Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by Zero Earners
Are you looking for apps like Afterpay? Yes? Here are some of the top Afterpay alternatives for shopping.
The cost of living in the United States is making Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps popular. This industry has taken the financial world by storm. Many consumers are familiar with Afterpay, an app that enables users to make purchases online or in-store and pay in four interest-free installments.
Many people might not be familiar with the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) concept. It is a form of short-form financing that enables you to make a purchase and pay for it at a future date – typically in installments. It’s also known as a “point of sale installment loan.”
Unlike traditional credit cards, BNPL apps don’t usually charge interest if you pay on time. This makes them a popular choice for people who want financial flexibility without the risks of high-interest debt.
Afterpay is one of the popular apps in the BNPL industry. However, multiple other apps provide similar services.
Buy Now, Pay Later Apps Like Afterpay
What is Afterpay?
Afterpay is one of the popular pioneers of BNPL services and remains a favorite for many shoppers. It’s a Buy Now, Pay Later service that allows users to split the cost of purchases into installments.
Here are some of its standout features:
- 4 interest-free payments: Spread over six weeks.
- No fees if you pay on time: Late payments may attract a small penalty.
- Wide acceptance: Partnered with thousands of retailers worldwide.
- User-friendly app: Easy tracking of payments and shopping offers.
Afterpay has made itself famous with BNPL in many countries, especially in the U.S., Australia, and the U.K.
Pros:
- Interest-free installments.
- Widely accepted at popular retailers.
- No impact on credit score for approval.
- Simple app with clear repayment schedules.
Cons:
- Late fees can add up if you miss payments.
- Limited flexibility (fixed four payments).
- Not accepted everywhere.
- Doesn’t build credit history.
Top Apps Like Afterpay
Fortunately, Afterpay is not the only option you have. Moreover, Afterpay is not quite right for everyone. In that case, you need alternatives to Afterpay.
Here are some of the most popular apps like Afterpay.
1. Seezle
- Spending Power: Varies, minimum $35
- Best For: Shoppers who want to build credit.
- Availability by Country: Mostly the U.S. and Canada.
- Available on: iOS (4.9) and Android (4.6)
Seezle is a financial technology company that allows consumers to shop at over 47,000 stores online, including Target, DoorDash, and Ulta, using the buy now, pay later feature.
It works similarly to Afterpay, which focuses on short-term, interest-free payments. Sezzle provides the flexibility that suits your needs. Here are the payment plans of Seezle:
- Pay in 2: Pay 50% at the time of purchase, then 50% 2 weeks later. No interest.
- Pay in 4: Traditional option splits your purchase total into 4 payments over 6 weeks. No interest.
- Pay Monthly: For larger purchases, you can split them between 3 and 48 months. Subject to approval.
Sezzle is great for smaller purchases and flexibility when it comes to rescheduling. Sezzle uses several factors to determine spending limits, including the customer’s order history and the vendor.
Pros:
- Interest-Free Installments
- Easy Approval Process
- Flexible Payment Rescheduling
- Wide Merchant Network
- Sezzle Up for Credit Building
Cons:
- Risk of Overspending
- Late Fees Apply
- Limited Credit Benefits
- Not Accepted Everywhere
2. Klarna
- Spending Power: Varies
- Best For: Combining BNPL with a sleek shopping experience and detailed spending tools.
- Availability by Country: Strong in Europe and the U.S.
- Available on: iOS (4.8) and Android (5.0)
Klarna is one of the biggest names in the BNPL industry and is often considered Afterpay’s biggest competitor. It allows shoppers to purchase from thousands of retailers, including Target, DoorDash, Macy’s, Sephora, and Ulta.
Klarna offers flexible payment options, giving you more control over your budget. They don’t charge any fees if you pay on time. Additionally, you’ll earn cash back and receive exclusive deals.
Pros:
- Multiple Payment Options
- Interest-Free Options
- Wide Merchant Network
- User-Friendly App
- Buyer Protection
- Flexible Financing
Cons:
- Risk of Overspending
- Late Fees
- Possible Interest on Long-Term F
- Credit Score Impactinancing
3. Zip (Previously QuadPay)
- Spending Power: Varies
- Best For: Longer-term payment plans and more shopping options.
