Best Afterpay Alternatives & Competitors for Buy Now, Pay Later

By Aqsa K. Khan Eye icon graphic 158 Views Clock vector illustration March 18, 2025
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Ever found yourself staring at the perfect purchase, only to hesitate because of the price tag? Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Afterpay make it easier to get what you need now and pay in smaller chunks. But Afterpay isn’t the only option—there are several great alternatives offering different features, lower fees, and more flexibility.

But let’s be honest—one payment plan doesn’t work for everyone. Maybe Afterpay’s structure isn’t quite right for your budget, you’re looking for extended payment terms, or you’re just curious about other options. You’re not alone. The BNPL market is packed with alternatives, each offering different features to match your needs.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top apps like afterpay, helping you find the best BNPL service that fits your budget and shopping habits.

About AfterPay App

Afterpay launched as a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service in 2015 and evolved into a prominent leader in the BNPL industry by helping shoppers divide purchases into four interest-free installments. 

Afterpay entered the FinTech sector following its acquisition by Square Inc. (now Block, Inc.) in 2020 to provide accessible payment options for shoppers.

Payment Plans: 

  • Pay in 4: With Pay in 4 you can divide your order into four interest-free payments while the first installment becomes immediately due at checkout followed by six weekly installments.
  • Monthly Installments: Some stores let shoppers choose to pay through monthly installments, yet these plans might result in added interest fees.

 

Pros Cons
0% interest when payments are made on time Late fees apply if payments are missed
No impact on credit score for responsible users Spending limits depend on purchase history
Accepted by thousands of retailers worldwide Limited long-term financing options

 

App Store Rating: Apple Store: 4.9/5 | Google  Store: 4.5/5

 

You can also Check our guide: How to Develop A Split Payments App Like Tamara in 2025?

Best Afterpay Alternatives: Top 10 BNPL Apps for Easy Payments

BNPL services have changed the way people shop, allowing you to spread out payments without the upfront burden. While Afterpay is a leading name, many other apps provide flexible payment options with unique benefits. Here are 10 apps like afterpay to explore.

1. Klarna – Flexible BNPL Solutions with Multiple Payment Options

Klarna stands as the top alternative to Afterpay by providing its users several flexible payment solutions through its advanced BNPL service. Klarna grants you financial control through two payment options which let you break up your costs or wait one month before paying.

 

Payment Plans:

  • Pay in 4: Klarna allows you to divide purchases into four interest-free payments that spread out evenly over time. Your first payment must be made immediately at checkout while the other three scheduled deductions occur every two weeks beginning after the first checkout payment.
  • Pay Later in 30 Days: With Pay Later in 30 Days you can shop right away and complete full payment during the next thirty days to preview purchases beforehand.
  • Pay Now (SOFORT): Available in select countries with a transaction fee of around 2.99% + $0.30.
  • Extended Financing: Buying with extended terms provides flexible payment agreements at rates starting with 3.29% + $0.30 and going up to 5.99% + $0.30.

 

Pros Cons
Multiple payment options, including interest-free installment plans Late fees may apply if payments are missed
No hidden fees with “Pay in 4” and “Pay Later in 30 Days” Extended financing comes with interest charges
Works with thousands of online and in-store retailers Not all retailers support Klarna
Offers a seamless and user-friendly shopping experience May perform a soft credit check for certain financing options

 

App Store Rating: Apple Store: 4.8/5 | Google Store: 4.7\5 

2. CareCredit – Specialized BNPL for Healthcare Expenses

As a healthcare-specialized Buy Now Pay Later solution, CareCredit provides medical patients with a credit line for their treatment costs. As an offering from Synchrony Bank, this credit line provides coverage for dental care, vision correction, cosmetic procedures, and veterinary services, and many other medical services. 

Customers can find relief from medical debts through CareCredit because it extends payment plans beyond typical BNPL solution durations.

 

Payment Plans:

  • 0% Interest for 6-24 Months: Users who pay off their entire balance on time can enjoy 0% interest on their purchases throughout the 6 to 24 Month payment period.
  • Long-Term Financing: Finish your major expenditures using long-term financing options which offer installment payments with fixed interest costs.

 

Pros Cons
Covers a wide range of healthcare services, including dental, vision, and veterinary care High 32.99% APR for new accounts if the balance isn’t paid in full within the promotional period
0% interest financing available for short-term plans Late payments may lead to deferred interest charges
Accepted at thousands of medical providers across the U.S. Not accepted at general retailers—strictly for medical-related expenses
Helps spread out medical costs, making treatments more affordable Paper statements cost $1.99/month for balances over $2.50

 

App Store Rating: Apple Store: 4.8/5 | Google Store: 4.6/5

3. Payl8r – A BNPL Service with Flexible Repayment Terms

Payl8r operates as one of the similar apps to Afterpay BNPL service that enables customers to pay their purchases through scheduled installment payments from 2 months up to 12 months. 

