Your cart total reads $450, but payday is two weeks away. Sound familiar? The rise of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services has fundamentally shifted how millions of consumers shop online and in-store. Apps like Afterpay have revolutionized retail by breaking down large purchases into manageable installments without traditional credit checks or interest charges.
According to Allied Market Research, the global buy now pay later market was valued at $90.69 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $3.98 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 45.7%. This 500% growth isn’t slowing down. Consumers crave flexibility, merchants want higher conversion rates, and developers see massive opportunities in this space. If you’re seeking an Afterpay alternative that suits your spending habits or an entrepreneur looking for similar apps for your next venture, understanding this ecosystem is essential.
This guide breaks down the 15 best alternatives, dissects what makes them tick, and reveals what it takes to build a competitive BNPL platform.
What is Afterpay?
Afterpay is a buy-now-pay-later service that lets shoppers split a purchase into four equal payments, usually paid every two weeks. The first payment is due at checkout, and the remaining three are charged automatically. Afterpay does not charge interest when payments are made on time, which is why many people use it for short-term spending instead of credit cards or payday loans.
Even though the idea is simple, many first-time users still want a clear explanation, which is why questions like can someone explain Afterpay to me show up on Quora.
Why BNPL Apps Dominate Modern Commerce?
The buy now, pay later revolution didn’t happen by accident. Three fundamental shifts created the perfect storm for Afterpay and similar apps to thrive.
The Credit Card Rebellion
Millennials and Gen Z harbor deep skepticism toward traditional credit cards. Having witnessed the 2008 financial crisis fallout, younger consumers view revolving credit with 18-25% APR as predatory. BNPL apps offer transparency: no hidden fees, no compounding interest, just four equal payments. This straightforward approach resonates with a generation that values financial clarity over credit score gymnastics.
Merchant Conversion Magic
Retailers integrating BNPL services report 20-30% higher average order values and 15-25% conversion rate improvements. When customers see “Pay in 4” at checkout, psychological barriers dissolve. That $400 purchase suddenly becomes four $100 payments. E-commerce platforms from Shopify to WooCommerce now treat BNPL integration as essential, not optional.
The Mobile-First Economy
Over 73% of BNPL transactions happen on mobile devices. These platforms perfected the smartphone experience: biometric authentication, one-tap approvals, and seamless merchant integration. Traditional banks still fumble with clunky mobile apps while BNPL providers deliver instant gratification. Speed matters when attention spans are measured in seconds.
Best Apps Like Afterpay Comparison
| App Name | Launch Year | Total Downloads | Best For |
| Klarna | 2005 | 50M+ | Global shopping flexibility |
| Affirm | 2012 | 10M+ | Larger purchases with extended terms |
| Sezzle | 2016 | 5M+ | Budget-conscious shoppers |
| Zip (Quadpay) | 2015 | 10M+ | Smaller everyday purchases |
| PayPal Pay in 4 | 2020 | 100M+ (PayPal total) | Existing PayPal users |
| Splitit | 2012 | 500K+ | Credit card holders |
| Perpay | 2016 | 1M+ | Building credit scores |
| ViaBill | 2016 | 1M+ | European shoppers |
| Openpay | 2013 | 2M+ | Healthcare and automative |
| Humm | 2014 | 3M+ | Australian market |
| Laybuy | 2017 | 2M+ | UK fashion retailers |
| Clearpay | 2019 | 8M+ | UK-based Afterpay version |
| Tabby | 2019 | 3M+ | Middle East region |
| Tamara | 2020 | 2M+ | Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states |
| Zilch | 2018 | 1.5M+ | UK digital-first shoppers |
Top 15 Afterpay Alternatives (Detailed Analysis)
Klarna
App Store Rating: 4.8/5
Play Store Rating: 4.5/5
Klarna pioneered the BNPL space in Europe before expanding worldwide. The Swedish fintech giant offers multiple payment plans: Pay in 4 (interest-free), Pay in 30 days, and extended financing options up to 36 months. Their app includes a virtual shopping feed, price drop alerts, and integrated deals from 500,000+ merchants.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extensive merchant network spanning 45 countries | Credit checks required for longer-term financing |
| Flexible payment options beyond standard four-installment plans | Late fees can accumulate quickly ($7 per missed payment) |
| Smooth shopping experience with in-app purchase tracking | Customer service response times vary significantly |
Klarna’s brown-and-pink branding has become synonymous with BNPL in Europe. Their mobile app development strategy prioritizes discovery features that keep users engaged between purchases. Rather than just processing payments, Klarna positions itself as a shopping companion that helps users find deals and manage spending.
