In today’s fast-paced e-commerce world, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services have emerged as powerful tools for consumers who want flexibility without relying on traditional credit cards. One of the pioneers in this space is AfterPay, a platform that lets users split purchases into interest-free installments. But AfterPay isn’t the only player in town.
As the BNPL trend continues to grow, more platforms have entered the market with unique features, partnerships, and payment structures. Whether you’re shopping for fashion, tech, travel, or essentials, there are plenty of great sites like AfterPay that might suit your needs even better.
Here’s a breakdown of the best sites like AfterPay in 2025—ranked based on usability, availability, interest rates, and shopping partners.
1. Klarna
Why it stands out:
Klarna is perhaps the most well-known BNPL alternative to AfterPay, used by over 150 million users worldwide. It offers four interest-free payments, plus financing options up to 36 months with interest.
Key Features:
- Pay in 4, Pay in 30 days, or monthly financing
- Works with major retailers like Sephora, Nike, and H&M
- Has its own shopping app with exclusive deals
Pros:
- Flexible payment structures
- Available in 45+ countries
- Mobile app with built-in price tracking and wishlists
Cons:
- Financing options may include interest
2. Affirm
Why it stands out:
Affirm offers installment payments for both small and big-ticket items. Unlike AfterPay, Affirm performs a soft credit check and offers terms that can go up to 36 months with APRs from 0% to 36%.
Key Features:
- No late fees or hidden charges
- Accepted at stores like Peloton, Walmart, and Expedia
- Option for longer-term financing
Pros:
- Transparent pricing
- Great for higher-cost purchases like electronics or travel
- No compounding interest
Cons:
- Approval depends on creditworthiness
- May include interest on longer plans
3. Zip (Formerly QuadPay)
Why it stands out:
Zip is very similar to AfterPay in structure, offering users the ability to split any purchase into 4 equal payments over 6 weeks.
Key Features:
- Works at any online store via the Zip app or browser extension
- Accepted at brands like Target, Amazon, and Best Buy
- No interest if payments are made on time
Pros:
- Available for both online and in-store purchases
- Easy approval process
- Versatile shopping options
Cons:
- Charges a $1 convenience fee per installment
- Late fees apply if you miss payments
4. Sezzle
Why it stands out:
Sezzle is geared toward younger shoppers and students, offering interest-free payments over 6 weeks with no credit score impact.
Key Features:
- 4 payments over 6 weeks
- Focus on ethical and sustainable brands
- Offers a Sezzle Up program to help build credit
Pros:
- No interest
- Partnered with many small and mid-sized retailers
- Easy integration with Shopify and WooCommerce
Cons:
- Limited to U.S. and Canada
- May require a down payment for larger orders
5. PayPal Pay in 4
Why it stands out:
PayPal’s “Pay in 4” feature allows eligible U.S. customers to split purchases between $30 and $1,500 into 4 interest-free biweekly payments.
Key Features:
- Available at any retailer that accepts PayPal
- Built into your existing PayPal account
- Instant approval decisions
Pros:
- Zero interest and no late fees
- Broad retailer acceptance
- Secure and familiar platform
Cons:
- Only available in the U.S.
- Not all purchases are eligible
6. Splitit
Why it stands out:
Splitit is unique among BNPL services because it uses your existing credit card to divide payments over time, without adding new debt or impacting your credit.
Key Features:
- No applications or credit checks
- No interest or fees from Splitit
- Uses your card’s existing credit limit
Pros:
- No new loans or credit pulls
- Keeps your credit utilization low
- No added interest if your card has a 0% APR
Cons:
- Requires full credit availability upfront
- Not as widely available as Klarna or AfterPay
7. Perpay
Why it stands out:
Perpay is geared toward helping people with little or no credit access financing without high interest. It also reports payments to credit bureaus, helping users build credit over time.
Key Features:
- No credit check
- Pay over time via direct deposit
- Earn credit score improvements with on-time payments
Pros:
- Ideal for credit building
- High approval rates
- Easy payment structure via paycheck deduction
Cons:
- Products are marked up from retail prices
- Limited to Perpay marketplace
8. Openpay
Why it stands out:
Openpay offers longer-term payment plans compared to other BNPL apps, ranging from 2 to 24 months. It’s ideal for healthcare, automotive, and educational expenses.
Key Features:
- Extended plans up to 2 years
- Used in sectors beyond retail
- Transparent fee structure
Pros:
- Works for big-ticket, essential spending
- Customizable repayment plans
- No hidden fees
Cons:
- Not available in all countries
- Requires upfront documentation for some purchases
BNPL Trends in 2025: Why This Market Keeps Growing
The Buy Now, Pay Later industry is booming. According to Statista, the global BNPL market is projected to surpass $500 billion in transaction volume by 2026, with millions of users seeking interest-free financing options.
Why is this happening?
- Younger generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials, prefer flexible spending over traditional credit cards.
- Retailers see increased conversion rates and higher average order values by offering BNPL options.
- With inflation and rising living costs, spreading payments has become a practical necessity.
Even traditional banks and card issuers are entering the market, offering BNPL-style services to retain younger customers.
How to Choose the Best BNPL Platform for You
When picking from sites like AfterPay, consider the following:
- Fees & Interest: Not all platforms are fee-free. Look for clear disclosures.
- Credit Checks: Some platforms like Affirm and Splitit may require a soft or hard credit pull.
- Retail Partners: Ensure the platform works with your favorite stores.
- Repayment Terms: Decide whether short-term (Pay in 4) or long-term (up to 36 months) is better for your budget.
- Credit Building: If you’re trying to build credit, consider Sezzle Up or Perpay.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the best Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sites like AfterPay:
| Platform | Installment Structure | Interest | Credit Check | Retail Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klarna | Pay in 4 / Pay in 30 days / Monthly financing | 0% or APR for longer terms | Soft or none | Major global brands |
| Affirm | Monthly plans (up to 36 months) | 0%–36% depending on plan | Soft check | High-ticket items like Peloton, Expedia |
| Zip | 4 payments over 6 weeks | 0% if on-time | None | Any store via app |
| Sezzle | 4 payments over 6 weeks | 0% if on-time | None (Sezzle Up requires) | Smaller ethical retailers |
| PayPal Pay in 4 | 4 biweekly payments | 0% | Soft check | Any store that accepts PayPal |
| Splitit | Uses credit card for monthly splits | Depends on credit card used | No | Limited, but versatile |
| Perpay | Payroll deductions | No interest, but marked-up products | No | Only via Perpay marketplace |
| Openpay | 2–24 month plans | Depends on merchant | Yes (for some services) | Mostly healthcare, auto, education |
Final Thoughts: Sites like AfterPay
AfterPay has certainly paved the way for flexible shopping, but it’s far from your only option. Whether you’re looking for interest-free installments, longer-term financing, or credit-building opportunities, the BNPL space in 2025 offers something for everyone.
From Klarna and Affirm to Splitit and Sezzle, each platform brings its own strengths, and choosing the right one depends on your personal financial goals and shopping habits.
Before using any BNPL service, always read the fine print, budget wisely, and never spend more than you can repay.