- Availability by Country: Available in multiple countries.
- Available on: iOS (4.9) and Android
Zip, previously QuadPay, is another BNPL app that works similarly to Afterpay. You can use the Zip app at millions of stores online and in-store. Zip works in pretty much anywhere Visa is accepted.
You can buy whatever you need using the Zip app. Later, you can repay the money in four installments over six weeks. Unlike other BNPL apps, Zip does charge interest for its services. Moreover, you will incur a small fee for late payments.
Pros:
- Flexible Payments
- Works Almost Anywhere
- Interest-Free if Paid on Time
- Easy to Use App
- Widely Available
Cons:
- May Charge Small Fees
- Some plans include interest
- Limited Credit Building
4. Affirm
- Spending Power: Varies
- Best For: Big-ticket items with longer-term financing options.
- Availability by Country: The U.S, Canada, and the UK.
- Available on: iOS (4.9) and Android (4.8)
Affirm is another buy now, pay later financial company that offers variable payment plans. With Affirm, you can shop at your favorite brands, including Target, Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, and Walmart.
You can pay in 4 installments or monthly installments, over 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 months. Affirm takes a slightly different approach by offering longer payment terms.
Affirm never charges late fees or annual fees. Moreover, it never charges hidden fees or compound interest.
Affirm is the best choice if you’re looking to finance big-ticket items such as electronics, travel, or furniture.
Pros:
- Flexible Payment Options
- Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees
- Widely Accepted at Major Retailers
- No Late Fees
- Potential for Credit Building
Cons:
- Interest Charges on Long-Term Plans
- Credit Check Requirement
5. PayPal Pay Later
- Spending Power: Varies
- Best For: Shoppers frequently use PayPal..
- Availability by Country: Works wherever PayPal is accepted.
- Available on: iOS (4.8) and Android (4.3)
PayPal is a trusted online payment option. People use it to send and receive money and to pay for purchases.
How many of you know that PayPal is active in the BNPL industry? PayPal’s Pay Later feature is making it another alternative to Afterpay.
PayPal is available at millions of stores, including Amazon and Walmart. PayPal offers two repayment methods: Pay in 4 and Pay Monthly. With Pay in 4, split your purchase into 4 interest-free, bi-weekly payments. With pay monthly, enjoy the flexibility of 3, 6, 12, or 24-month payment plans with $0 down.
Pros:
- Trusted and Secure Platform
- No Interest on Pay in 4
- No Late Fees
- Widespread Acceptance
- Flexible Payment Options
- No Hard Credit Check for Pay in 4
Cons:
- Not Available Everywhere
- Limited Purchase Amounts
6. Splitit
- Spending Power: Varies
- Best For: People who already have a credit card and want to avoid interest.
- Availability by Country: USA
Splitit works differently from other BNPL apps. Instead of opening a new BNPL account, Splitit allows you to split payments using the credit you already have.
Splitit will never charge you interest or fees. Moreover, you get all the benefits of paying with your credit card, including rewards, transaction insurance, and protection against fraud.
When you use Splitit, Splitit confirms with your credit card provider that your card can cover the value of your purchase. You’ll need enough available credit to cover the full purchase amount when you first set up the plan.
Pros:
- No Interest Charges
- No New Credit Checks
- Uses Existing Credit Card
- Global Acceptance
- Simple and Transparent
Cons:
- Requires a Credit Card
- Credit Hold on Card
- Limited Short-Term Flexibility
7. Perpay
- Spending Power: Up to $1,000
- Best For: People who want to shop responsibly while also building their credit history.
- Availability by Country: Primarily in the US
- Available on: iOS (4.6) and Android (4.3)
Perpay is one of the best alternatives to Afterpay. It works differently from other BNPL service providers. You can get up to $1,000 to spend now, depending on your income.
Instead of splitting payments into installments, you make payments over time automatically from your payroll direct deposit. It works like a marketplace where you can shop directly from merchants.
Perpay is useful for people who want to shop responsibly while also building their credit history. There is no credit check.
