7 Best Apps Like Afterpay to Split Payments in 2025 💸

If you’ve ever wished you could snag that must-have gadget or outfit today but pay for it over time without drowning in interest, you’re not alone. Afterpay revolutionized the way we shop by letting us “buy now, pay later” — but did you know there are several other apps that offer similar (and sometimes even better) features? From credit-building perks to virtual cards you can use anywhere, the BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) world is buzzing with options.

In this article, we’ll break down the 7 best apps like Afterpay that you should consider in 2025. Whether you want to build your credit, shop in-store, or finance bigger purchases with transparent terms, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll reveal insider tips on avoiding fees and maximizing benefits so you can shop smart without surprises. Ready to discover your perfect payment sidekick? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • Afterpay is great for simple, interest-free split payments, but alternatives like Sezzle and Klarna offer added perks like credit building and virtual cards.
  • Affirm shines for financing larger purchases with transparent interest and no late fees, ideal for big-ticket items.
  • Zip and Klarna’s virtual cards let you shop anywhere, not just at partner stores — perfect for in-store or online flexibility.
  • Late fees and credit impact vary widely across BNPL apps; always read the fine print and automate payments to avoid surprises.
  • Using BNPL apps responsibly can help build credit, but missed payments may hurt your score as reporting becomes more common.

👉 Shop these BNPL apps now:

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Video: Best Apps Like Klarna (Top 8 Buy Now, Pay Later Alternatives for Smarter Shopping in 2025).








Alright, let’s dive in! You’re looking for apps like Afterpay, and let me tell you, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Apps Like™, we live and breathe apps. We’re the folks who spend our weekends debating the UX design of checkout flows and the psychological impact of a well-placed payment reminder. So, when it comes to “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL), we’ve seen it all, we’ve tried them all, and we’ve got some strong opinions.

This isn’t just another list. This is your ultimate guide, crafted from our team’s hands-on experience and countless hours of user feedback analysis. We’re going to break down the good, the bad, and the “wait, they charge a fee for that?” so you can shop smarter. Ready to split some payments? Let’s go!

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Apps Like Afterpay

In a hurry? Here’s the lowdown on the BNPL world.

  • It’s a Booming Market: The global Buy Now, Pay Later market was valued at around USD 9.6 to 11 billion in 2024 and is projected to explode to between USD 29 and 64 billion by the early 2030s. That’s a whole lot of installment payments!
  • The “Pay-in-4” Model is King: Most of these apps, including Afterpay, use a simple model: split your purchase into four equal, interest-free payments, typically due every two weeks. The first payment is usually due at checkout.
  • Not a Free-for-All: While many plans are interest-free, watch out for late fees! These can range from a few dollars up to 25% of your purchase value. Some longer-term plans from services like Affirm or Klarna can also charge interest, sometimes as high as 36% APR.
  • Credit Score Impact is Changing: Traditionally, most BNPL services didn’t report to credit bureaus, meaning they wouldn’t help or hurt your score. However, this is rapidly changing. Companies like FICO are developing new scoring models to include BNPL data, and some services now report your payment history. This can be a great way to build credit if you pay on time, but missed payments could ding your score.
  • Approval is Usually Quick: Most apps use a “soft” credit check, which doesn’t affect your credit score, and give you an approval decision in seconds.
  • Beyond Online Shopping: Many services now offer virtual cards that you can add to your Apple Pay or Google Pay wallet for in-store purchases.
  • Looking for more ways to manage your money? Check out our deep dive into 35+ Must-Try Apps Like MoneyLion for Instant Cash & More (2025) 💰. It’s a fantastic resource for exploring other financial tools.

📜 The Evolution of Buy Now, Pay Later: A Deep Dive into Afterpay and Its Competitors

Remember layaway? You’d pick out an item at a store, they’d hold it for you in the back, and you’d make payments over time until it was finally yours. It was a system built on patience. Well, think of Buy Now, Pay Later as layaway’s supercharged, instant-gratification-loving grandchild.

BNPL services flipped the script: you get your purchase now and pay for it over time. It’s a simple but revolutionary concept that has transformed the landscape of E-commerce App Alternatives. Afterpay was a major pioneer in popularizing the interest-free, pay-in-four model, especially among millennial and Gen Z shoppers who are often wary of traditional credit cards.

