Top 5 Best Buy Now Pay Later Apps of 2025

Let’s be honest, life gets expensive. And sometimes, whether it’s a new couch, a last-minute flight, or just a pair of shoes you really need right now, paying everything upfront just isn’t doable.

That’s where Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps come in. They’ve exploded in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. They let you break a purchase into smaller payments, often with no interest, and no hard credit check. Sounds like a win, right?

But not all BNPL apps are created equal. Some are better for big purchases, others are great for everyday shopping. I’ve researched a bunch of them, and in this post, I’m sharing the top 5 best Buy Now Pay Later apps of 2025, based on features, user experience, and how useful they actually are.

Let’s dive in.

1. Affirm

Best for: Big purchases and long-term payment plans

Affirm is one of the most straightforward BNPL apps out there. It gives you flexible payment options, sometimes up to 36 months, and you’ll always see exactly what you’re agreeing to before you check out. No late fees, no surprises.

Why I like it: It’s perfect for larger purchases where you need more time to pay things off. I also like that it doesn’t try to sneak in any weird fees.

Quick breakdown:

• Payment plans from 6 weeks to 36 months
• No late fees, ever
• Soft credit check only
• Used at stores like Target, Walmart, and Peloton

2. Afterpay

Best for: Smaller purchases and quick, interest-free payments

Afterpay keeps it super simple: you pay in 4 installments over 6 weeks, interest-free. There’s no credit check, and you’ll find it offered at tons of popular stores, especially in fashion and beauty.

Why I like it: It’s low-stress and easy to use. If you know you can stay on top of the payments, there’s really no downside.

Quick breakdown:

• 4 interest-free payments every 2 weeks
• No credit check
• Available at places like Ulta, Urban Outfitters, and Adidas
• Late fees apply if you miss a payment

3. Klarna

Best for: All-in-one shopping and flexible payment options

Klarna is kind of the multitool of BNPL apps. You can shop directly inside the app, get price drop alerts, and choose from several payment options, like paying in 4, paying in 30 days, or financing over time.

Why I like it: It’s not just a payment tool. It’s actually useful for finding deals and keeping your shopping organized, especially if you're someone who buys online a lot.

Quick breakdown:

• Pay in 4, pay later in 30 days, or finance up to 24 months
• Built-in shopping browser with deals and alerts
• Interest-free options available
• Accepted at thousands of stores

4. PayPal Pay Later

Best for: People who already use PayPal

If you already shop with PayPal, this one’s a no-brainer. Their “Pay in 4” option lets you break up purchases without opening a new account or downloading another app.

Why I like it: I use PayPal a lot anyway, so being able to split a purchase without leaving the checkout page is super convenient.

Quick breakdown:

• 4 biweekly, interest-free payments
• Integrated into PayPal (no extra apps needed)
• No impact on your credit score
• Available at millions of online retailers

5. Zip (formerly Quadpay)

Best for: Using BNPL pretty much anywhere

Zip stands out because it doesn’t limit you to specific stores. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted by creating a virtual card in the app. That means you can use it in-store or online, even if the store doesn’t “officially” offer BNPL.

Why I like it: That flexibility is huge. You’re not locked into a short list of retailers, which makes this one of the most versatile options.

Quick breakdown:

• 4 equal payments over 6 weeks
• Works online and in-store with a virtual card
• Small convenience fees may apply
• No interest if paid on time

So What Is a Buy Now Pay Later App, Really?

In case you’re still new to this: Buy Now Pay Later apps let you break a purchase into smaller payments, usually without interest or a hard credit check. Some people use them as an alternative to credit cards, others use them just to make budgeting easier.

They’re great when used responsibly, but like anything involving money, they’re not totally risk-free.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Before you start adding everything to your cart, here are a few quick reminders:

• Don’t miss payments. Some of these apps charge late fees, and it can impact your credit if you fall behind.
• Watch your spending. Just because you can split it into four payments doesn’t mean it’s automatically affordable.
• Double-check the terms. Not every plan is interest-free, especially for longer-term financing.

Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Buy Now Pay Later App?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best Buy Now Pay Later apps. What works best really depends on what you’re buying, how often you shop, and how you like to manage your money.

Personally, I think Affirm is the strongest for bigger purchases, Afterpay is great for quick, interest-free checkouts, and Klarna gives you the most well-rounded experience.

Whichever app you go with, just make sure you’re using it as a tool, not a trap. When used wisely, BNPL can be a smart way to get what you want while avoiding credit card debt.

FAQs About Buy Now Pay Later Apps

1. What is the best Buy Now Pay Later app to use?

It depends on what you’re buying. Affirm is great for larger purchases with longer repayment options. Afterpay and PayPal Pay Later are better for everyday items you can pay off quickly. If you want the flexibility to use BNPL almost anywhere, Zip is a solid pick.

2. Do Buy Now Pay Later apps affect your credit score?

Most BNPL apps do a soft credit check, which won’t impact your score. However, missing payments or using long-term financing (like with Affirm or Klarna) can affect your credit if the provider reports to credit bureaus. Always read the terms carefully.

3. Are Buy Now Pay Later apps better than credit cards?

BNPL apps can be better if you’re looking for short-term, interest-free payments without a credit card. That said, credit cards often come with rewards, fraud protection, and more flexibility. It really depends on how you manage your money and what your goals are.

4. Can I use Buy Now Pay Later apps in-store?

Yes, some apps, like Zip and Klarna, let you create a virtual card that can be used in-store at checkout. You just need to use their app to generate the payment info before you swipe or tap.

5. What happens if I miss a Buy Now Pay Later payment?

If you miss a payment, you might get hit with a late fee, depending on the app. Some, like Affirm, don’t charge late fees at all. Others, like Afterpay and Zip, do. Missing payments repeatedly can also affect your ability to use the service in the future.