Buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) apps allow you to make purchases and pay them off in installments — often without interest or fees, as long as you pay on time. We’ve rounded up the best BNPL mobile apps that offer perks like flexible repayment options, instant approvals, and user-friendly interfaces.
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Buy-now, pay-later apps can help you manage purchases in installments
These apps can be helpful if you don’t have enough cash upfront for a purchase. But be sure to check for any interest or fees — and how much they could cost you. For bigger expenses, a personal loan or low-interest credit card might be more affordable long-term.
If a buy-now, pay-later app seems like the right option for you, here are our top five picks — and how each one works.
🔍 Best Buy-Now, Pay-Later Apps
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Best for multiple repayment options: Klarna
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Best for long repayment terms: Affirm
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Best for no-interest payments: Afterpay
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Best for payment flexibility: Sezzle
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Best for user experience: Zip (formerly Quadpay)
What you should know about buy-now, pay-later apps
Best for multiple repayment options: Klarna
Why Klarna stands out: Klarna gives you three ways to pay — in four interest-free installments, in full within 30 days (also interest-free), or by financing larger purchases with interest.
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Shop anywhere: Use Klarna at any U.S. retailer that accepts credit or debit cards. Approved users get a one-time virtual card compatible with Apple or Google Wallet.
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Credit checks: Klarna usually does a soft credit inquiry for its “Pay in 4” plan. But a hard credit pull may be done for longer-term financing, which can affect your credit score.
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Perks: Klarna has a rewards club and offers exclusive shopping deals.
Read our full Klarna review to learn more.
Best for long repayment terms: Affirm
Why Affirm stands out: Affirm offers flexible repayment plans beyond the typical “Pay in 4.” Interest rates can range from 0% to 36%.
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Use online or in-store: Available as a checkout option on major retail websites (like Walmart, West Elm), or via a virtual Visa card issued through the Affirm app.
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Down payment: You might need to pay part of your purchase upfront if you’re not approved for the full amount.
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No hidden fees: Affirm doesn’t charge late fees or service fees.
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Flexible approvals: Affirm considers more than just your credit score when reviewing your application.
Read our full Affirm review to learn more.
Best for no-interest payments: Afterpay
Why Afterpay stands out: Afterpay lets you split purchases into four interest-free payments due every two weeks.
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Use at checkout or in-store: Available online at partner stores like Gap, Ulta, and Athleta — or in physical stores via a virtual card on your phone.
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Watch for late fees: Afterpay charges no fees unless you’re late. Then, late fees can be up to 25% of your loan amount.
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No credit impact: Afterpay doesn’t do credit checks or report payment activity, so on-time or late payments won’t affect your credit score.
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Spending limits vary: Purchase limits can change based on your payment history and how long you’ve been a user.
Read our full Afterpay review to learn more.
Best for payment flexibility: Sezzle
Why Sezzle stands out: Sezzle offers interest-free installment plans — plus the ability to reschedule payments, with the first reschedule free.
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Where it works: Use Sezzle online or in-store at participating merchants.
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Soft credit inquiry: Your credit isn’t impacted by checking your eligibility.
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Credit-building option: Sezzle gives users the choice to report on-time payments to credit bureaus — helpful if you’re trying to build credit.
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25% down payment usually required: This acts as your first installment.
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Rewards: Sezzle Spend offers promotional credits to apply toward future purchases.
Read our full Sezzle review to learn more.
Best for user experience: Zip (formerly Quadpay)
Why Zip stands out: Zip splits purchases into four equal payments and automates payment withdrawals from your linked debit or credit card — which helps avoid late payments.
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Use anywhere Visa is accepted: Whether it’s a partner merchant or not, Zip can create a virtual Visa card for you to use at checkout.
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Chrome extension available: Zip’s browser plugin helps you split payments and autofill card details when shopping online.
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Soft credit check only: Using Zip won’t impact your credit score.
Read our Zip review to learn more.
What else to consider about buy-now, pay-later apps
Most BNPL apps make money by charging merchants a percentage of each transaction — not by charging you interest. But they’re not always free.
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Missed payments can cost you: Late or failed payments may come with fees — and possibly damage your credit if the provider reports it.
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Not all apps report to credit bureaus: While some BNPL apps report your payment activity, others don’t — so using one responsibly may not help build your credit.
Even though splitting up a purchase can seem convenient, it adds one more bill to manage. If you’re making a necessary purchase, compare alternatives like a low-interest credit card or small personal loan — which may offer lower long-term costs.
