
BNPL apps offer loans that divide payments into installments, usually with no interest or fees.
Basically, you can spread the cost of something over time instead of paying for it all immediately.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall user experience of each of these BNPL apps.
#1 Klarna: A Pioneer in BNPL Apps
Klarna is one of the leaders in this space, offering a seamless shopping experience with its “Pay in 4” installment plan. Users can split their purchases into four equal payments with no interest or fees, or choose longer-term financing with fixed monthly payments.
Klarna’s is integrated with a ton of online retailers. You’ve probably seen Klarna’s little logo when you have been online shopping.
Pros of Klarna:
- Flexible payment options, including Pay in 4.
- No interest or fees for Pay in 4 installment plan.
- Wide acceptance among online retailers.
- Smooth and intuitive user experience.
- Ability to manage payments and track purchases within the app.
Cons of Klarna:
- Late fees may apply if payments are missed (up to $7 if more than ten days late)
- Limited availability for in-store purchases.
- May report you to collections if past due.
#2 Affirm:
Affirm distinguishes itself with its transparent pricing and flexible repayment terms. Users can select their desired repayment period at checkout, ranging from three to thirty-six months, with clear interest rates disclosed upfront.
Affirm also offers a prequalification process, allowing users to see if they qualify for financing without impacting their credit score.
Pros of Affirm:
- Transparent pricing with clear interest rates and repayment terms.
- Flexible repayment periods up to thirty-six months.
- Prequalification process for eligibility checks.
- Integration with a wide range of online retailers.
- Option to split large purchases into manageable payments.
- No interest for Pay in 4 loan
- No fees for loans
Cons of Affirm:
- Interest rates may be higher compared to other BNPL apps.
- Late fees may apply for missed payments.
- Limited availability for in-store purchases
- Just because you pre-qualified, doesn’t mean you can make a purchase

#3 Afterpay
Afterpay is renowned for its simplicity and convenience, allowing users to split their purchases and pay over six weeks. The app integrates seamlessly with online retailers, enabling users to select Afterpay as a payment option at checkout. Afterpay also offers a personalized shopping experience, suggesting relevant retailers based on users’ preferences.
Pros of Afterpay:
- No interest or upfront fees for four equal payments.
- Seamless integration with online retailers.
- Personalized shopping recommendations.
- Easy-to-use app interface.
- Option to manage payments and track purchases within the app.
- Soft credit check. No hit to credit.
Cons of Afterpay:
- Late fees may apply for missed payments.
- Limited availability for in-store purchases.
- Doesn’t help build credit.
#4 Splitit:
Splitit takes a unique approach to BNPL by allowing users to utilize their existing credit cards for installment payments. Instead of opening a new line of credit, Splitit splits the total purchase amount into smaller monthly installments, which are charged to the user’s credit card.
So basically, when you make a purchase, Splitit charges your card a portion of the total price each month until it is paid off.
This enables users to take advantage of their existing credit card benefits while spreading out the cost of their purchases.
Pros of Splitit:
- Utilizes existing credit cards for installment payments.
- No credit checks or applications required.
- No interest or fees for installment payments.
- Wide acceptance among online retailers.
- Option to split purchases into smaller monthly payments.
Cons of Splitit:
- Requires a valid credit card with sufficient available credit.
- Monthly installments may impact credit card utilization.
- Limited availability for in-store purchases.
- Customer support may vary depending on the retailer.
- Can’t use a debit card or pre-paid card.

#5 PayPal in 4:
PayPal in 4 is PayPal’s BNPL app. It offers users the flexibility to split their purchases into four equal payments over six weeks. With no interest or fees, PayPal in 4 provides a convenient way for users to manage their expenses without the burden of long-term debt.
The integration with PayPal’s existing ecosystem makes it easy for users to track their payments and manage their purchases.
Pros of PayPal in 4:
- No interest or fees for four equal payments.
- Seamless integration with PayPal’s ecosystem.
- Option to manage payments and track purchases within the PayPal app.
- Millions of stores take Paypal.
- Flexible repayment schedule over six weeks.
Cons of PayPal in 4:
- Limited to four equal payments, which may not suit all budgets.
- Total purchase cannot exceed $1500.
- Late fees may apply for missed payments.
- Limited availability for in-store purchases.
#6 Sezzle:
With Sezzle purchases are split into four equal payments. One when you make the purchase, three more due every two weeks.
With no impact on users’ credit scores, Sezzle provides an accessible payment option for budget-conscious shoppers. The app is simple and accepted by a ton of retailers.
Pros of Sezzle:
- Four interest-free payments over six weeks.
- No impact on users’ credit scores.
- Easy-to-use app interface.
- Integration with a wide range of online retailers.
- Option to manage payments and track purchases within the app.
Cons of Sezzle:
- Fee structure is super complicated
- Late fees may apply for missed payments.
- Smaller maximum order limits compared to other BNPL apps.
- Reports to credit bureaus, so can help improve your credit score.

#7 Perpay:
Perpay distinguishes itself with its focus on budget-friendly shopping and financial wellness. Users can spread the cost of their purchases over time, with no interest or credit checks required. Perpay also offers a rewards program, allowing users to earn points for every dollar spent and redeem them for discounts on future purchases.
Pros of Perpay:
- No interest or credit checks required.
- Option to manage payments and track purchases within the app.
- Rewards program for earning discounts on future purchases.
- Integration with a variety of online retailers.
- Focus on financial wellness and budget-friendly shopping.
- Your full-time job qualifies you.
- Can help build credit.
Cons of Perpay:
- Limited availability for in-store purchases.
- Limited to certain product categories, such as electronics and appliances.
- Smaller maximum order limits compared to other BNPL apps.
- Customer support may vary depending on the retailer.

#8 Apple Pay Later
Apple introduced Apple Pay Later in March 2023. Apple Pay users can split purchases into four payments over six weeks with zero interest and no fees. Apple Pay Later Loans can be managed in the Apple Wallet.
“Apple Pay Later was designed with our users’ financial health in mind, so it has no fees and no interest, and can be used and managed within Wallet, making it easier for consumers to make informed and responsible borrowing decisions,” Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet Jennifer Bailey said in a company release.
Pros of Apple Pay Later:
- 0% interest loans
- No fees
- You can apply directly from your Apple device with no credit score ding
Cons of Apple Pay Later:
- Small loan amount ($75 to $1000)
- Online or in-app purchases only
- No late fees, but pauses account when payment is missed
- Can’t use in the Apple store: online or in-app purchases only
What Now?
BNPL apps offer a convenient and flexible payment option. There are plenty of BNPL apps to choose from, so you will need to decide which one is right for you.
Should I Even Use a BNPL App?
First, you will need to analyze whether using one at all and taking on a Buy Now Pay Later loan is a good decision for your financial health. You may want to look at your budget and consider whether this purchase fits.
Let’s say, for example, the item you are considering purchasing fits into the entertainment section of your budget. The item is $700. Your monthly entertainment budget is $450. The BNPL loan you qualified for has no interest or fees, and you need to pay four payments of $175 over six weeks. Well, for two months, or eight weeks, your entertainment budget is $900, so yes, you will be able to afford those payments over six weeks and pay off the $700 loan.
Which BNPL App is For You?
Each app has its own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks, catering to different preferences and financial needs. Whether you’re looking for transparent pricing, flexible repayment terms, or seamless integration with your favorite retailers, there’s a BNPL app out there for you.
However, it’s essential to use these apps responsibly and manage your payments to avoid unnecessary fees and debt accumulation. With the right approach, Buy Now Pay Later apps can enhance your shopping experience and help you achieve your financial goals.