Klarna

Klarna is a popular alternative to Sezzle, offering multiple payment options for online and in-store shopping. Customers can choose to pay immediately, split purchases into four installments, or use longer-term financing for eligible purchases. Its flexible payment approach is supported by a unique business model that helps Klarna generate revenue while meeting different shopping needs.

Its shopping app also includes product discovery, price comparison, order tracking, and exclusive deals. Klarna is particularly useful for shoppers who want more payment flexibility and additional tools to manage their purchases.

Key Features:

• Pay in 4 interest-free installments on eligible purchases.
• Pay Later options for selected transactions.
• Monthly financing for eligible purchases.
• Shopping deals and price comparison tools.
• Purchase tracking and payment management.

Afterpay

Afterpay is a BNPL platform that lets customers buy products and split the total cost into four installments. The standard Pay-in-4 option requires an initial payment at checkout, followed by three scheduled payments, generally every two weeks.

Unlike traditional credit cards, Afterpay focuses on short-term installment payments. Its app also helps users discover participating retailers, monitor upcoming payments, and manage their shopping activity.

Key Features:

• Four scheduled installments for eligible purchases.
• No interest on standard Pay-in-4 payments when paid on time.
• In-app shopping with participating retailers.
• Automatic payment reminders.
• Spending limits based on account eligibility.

Affirm

Affirm is a financing platform designed for customers who want to spread larger purchases over manageable monthly payments. It offers different repayment periods depending on the retailer, purchase amount, and customer eligibility.

One of Affirm’s distinguishing features is its transparent payment structure. Customers can review the total repayment amount and applicable interest before accepting a financing plan. Eligible purchases may also qualify for 0% APR financing.

Key Features:

• Pay-in-4 installment plans.
• Monthly financing options.
• Interest rates disclosed before checkout.
• No late fees.
• Flexible financing for eligible large purchases.

Zip

Zip, previously known as Quadpay in the United States, offers flexible payment options that let shoppers split eligible purchases into smaller installments. Its standard Pay-in-4 plan splits purchases into four payments over approximately six weeks.

Customers can use Zip at participating online and in-store retailers through its app and payment solutions. Depending on the market and available product, additional installment options may also be offered.

Key Features:

• Four installment payments.
• Virtual card functionality.
• Online and in-store shopping options.
• Payment tracking through the app.
• Spending limits based on eligibility.

PayPal Pay Later

PayPal Pay Later brings installment payments into the existing PayPal checkout experience. Customers can select Pay in 4 for eligible purchases and divide the total into four payments, with the first payment due at checkout.

For eligible larger purchases, PayPal may also offer monthly payment plans. Since the service operates within the PayPal ecosystem, customers can use a familiar checkout process at participating merchants without managing a separate BNPL shopping account.

Key Features:

• Pay in 4 interest-free installments on eligible purchases.
• Monthly financing options for eligible customers.
• Integration with PayPal checkout.
• Automatic payment scheduling.
• Purchase and repayment tracking.

Splitit

Splitit takes a different approach to BNPL by allowing customers to divide purchases using their existing credit cards. Instead of issuing a separate loan, it uses the available credit on the customer’s card to manage installment payments.

This makes Splitit particularly useful for shoppers who prefer using their existing credit facilities rather than applying for another financing product. Eligible purchases can be divided into monthly installments without additional interest from Splitit.

Key Features:

• Installment payments using existing credit cards.
• No separate loan application in many cases.
• No additional interest charged by Splitit.
• Flexible installment schedules offered by merchants.
• Easy checkout integration.

Perpay

Perpay combines installment-based shopping with a payment approach connected to customers’ paychecks. Users can shop through the platform and repay eligible purchases through scheduled payroll deductions, depending on their account and employer eligibility.

The platform also offers Perpay+ for eligible users who want to build their credit history through reported payment activity. This differs from traditional BNPL apps that focus primarily on splitting checkout payments.

Key Features:

• Installment-based shopping.
• Payroll-linked repayment options.
• Perpay+ credit-building program.
• Product marketplace.
• Scheduled payment management.

Four

Four is a Buy Now, Pay Later payment solution that lets customers split eligible purchases into smaller installments instead of paying the full amount upfront. Its core offering makes checkout more accessible through a straightforward repayment structure.

Customers can use the platform at participating merchants, subject to availability and approval. Its installment-based approach makes it an option for shoppers who prefer short-term payment flexibility over traditional credit products.

Key Features:

• Pay-in-4 installment payment structure.
• Flexible shopping at participating merchants.
• Simplified checkout experience.
• Scheduled repayment management.

Sunbit

Sunbit focuses on financing purchases and services in categories where customers may need to manage larger or unexpected expenses. It is particularly popular among participating dental, healthcare, automotive, and retail businesses.

Unlike conventional BNPL apps that primarily target online shopping, Sunbit integrates financing directly into participating merchants’ payment processes. Customers can apply for financing and review available payment terms before completing eligible purchases.

