Block Hits $200 Billion in Loans: A Fintech Milestone
Block Inc., a leader in financial technology, has hit an impressive milestone—issuing over $200 billion in loans across its lending platforms, including Cash App Borrow, Afterpay, and Square Loans. This major achievement marks a transformative moment for the industry, reflecting Block’s innovative approach to credit and lending solutions.
Real-Time Underwriting: The Secret to High Approvals
Unlike traditional methods reliant on credit reports, Block leverages proprietary underwriting systems powered by behavioral data in real time. This results in a remarkable 38% higher approval rate while maintaining loss rates on par with conventional practices. By tackling the pain point of limited credit access, Block empowers nearly 100 million Americans who struggle to obtain traditional credit.
Loan Repayment Rates: A Benchmark for Success
Exceptional repayment rates underscore Block’s financial model’s efficiency: Cash App Borrow achieves a 97% repayment rate, and Afterpay boasts 96% on-time payments, a leader in the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) industry. Meanwhile, Square Loans, designed for small businesses, maintains a loss rate of under 3%, showcasing its stability even in volatile markets.
Square Financial Services: Powering Growth
Block’s in-house bank, Square Financial Services, has originated $20 billion in loans. By handling all Cash App Borrow loans since 2025, it demonstrates robust operational efficiency and scalability. In response to customer needs, Block is also piloting tools like the “Cash App Score,” an internal credit metric designed to improve the lending experience beyond traditional credit scores.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Outlook
Block faces competition on multiple fronts: Cash App competes with PayPal, Afterpay battles Affirm in the BNPL sector, and Square Loans stands against established merchant payment processors. Despite economic uncertainty and rising delinquencies in certain markets, Block has established itself as a resilient and innovative player poised for long-term growth.
Investment Insights
While the stock recently dropped 5% due to broader market dips, Block remains a significant force in fintech. Analyst Matthew Coad from Truist has raised its price target to $72, maintaining a Hold rating with expectations of solid Q4 earnings.
For those looking to maintain healthy financial practices, tools that provide accessible credit solutions—such as Block’s Cash App Borrow—can make a difference. Discover more about their comprehensive financial ecosystem on the official Cash App website.
The Future of Fintech Lending
Block’s journey reflects a pivotal shift in how lending and credit systems can adapt to consumer needs. As financial markets focus on growth and innovation, Block’s milestone serves as a testament to what is possible through a data-driven and inclusive approach to finance.
