Nearly half of U.S. adults have tried a buy now, pay later plan, and Affirm is one of the names they reach for most. But Affirm is not the only option, and it may not be the cheapest or the best fit for your goals.
This guide covers the top apps like Affirm in 2026, how each one works, and which ones can actually help you build credit while you pay. Terms and conditions apply to every service below, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
How Affirm Works
Affirm lets you split a purchase into smaller payments over time. Its Pay in 4 plan breaks a purchase into four interest-free installments due every two weeks, while longer monthly financing can run up to 60 months.
As of July 2026, Affirm charges no late fees, no prepayment fees, and no annual fees. Its longer loans can carry interest as high as 36% APR, and the 0% APR offers depend on the merchant and your approval.
Affirm shows your rate before you buy, which many shoppers like. Still, longer plans with interest can cost more than you expect, so it helps to compare alternatives.
Why People Look for Apps Like Affirm
Not every store accepts Affirm, and approval is never guaranteed. Some shoppers also want features Affirm does not focus on, like building credit or shopping from a paycheck.
Others simply want a lower spending limit to stay disciplined, or a service that reports on-time payments to the credit bureaus. The apps below fill those gaps in different ways.
Perpay: Shop and Build Credit From Your Paycheck
Perpay works differently from most pay-later apps. You shop its marketplace, then repay through small automatic deductions from your paycheck, which lowers the risk of a missed payment.
The real draw is credit building. When you enroll in Perpay+, your account activity is reported to all three major credit bureaus, and Perpay says members who enroll see an average score increase of about 32 points in their first three months. There is no interest on marketplace orders, though a Perpay+ membership fee applies.
Perpay fits shoppers who want structure and a credit boost at the same time. If your goal is to pay over time and build a track record, it is worth a close look.
Perpay
Perpay
Access up to $1,000 to shop and pay over time from your paycheck while building credit. Increase your credit score by 32 points on average!
Standout feature
Buy Now, Pay Later with Credit Building
Fees
Free ($5/mo for Perpay+ to build credit)
Pros
Up to $1000 spending limit and reporting to Experian, Equifax and Transunion
Cons
Cost $5/mo for credit building
Afterpay: Simple Interest-Free Pay in 4
Afterpay keeps things simple with one core product: Pay in 4. You pay 25% at checkout, then three more payments every two weeks, with no interest when you pay on time.
Afterpay also offers monthly plans on larger purchases. Late fees can apply, and its Pulse Rewards program gives frequent users perks like early access to sales.
Klarna: Flexible Plans and a Shopping App
Klarna offers several ways to pay: Pay in 4, pay in 30 days, and longer monthly financing. The short-term options are interest-free when you pay on time, while longer plans can charge up to about 33.99% APR.
Klarna also runs a popular shopping app with deals and price tracking. It is a strong all-rounder, but the longer financing can get pricey, so read the terms first.
Sezzle: Interest-Free Pay in 4 With Credit Perks
Sezzle splits your purchase into four interest-free payments over six weeks, with Pay in 2 and longer monthly options also available. Most shoppers start with a modest spending limit that grows with on-time use.
What sets Sezzle apart is its optional credit-building tools. Features like Sezzle Up can surface your on-time payments so they may help your credit profile, something standard Pay in 4 plans usually do not do. Service fees can range from $0 to about $7.49 depending on the plan, and late fees may apply.
Sezzle is a good match if you want interest-free installments plus a path to stronger credit. Terms and conditions apply.
Sezzle
Sezzle
Flexible payments made simple. Shop now, pay later with zero interest options, smart budgeting tools, and a seamless checkout experience.
Standout feature
0% interest on Pay-in-4 when paid on time
Fees
Free
Pros
Sezzle Up reports on-time payments to all major US bureaus
Cons
Late fee of up to $16.95 per missed installment
PayPal Pay in 4
PayPal Pay in 4 splits purchases into four interest-free payments over six weeks, and it works anywhere PayPal is accepted online. It is convenient if you already use PayPal, but it does not build credit.
Zip (Formerly Quadpay)
Zip lets you split almost any purchase into four payments, even at stores that do not offer BNPL at checkout. It typically charges a small per-installment fee, so factor that into the cost.
Apple Pay Later and Others
Apple has offered short-term pay-later features tied to Apple Pay, and options change over time. Always confirm current terms before you rely on any single service.
How to Choose the Right App
Start with your goal. If you mainly want to spread out a cost, an interest-free Pay in 4 option like Afterpay or PayPal may be enough.
If you want to build credit while you pay, lean toward services that report to the bureaus, like Perpay or Sezzle with its credit tools. Always check the fees, the APR on longer plans, and whether late payments are reported. Borrow only what you can repay on schedule.
Next Steps
Pick one app that matches your goal, read its terms, and start with a small purchase you can easily pay off. On-time payments are what protect your budget and, in some cases, help your credit.
For a deeper comparison, see our best buy now pay later apps guide and our full Affirm review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an app better than Affirm?
There is no single best app, because the right choice depends on your goal. Affirm is strong for larger financed purchases, while Perpay and Sezzle may be better if you want to build credit, and Afterpay or PayPal Pay in 4 work well for simple interest-free plans.
Do apps like Affirm build credit?
Some do and some do not. Perpay and Sezzle offer credit-building features that can report on-time payments, while basic Pay in 4 plans from PayPal or Zip typically do not affect your score.
Can I use buy now, pay later with bad credit?
Often yes, because many BNPL apps use a soft credit check that does not hurt your score. Approval and limits still vary by app, and missed payments can lead to fees or, on some services, negative credit reporting.
Are buy now, pay later apps safe to use?
They can be a lower-risk way to spread out payments when you borrow only what you can repay on time. The main risk is overspending across several apps at once, so track your plans and due dates carefully.