Best For: Shoppers seeking maximum flexibility across global retailers
Affirm
App Store Rating: 4.8/5
Play Store Rating: 4.6/5
Founded by PayPal co-founder Max Levchin, Affirm differentiates itself by offering transparent financing for purchases from $50 to $17,500. Unlike traditional apps like Afterpay that stick to four payments, Affirm provides 3, 6, 12, 18, or 36-month terms with fixed APRs clearly displayed upfront.
| Pros | Cons |
| No hidden fees or compounding interest | Interest rates can reach 30% APR, depending on creditworthiness |
| Prequalification without hard credit checks | Loan approval is not guaranteed for all users |
| Strong partnerships with premium retailers like Peloton and Wayfair | Limited to specific merchant partners |
Affirm promotes honest lending by showing total payment amounts before checkout, which helps avoid surprise costs. Their extended terms benefit consumers purchasing furniture, electronics, or fitness equipment, and their integration with Shopify makes them ideal for merchants on that platform.
Best For: Major purchases requiring extended payment terms
Sezzle
App Store Rating: 4.7/5
Play Store Rating: 4.3/5
Sezzle targets younger demographics with Instagram-worthy branding and gamification features. Their app includes spending tracking, merchant discovery, and rewards programs that incentivize on-time payments. Sezzle Up, their premium tier, reports payment history to credit bureaus, helping users build credit.
| Pros | Cons |
| The reschedule feature allows one payment delay per order | Smaller merchant network than industry leaders |
| A virtual card works anywhere Visa is accepted | $10 rescheduling fee after the first free use |
| Lower merchant fees compared to competitors | Account suspension after multiple missed payments |
This Afterpay alternative appeals to fashion and beauty shoppers through partnerships with trendy online boutiques. Their pastel color scheme and social media strategy resonate with younger consumers who view BNPL as a lifestyle choice rather than just a payment method. Similar to the Best Apps Like Brigit to Find the Right Money Management Alternative, Sezzle emphasizes financial wellness alongside spending flexibility.
Best For: Budget-conscious millennials and Gen Z shoppers
Zip (Quadpay)
App Store Rating: 4.6/5
Play Store Rating: 4.2/5
Zip operates differently from most apps similar to Afterpay by offering both Pay in 4 and a line of credit up to $1,000. Their Tap to Pay feature generates single-use card numbers for in-store purchases, extending BNPL beyond e-commerce. Australian-based Zip merged with Quadpay to dominate the US market.
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible credit line for recurring use | A monthly account fee of $7.95 applies to some credit products |
| In-store payment capability through virtual cards | Smaller purchase limits than competitors |
| Automatic payment reminders reduce missed deadlines | Transaction fees for certain payment methods |
Zip’s dual-product strategy caters to both impulse shoppers and regular buyers. Their app focuses on quick service: approvals take seconds, and virtual cards are generated instantly. For users making multiple small purchases, Zip’s credit line is more convenient than managing separate payment plans.
Best For: Everyday purchases under $1,000
PayPal Pay in 4
App Store Rating: 4.8/5 (PayPal app)
Play Store Rating: 4.5/5 (PayPal app)
PayPal’s entry into BNPL leveraged its massive existing user base and merchant network. Pay in 4 integrates seamlessly into the standard PayPal checkout experience, requiring no separate app or signup for existing users. Purchases from $30 to $1,500 qualify for four interest-free payments.
| Pros | Cons |
| No separate app required for PayPal users | Limited to a four-payment structure with no extended terms |
| Automatic payment integration with linked bank accounts | Soft credit check required for each purchase |
| Available at millions of merchants accepting PayPal | Less specialized features compared to dedicated BNPL apps |
PayPal’s market dominance provides an unfair advantage in BNPL. Merchants with PayPal buttons easily adopt BNPL, while consumers prefer the seamless experience of using an existing account over downloading new apps. This convenience-first approach mirrors strategies seen in Best Cash Advance Apps for Instant Cash.