Pros:
- Credit-Building Opportunities
- No Traditional Credit Check
- Automatic Payments
- Marketplace Variety
- Flexible Repayment Options
Cons:
- Limited Shopping Options
- Higher Product Prices
- Risk of Overspending
8. Flexpay (formerly Uplift)
- Spending Power: Varies
- Best For: Travel-related payments and longer-term financing
- Availability by Country: United States and Canada
- Available on: iOS (4.7) and Android (2.5)
Flex Pay, formerly known as Uplift, is another alternative to Afterpay. With Uplift, you can make thoughtful purchases now and pay over time in bite-sized installments. Spread the cost of your purchase over fixed monthly payments.
There are no Uplift or Flex Pay fees, including late fees or pre-payment penalties. You can shop directly from its partner websites.
Pros:
- Easy Application & Transparent Plans
- Fee-Free Structure
- Auto-Pay Convenience
- Flexible Payment Schedules
- Rewards and Special Gifting Options
- Builds Credit with On-Time Payments
Cons:
- High APR for Riskier Profiles
- Limited Merchant Network
9. Four
- Spending Power: Varies
- Best For: People looking for a simple and user-friendly BNPL app
- Availability by Country: US
- Available on: iOS (4.7) and Android (4.5)
Four is another convenient Buy Now, Pay Later service provider. It works similarly to Afterpay with four equal payments. However, it only focuses on fashionable items.
This financial service is great for young shoppers who want flexible sign-up and no hidden fees. Moreover, it doesn’t check your credit.
Pros:
- Convenient Installment Financing
- Flexible Payment Options
- User Satisfaction in Some Cases
- Reliably Secure Platform
Cons:
- Limited to Fewer Stores
- No Credit-Building Feature
- Declines and Limit Restrictions
10. ViaBill
- Spending Power: Maximum $300
- Best For: Shoppers looking for short-term, interest-free installments on small to medium purchases
- Availability by Country: Denmark, Norway, Spain, and the US
- Available on: iOS (4.9) and Android (3.3)
ViaBill is a payment gateway in Denmark that provides a Buy Now, Pay Later service. It partners with a wide range of merchants, making it convenient for fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and electronics shopping.
It allows consumers to split purchases into four installments with 0% interest, provided they make timely payments. This makes it similar to Afterpay.
Approval is granted in just a few seconds, with a soft credit check required. ViaBill offers both short-term (Pay in 4) and longer-term financing (with interest) for bigger purchases.
Pros:
- Interest-Free Payments
- Flexible Payment Options
- Quick Approval Process
- Works with Many Online Retailers
- Budget-Friendly for Smaller Purchases
Cons:
- Interest on Larger Purchases
- Late Fees Apply
- Limited Global Availability
- Not Ideal for Credit Building
11. Zebit
- Spending Power: Up To $1,500
- Best For: Purchasing electronics, home decor, furniture, appliances, beauty, groceries, with installments
- Availability by Country: All 50 U.S. states
Zebit is a Buy Now, Pay Later marketplace where consumers can shop for a wide variety of brand-name goods—such as electronics, furniture, appliances, home goods, kitchenware, and accessories—and pay over time using their personal “Spending Limit.”
The marketplace offers interest-free installment payments. The repayment is typically structured into a down payment and bi-weekly payments over 6 months, all at 0% APR.
Zebit serves consumers across all 50 U.S. states, offering credit lines up to $1,500 or even $2,500, depending on eligibility.