But as with any great idea, it wasn’t long before competitors flooded the market, each with its own unique spin on the formula. Some, like Affirm, focused on larger purchases with longer-term financing. Others, like Klarna, aimed to become all-in-one shopping super-apps. This explosion of choice is fantastic for you, the consumer, but it also makes picking the right service a bit more complicated. That’s where we come in.

1. Top 10 Apps Like Afterpay: Features, Benefits, and User Experience

So, you’re ready to explore life beyond Afterpay? Excellent choice! We’ve put the top contenders through their paces to give you the inside scoop. This is more than just an App Reviews section; it’s a full-on comparative analysis.

For a great visual summary of some of these top players, the video “Top Buy Now Pay Later Apps for 2025” by TruFinancials, which you can find at the top of this article, is a fantastic resource. Check it out at #featured-video.

1.1 Sezzle: Flexible Payments with No Hidden Fees

Feature Rating (1-10)
Ease of Use 9
Fee Transparency 8
Merchant Network 7
Unique Features 9
Customer Support 8

Sezzle has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on financial empowerment and credit-building, making it a standout in our Best Apps Roundups. It’s often praised as a top alternative to Afterpay.

What We Love ❤️
  • ✅ Credit Building: This is Sezzle’s superpower. With their Sezzle Up feature, you can opt-in to have your payment history reported to the major credit bureaus. For users with little or no credit history, this is a game-changer. Sezzle claims users with scores below 600 have seen an average increase of 20 points within four months.
  • ✅ Flexibility: Life happens. Sezzle gets it. They allow you to reschedule a payment once per order for free, giving you a little breathing room when you need it.
  • ✅ High Approval Rate: Sezzle boasts a high approval rate, making it more accessible for a wider range of shoppers. They use a soft credit check, so applying won’t hurt your score.
What to Watch Out For ⚠️
  • ❌ Fees Can Add Up: While the standard plan is interest-free, Sezzle does have fees. There’s a late payment fee of around $10. The Google Play Store page also mentions a potential service fee that can range from $0 to $7.49, which is reflected in the checkout process.
  • ❌ Lower Initial Limits: New users might find their initial spending limit is lower compared to other services. This limit typically increases as you build a positive payment history with them.

👉 Shop Sezzle on:

1.2 Klarna: The Ultimate Shopping Companion

Feature Rating (1-10)
Ease of Use 9
Fee Transparency 7
Merchant Network 10
Unique Features 10
Customer Support 8

Klarna isn’t just a payment option; it’s a full-blown shopping ecosystem. It’s one of the biggest players globally, and its app is packed with features that go way beyond simple installment payments.

What We Love ❤️
  • ✅ Payment Flexibility: Klarna offers a buffet of payment options. You can “Pay in 4” interest-free, “Pay in 30” days like a traditional invoice, or opt for longer-term financing for bigger purchases (this option may include interest).
  • ✅ All-in-One Shopping App: The Klarna app is a powerhouse. You can track deliveries, manage returns, and even digitize your loyalty cards (thanks to their acquisition of Stocard). Plus, they offer cashback rewards, which they describe as “real cash added to your Klarna balance.”
  • ✅ The Klarna Card: For ultimate flexibility, the Klarna Card acts like a regular Visa, allowing you to use Klarna’s payment options pretty much anywhere, in-store or online, with no foreign exchange fees.
What to Watch Out For ⚠️
  • ❌ Potential for Overspending: With so many features and such a smooth interface, it can be tempting to spend more than you planned. Some users have reported issues with their spending limits being reduced unexpectedly, leading to declined purchases even with a good payment history. One user on the App Store noted, “It’s basically misleading to state that I’m up to date ‘great,’ increase my spending limit, then decline me.”
  • ❌ Data Privacy: To provide its services, Klarna collects a significant amount of user data, including purchase history, financial info, location, and browsing history, which may be used to track you across other apps and websites.
  • ❌ Complex Fee Structure: While “Pay in 4” is interest-free, longer-term financing plans can come with interest rates. Late fees can also apply. It’s crucial to read the terms for each purchase.

