pay Later Artwork

Money Isn't Everything

Money isn’t Everything explores the many ways fintech is changing what it means to be a bank or credit union. Host Mary Wisniewski, Cornerstone's editor-at-large and long-time fintech reporter, interviews early-stage startups, academics, and creative fintech thinkers, on how they're rewriting financial services. Listen every other Thursday morning. Expect laughter.

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Money Isn't Everything

U.S. Zip CEO: Stop Judging Buy Now, Pay Later

September 04, 2025 • Mary Wisniewski & Cornerstone Advisors • Season 2 • Episode 18

The U.S. CEO of Zip has heard all kinds of knocks against Buy Now, Pay Later. In a wide-ranging conversation, Joe Heck tells Mary why the critics are wrong and why judgment has no place in personal finance.

Loans through Zip are originated by WebBank.

Show notes:

Chapters:
[0:00] Welcome & Intro to Joe Heck, CEO of Zip

[1:01] Defending BNPL Against the Skeptics

[2:39] From Flint to Fintech: Joe’s Early Money Views

[5:07] Why Budgeting Tools Fail Like Fad Diets

[7:44] The Role of AI in Personal Finance

[10:17] Happy vs. Sad Spending: Making Money Simple

[14:11] BNPL for Groceries & Small Purchases

[18:05] Loan Stacking, Credit Scores & Myths

[26:08] Zip’s Global Roots & BNPL Adoption

[29:38] Final Thoughts & How to Reach Joe