The payment solutions from Payl8r allow customers to pick short-term zero-interest plans and stretch their payments over time with minimal interest rates which fit their financial situations.

 

Payment Plans:

 

  • 0% Interest on 30-Day Repayment Plans: Customers will pay their bills in full but within 30 days while avoiding interest costs.
  • Longer Payment Plans (2-12 Months): Customers with eligible payment plans can access interest rates starting at 1% per month for periods ranging between 2 and 12 months.

 

Pros  Cons
Flexible repayment terms to suit different financial needs Interest applies to longer repayment plans, increasing overall costs
Interest-free option available for short-term payments Requires a credit check and eligibility assessment before approval
Helps spread the cost of big-ticket purchases over time Not as widely accepted as some other BNPL services
Quick approval process based on affordability rather than just credit score Businesses must pay a setup fee to integrate Payl8r

 

4. GoCardless – A Direct Debit BNPL Alternative for Businesses

GoCardless provides BNPL features by utilizing Direct Debit functionality rather than standard installment payment systems. Businesses maintain full control over payment options through GoCardless since the platform lets buyers establish their payment structures based on purchase value. 

The solution enables adaptability, which benefits both business owners and their clients. The integration of GoCardless with Xero, QuickBooks and Sage provides users with simplified financial tracking and automated invoicing across popular accounting software.

Payment Plans:

  • Custom Installments: The system allows businesses to establish installment plans based on purchase values.
  • One-Time Payments: The payment process requires one-time payment if the purchase amount cannot be easily divided into smaller amounts.

 

Pros Cons
No monthly subscription fees, making it cost-effective for businesses Payment structure is entirely dependent on the merchant’s setup
Lower transaction costs compared to traditional credit card payments Not a traditional BNPL service—no standardized installment plans for buyers
Seamless integration with major accounting platforms for easy invoicing Some international transactions may incur higher fees
Supports both domestic and international transactions

 

5. Affirm – Flexible BNPL Plans with Long-Term Options

Users who use Affirm obtain access to a versatile BNPL service that lets them decide between short-term no-interest payments and longer financing options. Affirm stands apart from Afterpay through its multiple installment plan options which extend from three months to sixty months to suit small and big purchase requirements.

Payment Plans:

  • Pay-in-4 Plan: Users can use the Pay-in-4 Plan to distribute payments of $50 to $1,000+ across four equally divided interest-free installments.
  • Monthly Installment Plan: Customers seeking loans from $50–$5,000+ can select monthly repayment plans stretching from 3 to 60 months based on qualification criteria.

 

Pros Cons
No late fees, hidden charges, or penalties for early payments High APR (0%–36%) may apply for longer-term plans
Long-term financing options available for larger purchases Missing payments could negatively impact credit score
Can be used at thousands of retailers, both online and in-store No standard purchase limit—eligibility varies by user and retailer
Instant eligibility check without affecting credit score

 

App Store Rating: Apple store: 4.9/5 | Google store: 4.8/5

6. Zip – A Versatile BNPL Solution for Various Industries

Zip (formerly Zip Co Ltd) operates as a global BNPL provider that serves multiple industries such as retail businesses, education, organizations, healthcare providers and travel operators. This platform matches Afterpay’s pay-in-4 payment method yet offers businesses combined retail financing solutions in addition to larger borrowing possibilities.

 

Payment Plans:

 

  • Pay-in-4: Split payments into 4 equal biweekly installments, with the first due at checkout.
  • Larger Loan Amounts: users can borrow up to $8,000 for bigger purchases.

 

Pros Cons
Covers a broad range of industries, from healthcare to travel and education Monthly fee applies for balances over $350
No interest—only a fixed monthly account fee for larger balances Late payment fees apply if payments are missed
Works both online and in-store at partnered retailers Not as widely accepted as Afterpay in some regions
Provides business-friendly financing options

 

App store Rating: Apple Store: 4.9/5 | Google Store: 4.8/5

7. SplitIt – Interest-Free BNPL Using Existing Credit Cards

SplitIt enables customers to pay for purchases through interest-free monthly installments by utilizing their current credit card balance. Traditional BNPL services demand additional credit lines but SplitIt lets users pay through existing credit card balances without needing new credit applications.

The payment process automatically draws funds from the current available balance that exists on the user’s credit card.

 

Payment Plans:

 

  • Interest-Free Monthly Installments: This option uses your available credit card balance to split payments into equal monthly amounts with no interest charges.
  • No New Credit Lines: SplitIt operates differently from Afterpay because it avoids establishing new credit lines or issuing loans.