Pros:
- Inclusive & Accessible Financing
- No Interest or Hidden Fees
- Flexible Payment Terms
- Wide Product Offerings
- Potential Credit Profile Benefit
Cons:
- Higher-Than-Average Prices
- Limited Product Selection
- Refund and Return Limitations
Quick Comparison of Apps Like Afterpay
BNPL Apps | Installments | Interest | Spending Power | Late Fees | Availability | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Afterpay | 4 payments over 6 weeks | No (if on time) | Varies | Yes | U.S., AU, UK, CA, NZ | Everyday shopping, fashion, beauty |
Seezle | 4 payments / 6 weeks | No | Varies, minimum $35 | Yes | U.S., CA | Small purchases, flexible rescheduling |
Klarna | Pay in 4, Pay in 30 days, Financing (up to 36 months) | Sometimes (long-term financing) | Varies | Yes | U.S., EU, UK, AU | Flexible payment options |
Zip (Quadpay) | 4 payments / 6 weeks | No | Varies | Yes | U.S., AU, NZ, UK | Works anywhere Visa is accepted |
Affirm | 3–36 months | Yes (0–30% APR) | Varies | No | U.S., CA | Big-ticket items (travel, electronics, furniture) |
PayPal Pay Later | 4 payments / 6 weeks | No | Varies | No | U.S., UK, AU | Trusted PayPal users, secure shopping |
Splitit | Custom (depends on credit card) | No | Varies | No | Global | Shoppers with existing credit cards |
Perpay | Payroll-based payments (auto deductions) | No | Up to $1,000 | No | U.S. | Building credit, marketplace shopping |
Flex Pay (Uplift) | Varies by merchant | Sometimes | Varies | Sometimes | U.S. | Flexible merchant-based financing |
Four | 4 payments / 6 weeks | No | Varies | Yes | U.S. | Simple alternative to Afterpay |
ViaBill | 4 payments / 6 weeks | Sometimes (for longer terms) | Maximum $300 | Yes | U.S., EU | Transparent installment payments |
Zebit | Up to 6 months | No | Up To $1,500 | No | U.S. | Shoppers with limited credit, a large variety of goods |
How to Choose the Right BNPL App for You
As you can see, there are many apps like Afterpay available. Choosing the right BNPL app can feel overwhelming. The good news is you don’t have to overthink about it.
You can pick the right BNPL app for you by considering your spending habits, financial goals, and the app’s features.
1. Evaluating Your Spending Habits
The first thing you do is evaluate your spending habits. Do you tend to make small, frequent purchases, or are you more likely to invest in big-ticket items?
- For everyday shopping, Afterpay, Sezzle, and Klarna’s Pay in 4 are perfect.
- For large purchases such as electronics, appliances, or travel, Affirm is a better option thanks to its long-term financing.
- If you like to shop anywhere, Zip and Splitit give more flexibility compared to store-specific apps.
2. Considering Long-Term Financial Goals
It’s essential to think about where you want your finances to be a year from now. If building credit is your top priority, Afterpay may not be a suitable option since it doesn’t report to bureaus. Instead, apps like Perpay or Affirm might be better since they can improve your credit score with consistent use.
You can consider using BNPL apps that offer interest-free short-term payments if avoiding debt is your top goal.
3. Safety and Security of BNPL Apps
You shouldn’t compromise the safety and security of BNPL apps since you are sharing your personal and financial information. PayPal and Klarna are known for strong buyer protection policies. Splitit also offers peace of mind since it works through your existing credit card.
All the above BNPL apps are safe and secure to use.
FAQs
Is Afterpay safe to use?
Afterpay is one of the most popular BNPL apps. It’s safe to use. However, late fees will apply if you miss a payment.
Which BNPL app is better than Afterpay?
It depends on your needs. If you want flexibility, Klarna offers multiple payment options. For large purchases, Affirm is the better option, since it provides long-term financing. If credit building is your top priority, Perpay is the best choice.
Are BNPL apps safe to use?
Yes, most BNPL apps like PayPal, Klarna, PerPay, and Afterpay are safe to use. It’s important to check the app’s security features, privacy policy, and transparency around fees before using.
Can I use BNPL for travel bookings?
Yes, apps like Klarna and Affirm partner with travel companies, airlines, and booking platforms to let you split travel expenses into installments.
What happens if I miss a BNPL payment?
Most BNPL apps will charge a late fee, except PayPal. It’ll impact your credit score if reported. It depends on the app you’re using.
Final Thoughts
Afterpay is one of the best options for Buy Now, Pay Later services. However, it’s not the only option. You can explore other options, like Klarna, Affirm, and PayPal.
As you can see, many alternatives to Afterpay offer similar services. You can buy now and pay later in installments. This can be useful for budget-conscious shoppers.
Recommended Articles: