Microsoft recently faced sharp criticism from users after it announced plans to add a built-in “buy now, pay later” feature to its Edge web browser.
According to many users who made their displeasure with a user-based tagging system, the company plans to get users into debt via the feature and has also been accused of a “cash grab” mentality.
The controversial feature integrates with Zip’s payment system to split any purchase between $35 and $1,000 into four payments within six weeks.
Since the feature is entered into the browser, it is displayed on websites without the permission of the site operators. To remove it, users must contact Microsoft and make requests.
For the feature, Microsoft claims it “does not collect a fee for connecting users to loan providers.”
The company says it is still unclear what benefit it will get from its partnership with payment service provider Zip.