👉 Shop Klarna on:

1.3 Zip (Formerly Quadpay): Split Purchases with Ease

Feature Rating (1-10)
Ease of Use 9
Fee Transparency 7
Merchant Network 9
Unique Features 8
Customer Support 7

Zip, which you might remember as Quadpay, is a major player known for its flexibility and wide acceptance. Its killer feature is the ability to shop almost anywhere.

What We Love ❤️
  • ✅ 👉 Shop Anywhere: Zip’s biggest advantage is its virtual card technology. You can use the Zip app to generate a single-use virtual card number to shop at any online store that accepts Visa. This opens up a world of possibilities beyond just partner merchants.
  • ✅ Customizable Payments: Unlike Afterpay’s rigid schedule, Zip allows for more personalized payment plans, which is great for managing your budget on your own terms.
  • ✅ Simple Pay-in-4: At its core, it offers the familiar and easy-to-understand model of four interest-free payments over six weeks.
What to Watch Out For ⚠️
  • ❌ Per-Purchase Fee: Zip often charges a small fee per transaction, which can add up over time. This fee varies depending on the purchase amount.
  • ❌ Late Fees: If you miss a payment, you’ll be charged a late fee. It’s essential to stay on top of your payment schedule.

👉 Shop Zip on:

1.4 PayBright: Canadian Favorite for Installment Plans

Feature Rating (1-10)
Ease of Use 8
Fee Transparency 8
Merchant Network 7
Unique Features 7
Customer Support 7

Hey, Canada! 🇨🇦 This one’s for you. PayBright, now part of Affirm, is a leading BNPL provider north of the border, partnering with thousands of Canadian retailers.

What We Love ❤️
  • ✅ Tailored for Canadians: PayBright is deeply integrated into the Canadian e-commerce scene, working with major brands like Sephora, Wayfair, and Samsung.
  • ✅ Multiple Plan Options: They offer both the standard “Pay in 4” bi-weekly payments for smaller purchases and “Pay Monthly” plans for larger items, giving you flexibility based on what you’re buying.
  • ✅ No Hidden Fees: For their “Pay in 4” plan, there are no interest charges or fees as long as you pay on time.
What to Watch Out For ⚠️
  • ❌ Interest on Monthly Plans: The longer “Pay Monthly” plans often come with interest, so be sure to check the APR before you commit.
  • ❌ Primarily for Canadians: While it’s fantastic for Canadian shoppers, its utility is limited for those outside of Canada.

👉 Shop PayBright on:

1.5 Affirm: Transparent Financing for Big Buys

Feature Rating (1-10)
Ease of Use 8
Fee Transparency 10
Merchant Network 9
Unique Features 8
Customer Support 8

When your shopping cart has a comma in it, Affirm is often the best choice. They specialize in financing larger purchases with longer repayment terms, and their commitment to transparency is a breath of fresh air.

What We Love ❤️
  • ✅ Absolute Transparency: Affirm’s motto is “no hidden fees.” Before you agree to a loan, they show you the total amount you’ll pay, including any interest. There are no late fees, ever. This simple promise removes a lot of the anxiety associated with financing.
  • ✅ Longer Repayment Terms: Need to buy a new mattress or a Peloton bike? Affirm offers payment plans that can stretch from three to 36 months, or even longer in some cases.
  • ✅ Wide Acceptance: Affirm partners with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, making it a readily available option for big-ticket items.
What to Watch Out For ⚠️
  • ❌ Interest is Common: While some retailers offer 0% APR through Affirm, many plans do charge simple interest. The rate you get depends on your credit. However, it’s always shown to you upfront and never compounds.
  • ❌ Credit Check: For their longer-term loans, Affirm may perform a hard credit check, which can have a small, temporary impact on your credit score.

👉 Shop Affirm on:

1.6 Other Noteworthy Mentions: ViaBill, Splitit, and More

The BNPL universe is vast! Here are a few other players worth knowing about:

  • Splitit: This one is unique. Splitit uses your existing credit card limit to let you pay in installments. It doesn’t require a new application or credit check. Instead, it places a hold on your card for the total amount and charges you monthly. It’s a great way to earn credit card rewards on your installment purchases.
  • PayPal Pay in 4: If you already have a PayPal account, this is an incredibly convenient option. It’s their version of the classic four-payment, interest-free plan, and it’s integrated right into the PayPal checkout you already know.
  • Perpay: Similar to Sezzle, Perpay offers a path to building credit. It’s designed to help users with challenged credit by linking payments directly to their paychecks, which can reduce the risk of missed payments.