 

Pros Cons
No additional credit checks or new credit accounts Requires sufficient credit limit on an existing credit card
Interest-free payments when using an existing credit card Limited merchant acceptance compared to Afterpay
Helps users manage large purchases without extra debt May affect credit utilization ratio, impacting credit score

 

App Store Rating: Apple Store: 4.9/5 | Google Store: 3.⅗

8. FuturePay – Flexible Digital Credit Without a Credit Card

FuturePay operates as a digital revolving credit solution which enables customers to purchase items with delayed payments without traditional credit card requirements. FuturePay operates similarly to a credit account, unlike Afterpay’s pay-in-4 model, since it enables users to make full payments or maintain balances with interest.

 

Payment Plans:

  • Revolving Digital Credit: FuturePay lets customers maintain credit across an account while providing flexible options to pay their balance over time.
  • No Credit Card Required: FuturePay enables payments without requiring any credit or debit cards linked to the account.

 

Pros Cons
No need for a traditional credit card to access financing Interest charges apply to carried balances
Flexible payment schedules based on user preference Requires credit approval, making it less accessible than Afterpay
Simple and quick checkout process Limited merchant acceptance and integrations

 

9.  ViaBill – Simple, No-Credit-Check BNPL Solution

Users can take advantage of ViaBill’s interest-free buy now pay later service to divide purchases into handy payment segments that need no credit evaluation. 

 

The sign-up process combined with quick approval features of ViaBill make it an attractive option for online shoppers searching for an Afterpay alternative.

 

Payment Plans:

  • Pay-in-4 Model: Buyers can split their payments evenly across four interest-free installments using the Pay-in-4 financing model.
  • No Credit Check Required: The platform grants instant permission to users without the need for any credit examination.

 

Pros Cons
Interest-free installment plans with no hidden costs Smaller merchant network compared to Afterpay
Quick and easy sign-up process Late fees may apply for missed payments
No credit check required for approval Limited international availability

 

App Store Rating: App Store Rating: Apple Store: 4.9/5 | Google Store: 3.3/5 

10. Sezzle – Flexible, Interest-Free BNPL for Budget-Friendly Shopping

The Sezzle platform allows customers to break down their payments into four scheduled installments throughout six weeks while avoiding interest charges. Shoppers who use Sezzle can take advantage of payment plan options that extend from bi-weekly installments to monthly terms stretching over longer periods.

 

Payment Plans:

  • Pay-in-4: Four equal payments over six weeks (first payment due at checkout).
  • Pay-in-2: Two equal installments, two weeks apart.
  • Monthly Payments: Extended terms of 3–48 months for larger purchases.

 

Pros Cons
Interest-free payments when using the Pay-in-4 model Missed payments may result in late fees
Multiple payment options for added flexibility Requires merchant acceptance, which is smaller than Afterpay’s network
Can help build credit with Sezzle Up (optional feature) Monthly minimum fee for merchants with low transaction volume

 

App Store Rating: Apple Store: 4.9/5 |  Google Store: 4.7/5

Wrapping Up

Flexible payment options like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) are revolutionizing the retail landscape, empowering consumers with greater purchasing flexibility. BNPL accounted for 5% of global eCommerce transactions in 2023, and its transaction value is expected to hit $452 million by 2027. Businesses integrating BNPL solutions can benefit from increased sales and stronger customer retention.

A custom-developed BNPL application allows you to maintain full control of your brand identity while delivering a smooth payment process to your customers.

At TekRevol, we specialize in FinTech app development and can help you build a scalable, secure, and high-performance BNPL platform that aligns with your business model.

We start by holding a comprehensive assessment session to comprehend your company’s aims, alongside your client base and revenue objectives. Our team evaluates whether a custom-developed BNPL platform could work well for your business sector.

 

We provide complete integration between your eCommerce platform, accounting software, and your banking APIs to enable smooth financial transactions between your customers and merchants and institutions.

  • Thinking of creating your own BNPL app?
  • We help businesses develop customized BNPL solutions with secure and scalable features.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions:

BNPL allows consumers to make purchases without immediate full payment, providing a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional payments.

 

Unlike conventional loans, BNPL options typically don’t charge interest or extra service fees, making them a great choice for those managing a tight budget.

 

BNPL apps can affect your credit score if payments are reported to credit bureaus. On-time payments may help, while missed payments can lower your score.

 

Klarna functions much like Afterpay, giving users the flexibility to break up their purchases into multiple installments without the hassle of a credit check.

 

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    Aqsa K. Profile Image

    Author : Aqsa K.

    A dedicated content marketing enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling, delves into the world of communications armed with a Bachelor's degree in Media. Her passion lies in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across varied audiences.

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