Best For: Existing PayPal users seeking integrated BNPL
Splitit
App Store Rating: 4.2/5
Play Store Rating: 3.9/5
Splitit takes a unique approach by splitting existing credit card purchases into installments. Rather than extending new credit, they place a hold on your card for the full amount and charge installments monthly. This means no credit checks, no new accounts, and existing credit card rewards still apply.
| Pros | Cons |
| No credit checks or new debt accounts | Requires available credit limit for the full purchase amount |
| Maintain credit card rewards and benefits | Limited merchant adoption compared to mainstream alternatives |
| Available for purchases up to your existing credit limit | A credit hold may impact available spending capacity |
Splitit provides a flexible payment solution for consumers with established credit, especially for high-ticket purchases where credit card rewards are valuable. However, the credit hold requirement may be a limitation for those close to their card limits.
Best For: Credit card holders wanting installment plans without new debt
Perpay
App Store Rating: 4.7/5
Play Store Rating: 4.4/5
Perpay combines BNPL with credit building through employer partnerships. Employees link their paychecks, shop from Perpay’s marketplace (electronics, home goods, apparel), and make automatic payroll deductions. The company reports positive payment history to credit bureaus, helping users establish or repair credit.
| Pros | Cons |
| Builds credit history through on-time payments | Requires employer participation in the Perpay program |
| Payroll integration reduces default risk | Limited to the Perpay marketplace rather than an open merchant network |
| Marketplace prices are competitive with major retailers | Longer payment terms (typically 12-18 months) than standard BNPL |
Perpay targets underbanked Americans with steady jobs who lack traditional credit access. Their closed-loop marketplace manages inventory and pricing while ensuring reliable payments. For those looking to build credit without predatory lending, Perpay serves a valuable niche. This approach aligns with financial wellness themes explored in Best Apps Like MoneyLion for Everyday Finance.
Best For: Building credit while shopping through employer integration
ViaBill
App Store Rating: 4.3/5
Play Store Rating: 4.0/5
Danish fintech ViaBill focuses on European markets with strong merchant relationships in fashion, beauty, and home decor. Their payment structure varies by region: some markets offer 30-day terms, others provide standard four-installment plans. ViaBill emphasizes partnerships with mid-sized retailers overlooked by larger BNPL providers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong European merchant network | Limited North American availability |
| Flexible payment terms based on purchase size | Higher late fees in some markets |
| Multi-currency support across EU markets | Smaller merchant base than global competitors |
ViaBill’s regional focus allows deeper integration with local retailers and payment preferences. Their app supports multiple languages and currencies, addressing European market fragmentation.
Best For: European shoppers, especially in Scandinavia
Openpay
App Store Rating: 4.5/5
Play Store Rating: 4.1/5
Australian company Openpay specializes in higher-value purchases where standard BNPL terms prove inadequate. Their plans extend from 2 to 24 months with transparent fee structures. Openpay particularly targets healthcare providers (dental, optical, veterinary) and automotive service centers, markets underserved by mainstream BNPL.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extended payment plans for major expenses | Service fees apply to longer-term plans |
| Industry-specific merchant partnerships | Geographic limitations outside Australia and the UK |
| Clear pricing with no hidden fees | Smaller consumer brand recognition |
Healthcare expenses represent a massive BNPL opportunity. Medical procedures, dental work, and eyewear often cost thousands yet remain unplanned. Openpay’s positioning in this vertical creates a defensible market share against general-purpose Afterpay similar apps.
Best For: Healthcare, automotive, and home improvement purchases
Humm
App Store Rating: 4.4/5
Play Store Rating: 4.0/5
Humm (formerly Certegy Ezi-Pay and Oxipay) dominates Australian BNPL for mid-to-large purchases. They offer Little things (purchases up to $2,000) and Big things (up to $30,000) product lines, each with appropriate payment terms. Humm’s merchant network includes major Australian retailers in electronics, furniture, and home improvement.
| Pros | Cons |
| Higher purchase limits than most competitors | Limited international presence |
| Established merchant relationships across Australia and New Zealand | Interest charges apply to longer-term Big Things plans |
| Long history and brand recognition in Oceania markets | Application process slower than instant-approval alternatives |
Humm’s established presence in Australia lends credibility with consumers and merchants. Their Big Things product offers transparent terms and competes with traditional retail financing. For those furnishing homes or upgrading electronics, Humm’s extended limits and local service surpass the appeal of global platforms.