💡 How to Choose the Best Buy Now, Pay Later App for Your Shopping Style

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the options? Don’t worry. Choosing the right BNPL app is all about matching its strengths to your shopping habits. Ask yourself these questions:

  • What are you buying? For everyday fashion, beauty, and smaller purchases, services like Sezzle, Zip, and the standard Klarna “Pay in 4” are perfect. For a big-ticket item like a new laptop or furniture, Affirm’s longer-term, transparent financing is likely the better fit.
  • Do you want to build credit? If you’re looking to establish or improve your credit history, Sezzle (with Sezzle Up) and Perpay are the clear winners, as they are specifically designed to report your positive payment history.
  • How important is flexibility? If you want the freedom to shop anywhere, not just at partner stores, Zip and Klarna (with their virtual card/Klarna Card) are your best bets.
  • Are you fee-averse? If the thought of a late fee stresses you out, Affirm is the only major player that has completely eliminated them.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

If you are a… Your Best Bet Might Be… Why?
Budget-Conscious Student Sezzle Credit-building feature and flexible reschedules.
Frequent Online Shopper Klarna All-in-one app with rewards, tracking, and multiple payment options.
Big-Ticket Buyer Affirm Transparent, long-term financing with no late fees.
“Shop Anywhere” Enthusiast Zip Virtual card lets you use it at almost any online store.
Credit Card Rewards Maximizer Splitit Uses your existing credit card so you still earn points/miles.

🔍 Understanding Fees, Interest, and Credit Impact in BNPL Apps

This is the “read the fine print” section, and it’s arguably the most important. While BNPL is marketed as a simple, interest-free way to shop, there are financial implications to be aware of.

The Fee Breakdown

Fee Type What It Is Which Apps Have It?
Late Fees A penalty charged if you miss a payment due date. Most apps (Afterpay, Klarna, Sezzle, Zip). Can be up to 25% of the purchase value.
Interest (APR) The cost of borrowing money, expressed as a yearly rate. Typically on longer-term plans from Affirm, Klarna, and others. Can range from 0% to 36%.
Service/Convenience Fees A small fee charged per transaction or for using a specific payment method. Sezzle and Zip may charge these.
Account Reactivation Fees A fee to un-pause your account after a missed payment. Some services may charge this. Always check the terms.

Pro Tip: Affirm is the standout here for having zero late fees. If you’re worried about missing a payment, this could be a deciding factor.

The Credit Score Question

Does using Afterpay or its alternatives affect your credit score? The answer is: it’s complicated and it’s changing.

  • The Old Way: For a long time, most BNPL “Pay in 4” plans did not report to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). This meant on-time payments didn’t help your score, and late payments (unless they went to collections) didn’t hurt it.
  • The New Way: The tide is turning. Credit bureaus are now actively working to incorporate BNPL data. FICO has even developed new scoring models specifically for it.
    • ✅ The Upside: If you use a service like Sezzle Up that reports your payments, and you always pay on time, it can be a great tool for building a positive payment history.
    • ❌ The Downside: As more services begin reporting, missed payments will have a negative impact on your credit score. It’s more important than ever to only buy what you can afford to pay back on schedule.

📱 User Experience and App Safety: What You Need to Know

From our developer perspective at Apps Like™, a smooth user experience (UX) is non-negotiable. A clunky checkout process or a confusing app can ruin the entire experience.

  • The Best UX: Klarna generally wins here. Its app is polished, intuitive, and packed with useful features beyond just payments, like order tracking and loyalty card storage. Sezzle and Affirm also offer clean, straightforward app experiences that make managing payments simple.
  • Data Safety: When you sign up for these services, you’re providing personal and financial information. It’s crucial they keep it safe. All the major players use standard security measures like encryption to protect your data.
  • Data Privacy: This is different from safety. It’s about what companies do with your data. As noted in the Apple App Store, apps like Klarna collect a wide range of data to personalize your shopping experience and for marketing purposes. Be sure to review the privacy policy of any app you use to understand what you’re agreeing to.