Key Features:

• Financing for eligible healthcare and dental expenses.
• Automotive service payment plans.
• Retail financing options.
• Quick application and approval process.
• Flexible repayment periods based on eligibility.

  Uplift

Uplift specializes in travel financing, allowing customers to book eligible vacations and pay in installments. It partners with airlines, hotels, cruise companies, and travel providers to offer financing during booking.

Rather than focusing on everyday retail purchases, Uplift helps travelers manage the cost of expensive trips. Depending on eligibility and the booking, customers can choose from different repayment plans and review the applicable terms before confirming their reservation.

Key Features:

• Monthly travel payment plans.
• Financing for eligible flights and vacation packages.
• Partnerships with travel providers.
• Flexible repayment schedules.
• Financing terms displayed during booking.

  Bread Pay

Bread Pay provides installment payment and financing solutions that help customers purchase products without paying the full amount upfront. It works with retailers across different product categories, allowing eligible shoppers to select payment plans during checkout.

Depending on the merchant and purchase, customers may receive short-term installment options or longer financing plans. Bread Pay also gives retailers access to financing tools that can make higher-value purchases more accessible to their customers.

Key Features:

• Pay-in-4 options on eligible purchases.
• Longer-term installment financing.
• Retailer-integrated checkout.
• Promotional financing offers.
• Digital application and payment management.

  Shop Pay Installments

Shop Pay Installments is Shopify’s BNPL payment option that allows eligible customers to divide purchases into smaller payments at participating online stores. It integrates directly into the Shop Pay checkout experience, making installment selection convenient for shoppers.

Depending on the purchase amount and eligibility, customers may receive biweekly installment or monthly payment options. The service is especially useful for Shopify businesses because it adds financing options without requiring customers to leave checkout.

Key Features:

• Pay in 4 installments on eligible purchases.
• Monthly payment plans where available.
• Integration with Shopify checkout.
• Simplified customer checkout experience.
• Payment management through supported services.

  Acima

Acima offers a lease-to-own payment solution rather than a traditional Buy Now, Pay Later loan. It lets eligible customers buy products from participating retailers and make scheduled payments toward ownership.

The platform is particularly useful for people who may have difficulty qualifying for conventional financing. Customers can typically choose from available payment schedules and may have an early purchase option. However, the total cost can be higher than the product’s cash price, so review the lease agreement.

Key Features:

• Lease-to-own purchasing options.
• Flexible scheduled payments.
• Early purchase options under applicable terms.
• Financing alternatives for customers with limited credit history.
• Partnerships with participating retailers.

  Zilch

Zilch is a custom BNPL platform that lets customers pay for purchases through its app and virtual card. Depending on the selected option and eligibility, shoppers can pay upfront or spread their payments over installments.

One distinguishing feature is its ability to use its payment solution across a broader range of online retailers, rather than relying exclusively on a fixed merchant network. Zilch also offers rewards and cashback opportunities on eligible purchases.

Key Features:

• Pay-now and installment payment options.
• Virtual card for eligible purchases.
• Cashback and shopping rewards.
• Flexible payment choices.
• In-app purchase management.

  Tabby

Tabby is a popular BNPL platform in the Middle East, particularly across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It lets customers shop with participating retailers and split eligible purchases into smaller payments instead of paying the full amount immediately.

The platform supports online and in-store shopping, along with a shopping app where users can discover brands, manage installments, and track upcoming payments. Its strong merchant network makes it a notable alternative to Sezzle in the markets where it operates.

Key Features:

• Pay-in-4 installment options.
• Flexible payment options on eligible purchases.
• Online and in-store shopping.
• Shopping deals and brand discovery.
• Installment tracking and payment reminders.

Merchant Transaction Fees

Apps like Sezzle earn revenue by charging merchants a small transaction fee on every purchase completed through their platform. Merchants pay these fees to offer flexible payment options, attract more customers, increase conversion rates, and encourage higher purchase values.

Late Payment Fees

Buy Now, Pay Later platforms may generate additional revenue through late payment fees when customers miss scheduled installment payments. These charges compensate for payment delays while encouraging responsible borrowing and timely repayments.

Subscription and Membership Plans

Some platforms offer premium subscription or membership plans that provide customers with additional benefits, such as exclusive discounts, higher spending limits, special offers, and enhanced account features. Customers pay recurring fees to access these premium services and enjoy added convenience.

Interest on Financing Plans

Certain financing options let customers spread payments over longer periods while paying interest on the borrowed amount. The platform earns revenue from these interest charges, creating an additional income stream beyond standard merchant transaction fees.

Affiliate and Referral Commissions

BNPL platforms collaborate with brands and retailers to promote their products through in-app recommendations, advertisements, and referral links. They earn affiliate commissions whenever customers discover partner products and complete qualifying purchases through these promotional channels.

Strategic Merchant Partnerships

Platforms establish strategic partnerships with retailers, e-commerce businesses, and established brands to expand their market presence. These collaborations generate revenue through negotiated commercial agreements, exclusive promotional campaigns, co-marketing initiatives, and increased transaction volumes across partner networks.