Best For: Australian consumers making substantial retail purchases
Laybuy
App Store Rating: 4.6/5
Play Store Rating: 4.3/5
New Zealand-born Laybuy expanded to the UK and Australia with fashion-forward branding. Their app emphasizes style discovery alongside payment flexibility, featuring trending products and exclusive merchant deals. Laybuy’s six-week payment structure (six weekly payments) differs from the standard bi-weekly model, appealing to users who prefer shorter, more frequent installments.
| Pros | Cons |
| Weekly payment structure spreads costs over a shorter period | Geographic limitations outside key markets |
| Strong fashion retailer partnerships | Late fees are charged after a one-day grace period |
| Spending limit increases with a successful payment history | Lower spending limits for new users |
Laybuy’s purple branding and influencer partnerships position them as the stylish choice among apps like Afterpay. Its weekly payment schedule is ideal for users paid weekly, and its merchant mix aligns well with fashion-focused shoppers in the UK and Australia.
Best For: UK fashion enthusiasts and trend-conscious shoppers
Clearpay
App Store Rating: 4.7/5
Play Store Rating: 4.4/5
Clearpay operates as Afterpay’s UK identity following regulatory and branding considerations. The functionality remains identical: four interest-free payments, instant approval, and seamless merchant integration. Clearpay’s rapid UK adoption demonstrates localized branding’s importance in financial services.
| Pros | Cons |
| Identical technology and reliability to Afterpay | Geographic restriction to the UK market |
| Extensive UK merchant network, including major retailers | Late fees accumulate for missed payments |
| Smooth app experience with spending management tools | Account suspension policies similar to Afterpay |
Clearpay’s success in the UK shows how global BNPL platforms adapt to local markets. British consumers favor Clearpay over Afterpay, as it represents a proven platform tailored to their preferences and regulations.
Best For: UK shoppers (Afterpay’s UK brand)
Tabby
App Store Rating: 4.5/5
Play Store Rating: 4.2/5
Dubai-based Tabby brings BNPL to Middle Eastern markets with culturally appropriate features and Arabic language support. They partner with regional e-commerce giants and international brands entering Gulf markets. Tabby offers both standard installment plans and full payment with cashback rewards.
| Pros | Cons |
| First-mover advantage in the underserved Middle East market | Limited to Gulf Cooperation Council countries |
| Bilingual support (Arabic and English) | Smaller merchant network than global platforms |
| Shariah-compliant products for observant Muslim consumers | Payment method options vary by country |
Tabby’s focus on the Middle East addresses consumers’ needs with Shariah-compliant options that offer modern payment flexibility. Its integration helps merchants in Gulf markets by demonstrating cultural awareness and aligning with mobile app development strategies for emerging markets.
Best For: Middle East shoppers, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
Tamara
App Store Rating: 4.6/5
Play Store Rating: 4.⅗
Riyadh-based Tamara competes directly with Tabby for Middle Eastern market dominance. Backed by Saudi venture capital, Tamara emphasizes local market knowledge and Arabic-first design. They offer three payment structures: Pay Now (with rewards), Pay in 30 days, and Pay in 3 installments.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong Saudi merchant relationships | Geographic concentration in Saudi Arabia |
| Multiple payment options, includinga delayed single payment | Newer platform with a limited track record |
| Cashback rewards for immediate payment | Competition with Tabby creates merchant fragmentation |
Best For: Saudi Arabian consumers and GCC region shoppers
Zilch
App Store Rating: 4.4/5
Play Store Rating: 4.1/5
London-based Zilch pioneered “tap and pay anywhere” functionality through virtual cards usable at any retailer. Unlike traditional Afterpay alternatives requiring merchant integration, Zilch generates single-use Mastercard numbers for immediate purchases anywhere. Users split payments into four installments after checkout.
| Pros | Cons |
| Use at any merchant accepting Mastercard | The UK market focus limits international use |
| No merchant fees increase retailer appeal | Virtual card generation adds checkout steps |
| Rewards program for successful payments | Payment tracking requires manual transaction categorization |
Best For: UK digital-native shoppers seeking maximum control
Market Fit Analysis (Who Actually Uses BNPL?)
Understanding BNPL demographics reveals opportunities for specialized apps like Afterpay targeting underserved segments.
Millennials and Gen Z (70% of Users)
Born between 1981 and 2012, these generations drive BNPL adoption. They value experiences over possessions, prefer subscriptions to ownership, and view traditional credit with suspicion. For them, BNPL represents financial flexibility without credit score damage or interest charges.
