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Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Guide

Discover top BNPL apps, stores, and alternatives to split your purchases with ease.
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SHOP NOW & PAY OVER TIME WITH THE KATAPULT APP

  • No credit check required.
  • Up to $3,500 in pre-approval based on individual plans.
  • Pay over time options, no surprises.
  • Get your approval decision in 5 seconds.
  • Shop over 200+ brands you trust.
Partner terms and conditions
This is an advertisement for Katapult’s lease-to-own service. The path to ownership will cost more than the merchant’s cash price. Leasing available on select items. Not available in MN, NJ, WI, WY. Pre-approvals are not guaranteed indefinitely and may change based on varying factors, such as your personal financial circumstances, where you shop, and how long ago you applied, among other factors. Katapult may change your pre-approval in our sole discretion, at any time, without notice to you. Review the Customer Portal for your most recent pre-approval information.

Popular BNPL apps and services

Find the best Buy Now, Pay Later platforms to suit your spending style.

Pay in 4 apps and providers

Where to shop with BNPL

Browse store lists by BNPL provider and discover where you can split your payments.

BNPL alternatives and similar apps

Looking for something like Affirm or Sezzle? Here are more apps offering split payments or credit-based financing.

How to choose the best BNPL app

Most BNPL apps work similarly, though there are a few features to keep an eye on when making your choice.

  • Look for the lowest fees. Some BNPL apps charge fees on purchases and late payments, while others charge no fees at all. One with few to no fees can keep your overall costs down.
  • Choose low interest. In the event you do miss a payment, you’ll get charged an additional amount based on the app’s interest rate. Find an app with as low an interest rate as possible if you worry you might occasionally miss a monthly payment. Some BNPL providers even charge simple interest rather than compounding interest.
  • Check the repayment scheduling options. Some BNPL apps let you adjust or choose your repayment plan. This option is great if you value a little more flexibility in how you pay.
  • Assess your spending needs. Most BNPL apps have some type of transaction limit. If you need to split up a particularly large purchase, you’ll need to find a BNPL app that supports that purchase amount.

What is BNPL and how does it work?

BNPL is a four-part installment loan retailers and third-party intermediaries offer consumers. After making your first payment up front, the remaining three payments are equally split and automatically charged to your credit or debit card on a set interval, typically every two weeks.

BNPL plans are most often found in online stores. However, the service’s rising popularity means you can find them in select stores or use a third-party service to turn nearly any purchase into a BNPL payment.

Like most loans, a BNPL plan also comes with terms and conditions, including interest and fees.

Compare BNPL services

For an idea of how some third-party BNPL services stack up, select up to four platforms and select Compare to see them side by side.

2 of 2 results
Convenience fee Payment term Number of merchants
PayPal image
PayPal
$0
Pay in 4 (four interest-free payments) or Pay Monthly (6, 12, or 24 payments)
Available where PayPal is accepted
Buy now, pay later. Choose Pay in 4 or Pay Monthly when you use PayPal for purchases.
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Katapult image
Katapult
$0
12-month lease financing with a 90-day early purchase option discount and flexible terms. Pay off anytime, No additional fee.
200+
Katapult offers pay-over-time lease financing with no credit required and up to $3,500 in spending limit for qualified consumers.
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Compare product selection
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