🌟 Real User Ratings and Reviews: What Shoppers Are Saying

We’ve scoured thousands of reviews on the App Store and Google Play. Here are the common themes:

  • The Good 👍: Users love the convenience and the ability to get items immediately without paying the full price upfront. Many see it as a great budgeting tool. One Klarna user on the App Store raved that it “helped SO MUCH with letting me rebuild my credit score and have an option to make larger purchases and pay them off a little at a time.”
  • The Bad 👎: The most common complaints revolve around customer service, unexpectedly lowered spending limits, and confusion over fees. Some Klarna users expressed frustration with being declined for small purchases despite having a good payment history, feeling it was a “headache” when they couldn’t rely on their approved spending power.
  • The Ugly 👹: The biggest danger is the temptation to overspend. Because it feels like you’re only paying a fraction of the price, it’s easy to fill up your cart. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has noted that BNPL users may be more financially vulnerable and should use these services with caution.

🛠️ Latest Updates and Features in Afterpay Alternatives

The BNPL space is fiercely competitive, which means companies are constantly innovating. Here are some of the coolest recent developments:

  • Loyalty Card Wallets: Klarna’s integration of Stocard was a brilliant move. Being able to store all your loyalty cards digitally in the same app you use to pay is incredibly convenient.
  • Physical & Virtual Cards: The move from a checkout-only option to a “shop anywhere” model via physical cards (like the Klarna Card) or virtual cards (like Zip and Sezzle Anywhere) is the industry’s biggest shift. It untethers you from a specific list of partner merchants.
  • Rewards & Cashback: To keep you in their ecosystem, companies are beefing up their rewards programs. Klarna offers cashback on purchases made through their app, turning your spending into a balance for future shopping.

🆘 Customer Support and Dispute Resolution: Who Has Your Back?

When something goes wrong—a return gets lost, or you’re charged incorrectly—good customer support is vital.

  • 24/7 Support: Klarna stands out by offering 24/7 customer service through the chat in their app.
  • Return Pauses: This is a fantastic feature offered by Klarna. If you need to return an item, you can report it in the app, and they’ll pause your payment schedule so you don’t have to pay for something you’re sending back.
  • Responsiveness: User reviews suggest that support quality can be a mixed bag across all platforms. Some users report quick and helpful resolutions, while others describe frustrating experiences. Based on reviews, Sezzle’s phone and email support is often cited as being responsive.

🔄 Integrations and Compatibility: Where Can You Use These Apps?

The usefulness of a BNPL app depends entirely on where you can actually use it.

  • Direct Merchant Integration: This is the most common method. You’ll see the logos for Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm, etc., right on the product page or at checkout.
  • In-App Shopping Browser: Most of these services have an in-app browser that lets you shop at partner retailers’ websites directly through the BNPL app.
  • Browser Extensions: Many offer browser extensions for Chrome or Safari that can alert you to BNPL options as you shop online.
  • In-Store Payments: This is the new frontier. Using virtual cards added to Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can now use services like Klarna, Sezzle, and Zip at physical retail stores, tapping your phone at the terminal just like a credit card.

💳 Payment Security and Data Privacy in Buy Now, Pay Later Apps

Your financial security is paramount. Here’s how these apps stack up.

  • Security: All the reputable BNPL providers use industry-standard security protocols. This includes tokenization (which masks your real card number) and encryption to protect your data during transactions. They are generally as secure as any other major payment processor.
  • Privacy: This is a growing concern. To assess your eligibility for a loan, these companies analyze your data. As mentioned, Klarna’s privacy policy indicates extensive data collection. It’s a trade-off: you get a convenient service in exchange for providing data that helps them (and their merchant partners) market to you more effectively. Always be aware of the permissions you grant these apps.

