Top 10 Apps Like Afterpay: Zero Fees, Credit Builders, and Long-Term Options

Klarna has evolved into a massive shopping ecosystem that actually protects your wallet. Our favorite feature is the "Pay in 30 days" option, which completely flips the script on online shopping. You can order clothes in multiple sizes, try them on at home, and only pay for what you keep, mimicking the fitting room experience without the upfront cost.

Recently, they significantly expanded their reach. Users aren't limited to partner stores anymore. Instead, it also lets you create a temporary Visa card to use virtually anywhere online. If you are a frequent shopper, their new reward clubs and the physical Klarna card offer cashback and travel perks, rather than credit cards.

Affirm’s "Buy Now, Pay Later" button is a genuine banking alternative that prioritizes transparency. Affirm tells you the exact dollar amount you will pay before you ever click confirm. Also, the "Debit with a flex" card allows you to pay in full for coffee now or split a sudden car repair bill into monthly payments later.

The app's real power lies in the Affirm Money Account and the linked card. It functions as a high-yield spending account offering a competitive 3.60% APY, which is better than traditional banks. You can use the physical Affirm Card for everyday debit purchases. However, if you suddenly overspend or have an emergency, the app lets you convert a debit transaction into a payment plan retroactively.

This flexibility puts a safety net in your wallet. Just keep an eye on your purchasing power, which acts more like a dynamic estimate than a guaranteed credit limit and can shift based on your repayment history.

Sezzle has a network of 13 million shoppers and over 40 thousand merchants already using it. What truly defines Sezzle is that it does not force you into a single rigid schedule. You have the freedom to choose a plan that actually fits your specific paycheck.

For smaller purchases or when you simply want to clear the balance quickly, the "Pay in 2" option is a standout. You pay 50% upfront and the remaining half just two weeks later, keeping you debt-free faster with zero interest. Also, the classic “Pay in 4" is available for the standard six-week split. However, for those heavier investments like furniture or electronics, the "Pay Monthly" option lets you extend financing up to 48 months.

Beyond Sezzle’s credit-building, they offer a Sezzle Anywhere subscription, which is a game-changer for necessities. It gives you a multi-use virtual Visa card that works at grocery stores, gas stations, or virtually anywhere else. Thus, it removes the restriction of only shopping at partner brands. Also, Sezzle is PCI DSS compliant, which makes it a credible platform for users across the world.

Zip is designed for shoppers who want flexibility without boundaries. It authorizes your purchase amount in the Zip app, through a digital wallet, or the physical Zip Card.

The app also excels in bridging the gap between online and offline spending. With the option to use a physical Zip Card or link it to your digital wallet, you can tap to pay for groceries, gas, or in-store hauls just as easily as you buy clothes online. They have also introduced a flexible "Pay in 4 or 8" option for larger purchases, giving you more breathing room than the standard six-week cycle.

Most importantly, Zip adjusts payment dates if a paycheck is late and earns actual cashback rewards on everyday purchases. Further, this makes it a comprehensive tool for managing your budget rather than falling into a deferring debt.

While most people know PayPal as the default way to pay online, its "Pay Later" suite has quietly become one of the most flexible financing tools available. It offers two distinct paths depending on your budget. The first is "Pay in 4" for everyday buys (splitting costs over six weeks interest-free). The second one is "Pay Monthly" for the heavy hitters like furniture or tech, which lets you spread payments over 6, 12, or even 24 months.

PayPal charges zero late fees on its Pay Later plans. They have also bridged the gap between online and offline shopping. You can also apply for a "Pay Monthly" loan directly in the app while standing in a store, receive a virtual card instantly, which you can tap to pay at the register. The purchase amount for four stretches is around $30 to $1,500. With pay later, it can range from $49 to $10,000.

Also Read: Buy Now Pay Later Apps in the USA

Perpay is a specialized financial tool designed primarily for responsible credit building, operating differently from standard retail payment apps. It functions using a closed-loop Marketplace stocked with popular brands.

To access your spending limit, you must set up a payroll direct deposit. Payments for your purchases are then automatically deducted from your paycheck on your pay date. This unique mechanism ensures your payments are reliably on time.

The separate Perpay Credit Card is available. This card requires an ongoing direct deposit and actively reports to all three major credit bureaus. The app’s entire design is centered on making credit accessible to those with limited history, helping members see their scores climb by an average of 32 points within the first three months of using Perpay+.

ViaBill positions itself as a provider of "financial freedom" by giving shoppers maximum choice in how they pay for goods. Its core appeal lies in its flexibility. You can opt for the short-term ViaBill Free plan, which splits payments interest-free, or choose the higher-tier account for longer repayment schedules.

The most significant benefit of the ViaBill Mastercard is that it's not limited to a partner directory. This virtual (and sometimes physical) card allows you to shop at millions of retailers for gas, groceries, or gadgets, and manage those transactions directly within the app.

The app provides essential financial management tools, giving you a clear, consolidated view of your credit limit, balance, and upcoming payments. You also gain access to a curated list of shops offering exclusive discounts, which adds extra value to the service.

Recommended read: Mobile App Payment Gateways

Katapult is a dedicated Lease-to-Own (LTO) service. It is built for consumers with evolving credit, offering a fast pre-approval decision (often in just 5 seconds) that does not require a hard credit check. This speed gives users immediate power to shop at over 200 major retailers.

The service’s core benefit is its flexibility: you can pay over time with scheduled payments or purchase anytime. The best financial decision is always to use the 90-Day Early Purchase Option to save the most on the lease. If you choose the full lease term (up to 18 months), you will ultimately own the item, but the total cost will be substantially higher than the retail price.

Gerald is a specialized financial tool that blends Buy Now, Pay Later functionality with small cash advances, targeting users seeking an alternative to predatory payday loans. Its core premise is convenience: you can shop for household essentials and even their own prepaid phone plan instantly, with automatic, interest-free repayment taken from your next paycheck.

The platform provides multi-faceted utility. Users can access a small, free cash advance for immediate needs, use the BNPL feature for household essentials in the Cornerstore, or cover monthly bill payments before they are due. A distinctive advantage is the ability to earn rewards simply by playing in-app games (Play & Earn). These points can then be redeemed for advances or store credit.

Furthermore, Gerald offers its own affordable prepaid phone plans that can be fully financed through the app's services, making it a powerful tool for managing multiple monthly expenses within a single, no-fee ecosystem.

Flex Pay (formerly known as Uplift) is a specialized BNPL service focusing primarily on the travel industry and larger retail purchases. It works by integrating directly into major partners like United Airlines and Universal Orlando Resort, allowing you to select a fixed monthly payment plan with terms ranging from 3 to 24 months right at checkout. The application involves a soft credit check that won't harm your score, and decisions are often returned in minutes.

A significant advantage over credit cards is transparency. Flex Pay uses simple interest only. This ensures that the total cost of your loan is clear from the start, and they charge absolutely no late fees or prepayment penalties.

However, financing terms are personalized, meaning APRs can range from 0% (for highly qualified customers or promotions) up to 36%. If you are approved, you immediately receive your tickets or booking confirmations and can depart quickly. Thus, making it a perfect tool for travel that requires financing.

Also read: Best BNPL Apps in India