This demographic’s smartphone dependence makes mobile-first BNPL natural. They discover brands on Instagram, research on TikTok, and purchase through apps. BNPL platforms integrating social commerce and influencer partnerships capture this audience effectively. The overlap with Best Apps Like Earnin for Early Pay Access shows how financial flexibility tools appeal to younger users across categories.
High-Income Households (Surprising Adoption)
Data reveals 40% of BNPL users earn over $80,000 annually. These consumers aren’t credit-constrained; they choose BNPL for convenience and cash flow management. Spreading a $500 purchase across four payments preserves liquidity for investments or unexpected expenses.
This segment particularly embraces BNPL for discretionary purchases: travel, electronics, and home furnishings. They appreciate the budgeting convenience without caring about credit access. BNPL platforms targeting premium merchants and higher-value transactions tap this lucrative market.
Students and Early-Career Professionals
Young adults establishing financial independence represent BNPL’s core growth market. They lack extensive credit histories but maintain income through jobs or family support. Traditional lenders reject them; BNPL platforms welcome them.
This segment uses BNPL for necessities and luxuries alike: textbooks, electronics, furniture for first apartments, and concert tickets. As they build financial stability, many continue BNPL usage for convenience rather than necessity. Capturing users early creates lifetime customer relationships.
Development Costs & Technology Stack for BNPL Apps
Creating a competitive Afterpay alternative requires significant technical and financial investment. Understanding these requirements helps entrepreneurs assess feasibility.
Core Technology Requirements
- Backend Infrastructure: Robust cloud architecture (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) handles transaction processing, user data, and merchant integrations. BNPL platforms process thousands of concurrent transactions during peak shopping periods, demanding horizontal scalability and load balancing.
- Payment Processing: PCI DSS compliance is non-negotiable. Most BNPL platforms partner with payment processors (Stripe, Adyen, Checkout.com) rather than building proprietary payment infrastructure. This reduces compliance burden while accessing global payment networks.
- Risk Assessment Engine: Machine learning models evaluate application risk in real-time. These systems analyze hundreds of data points: transaction history, device fingerprints, behavioral patterns, and bank account data. Continuous model training adapts to fraud patterns and default indicators.
Development Timeline & Costs
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Building a functional BNPL platform requires 6-9 months with a skilled team. This includes user authentication, merchant dashboard, payment processing, risk assessment, and basic integrations. Expect $150,000-$300,000 for MVP development.
- Market-Ready Platform: Competing with established apps like Afterpay demands 12-18 months and $500,000-$1,000,000+. This includes comprehensive merchant integrations, advanced fraud detection, customer service tools, marketing features, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Plan for 20-30% of initial development costs annually. This covers bug fixes, security updates, feature additions, and infrastructure scaling. As user bases grow, infrastructure costs increase substantially.
Building the Next BNPL Platform with Liquid Technologies
Creating a successful Afterpay alternative requires more than copying existing features. It demands strategic thinking about market positioning, technical architecture, and long-term differentiation.
How Liquid Technologies Approaches BNPL Development
We don’t build generic BNPL clones. Our process starts with market gap analysis: which consumer segments remain underserved? Which merchant verticals lack tailored solutions? What regulatory changes create new opportunities? These questions shape product strategy before writing a single line of code.
Our mobile app development methodology prioritizes three elements: user experience simplicity, merchant integration frictionlessness, and scalable technical architecture. We’ve studied why certain BNPL platforms succeed while others burn through capital without achieving product-market fit. That knowledge informs every technical decision.
The Decision-Making Framework
When clients face build-versus-buy decisions, we provide frameworks based on core competencies and strategic goals. Should you build proprietary fraud detection or integrate third-party solutions? The answer depends on whether fraud prevention represents competitive differentiation or commodity functionality.
We help clients understand which components justify custom development and which benefit from vendor partnerships. This pragmatic approach prevents over-engineering while ensuring competitive differentiation where it matters most. Similar decision frameworks appear across successful projects in Best Apps Like Possible for Modern Alternatives to Payday Loans.
Conclusion
The buy now, pay later revolution transformed retail payments from novelty to necessity. Apps like Afterpay demonstrated that millions of consumers prefer transparent, flexible payment options over traditional credit products. The market exploded from an experimental fintech experiment to a $120+ billion industry because these platforms solved real problems for both consumers and merchants.Ready to build the next generation BNPL platform? Liquid Technologies brings strategic thinking and technical expertise to fintech development. Let’s discuss how your BNPL vision could reshape digital payments.Contact our team to start your fintech journey with partners who understand both technology and market dynamics.