The BNPL industry is not just growing; it’s evolving at lightning speed. Here’s what we see on the horizon:

  • Increased Regulation: As the market grows, so does scrutiny from regulators like the CFPB. Expect to see more consumer protections, standardized disclosures, and clearer rules around fees and credit reporting in the future.
  • Deeper Integration: BNPL is moving from being just a checkout button to a fully integrated part of the shopping experience. Think personalized offers, banking services, and more, all within one app. Klarna is already well on its way here.
  • Expansion into New Sectors: BNPL isn’t just for retail anymore. It’s expanding into travel, healthcare, and even education, allowing people to finance a wider range of life expenses.

🎯 Tips and Tricks to Maximize Benefits and Avoid Pitfalls

Want to use BNPL like a pro? Here’s our expert advice from the Business and Career Apps team.

  • Automate Your Payments: The easiest way to avoid late fees is to set up autopay. All major apps offer this feature. Just make sure you have sufficient funds in your linked bank account or card.
  • Treat it Like Real Money: This is the golden rule. Before you click “confirm,” ask yourself: “Could I afford this if I had to pay the full amount today?” If the answer is no, you might be overextending yourself.
  • Keep Track in One Place: If you use multiple BNPL services, it can be easy to lose track of due dates. Use a budgeting app or a simple calendar to keep all your payment dates in one place.
  • Understand the Return Policy: Know both the retailer’s return policy and the BNPL provider’s process. Features like Klarna’s “pause payment” for returns can save you a major headache.
  • Start Small: If you’re new to a service, make a few smaller purchases and pay them off on time to build a good history. This will often lead to higher spending limits in the future.

Want to learn even more? Here are some high-quality resources:

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): A great source for understanding your rights and the potential risks of BNPL services.
  • NerdWallet: They offer detailed financial breakdowns and comparisons of different payment options.
  • Experian: Provides clear information on how new payment types, like BNPL, can affect your credit.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apps Like Afterpay

  • Can I use multiple BNPL apps at once?
    Yes, you can. However, it can make it harder to track your total debt and payment due dates. We recommend sticking to one or two that best fit your needs to avoid getting overwhelmed.
  • What happens if I miss a payment?
    You will likely be charged a late fee, and your account may be paused, preventing you from making new purchases. If the provider reports to credit bureaus, a missed payment could also lower your credit score. If the debt remains unpaid, it could eventually be sent to a collections agency.
  • Is there a guaranteed approval BNPL app?
    No app can guarantee approval for everyone. While many have high approval rates and use soft credit checks, they still have internal criteria to assess risk. Factors like your payment history with the service are very important.
  • Which app is best for someone with bad or no credit?
    Sezzle with its “Sezzle Up” program is an excellent choice, as it’s specifically designed to help users build a positive credit history. Perpay is another strong contender for those with credit challenges.

For this article, we consulted a wide range of sources, including hands-on app testing, user reviews from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and financial news outlets. Key information was sourced from reports and articles by NerdWallet, Experian, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and market analysis firms.

🏁 Conclusion: Are Apps Like Afterpay Right for You?

text, logo

After exploring the top contenders in the Buy Now, Pay Later arena, it’s clear that Afterpay has set a high bar with its simple, interest-free, four-payment model and wide merchant acceptance. But the landscape is rich with alternatives that might better suit your unique shopping style, credit goals, and appetite for flexibility.

Afterpay at a Glance: Positives and Negatives

Positives:

  • ✅ Simple and Transparent: Four equal, interest-free payments make budgeting easy.
  • ✅ Wide Merchant Network: Accepted by thousands of retailers worldwide.
  • ✅ No Hard Credit Checks: Soft checks mean your credit score isn’t impacted on application.
  • ✅ User-Friendly App: Clean design and straightforward payment tracking.

Negatives:

  • ❌ Late Fees Can Be Steep: Missing payments can lead to significant fees.
  • ❌ Limited Credit Building: Does not report to credit bureaus, so no credit score improvement.
  • ❌ No Virtual Card for In-Store Use: Unlike Klarna or Zip, Afterpay is mostly online-focused.

Our Confident Recommendation

If you’re a shopper who values simplicity and zero interest on smaller purchases and primarily shops online, Afterpay remains a solid choice. However, if you want to build credit, shop in-store, or finance bigger purchases with transparent terms, apps like Sezzle, Klarna, Zip, and Affirm offer compelling alternatives.

Remember our earlier question: “Can these apps really help you manage your money better, or do they just make it easier to overspend?” The answer lies in your habits. Use these tools wisely—treat BNPL payments like real debt, automate your payments, and keep track of due dates. When used responsibly, apps like Afterpay and its alternatives can be powerful budgeting allies.

🔗 Recommended Links for Further Exploration & Shopping

Ready to try one (or more) of these apps? Here are quick links to get you started:

  • “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey — A classic guide to budgeting and debt management.
    Shop on Amazon

  • “Your Score” by Anthony Davenport — Understand credit scores and how to improve them, including new trends like BNPL.
    Shop on Amazon

  • “Buy Now, Pay Later: The Consumer’s Guide to BNPL” (eBook) — A practical guide to navigating BNPL responsibly.
    Shop on Amazon (fictional link for illustration)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apps Like Afterpay


Video: The PROBLEM With Buy Now Pay Later.








What are the best alternatives to Afterpay?

The top alternatives include Sezzle, Klarna, Zip, and Affirm. Each offers unique features: Sezzle is great for credit building, Klarna offers a full shopping ecosystem with cashback, Zip provides virtual cards for broader use, and Affirm specializes in longer-term financing for big purchases.

How do apps like Afterpay work?

Apps like Afterpay let you split your purchase into multiple payments, typically four, spread over six to eight weeks. The first payment is due at checkout, and the rest are automatically deducted every two weeks. Most plans are interest-free if you pay on time, but late fees apply if you miss payments.

Are there any apps similar to Afterpay with no interest?

Yes! Most “Pay in 4” BNPL apps like Afterpay, Sezzle, Zip, and Klarna’s short-term plans offer interest-free payments. However, longer-term financing options from Affirm and Klarna may charge interest.

Which apps offer buy now, pay later options like Afterpay?

Besides Afterpay, popular BNPL apps include Sezzle, Klarna, Zip, Affirm, PayBright (Canada), Splitit, and PayPal Pay in 4. Each has different features and merchant networks.

What are the differences between Afterpay and its competitors?

Feature Afterpay Sezzle Klarna Affirm Zip
Interest-Free Pay in 4 ✅ ✅ ✅ Sometimes ✅
Credit Reporting ❌ ✅ (Sezzle Up) Limited Yes No
Virtual/In-Store Card ❌ Limited ✅ (Klarna Card) No ✅ (Virtual Card)
Late Fees Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Longer-Term Financing No No Yes Yes No

Can I use apps like Afterpay for online and in-store purchases?

Many BNPL apps started online-only, but now several, including Klarna, Zip, and Sezzle, offer virtual or physical cards that let you pay in-store anywhere Visa is accepted. Afterpay currently focuses mostly on online purchases.

Are apps like Afterpay safe to use?

Yes, reputable BNPL apps use strong encryption and security protocols to protect your data. However, they collect personal and financial information, and some use it for marketing. Always review privacy policies and use apps from trusted providers.

What fees do apps like Afterpay charge compared to other services?

Most BNPL apps offer interest-free payments if you pay on time but charge late fees if you miss payments. Fees vary:

  • Afterpay: Late fees up to 25% of purchase.
  • Sezzle: Late fees plus possible service fees.
  • Klarna: Late fees plus interest on longer-term plans.
  • Affirm: No late fees but interest on most loans.
  • Zip: Transaction fees plus late fees.

How do BNPL apps impact my credit score?

Traditionally, many BNPL apps did not report to credit bureaus, so they had no impact. Now, some like Sezzle Up report positive payment history, which can help build credit. Missed payments reported to bureaus can hurt your score. Always pay on time!

Can I use multiple BNPL apps at the same time?

Yes, but managing multiple payment schedules can be tricky. It’s best to use one or two apps to avoid missing payments and accumulating debt.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob leads Apps Like’s cross-disciplinary team of app developers, UX/UI specialists, and testers to deliver trustworthy “apps like” recommendations across every category—from social and productivity to finance and travel. He sets the editorial bar for comparative analysis, blending hands-on testing with usability heuristics, store data, and real-world feedback to surface alternatives that respect your time, wallet, and privacy.

Articles: 186

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