What if paying for a laptop could also raise your credit score? That is Perpay's pitch, and it is why shoppers hunt for apps like Perpay that mix buy now, pay later with credit building. Some alternatives focus on flexible checkout, others on the credit side, and a few try to do both.
We start with what Perpay offers, then compare eight alternatives. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs and fees vary.
What Apps Like Perpay Must Match
Perpay gives new members a marketplace spending limit of up to $1,000 as of July 2026. You shop its catalog of electronics, home goods, and more, then repay through small deductions from your paycheck via direct deposit, with no interest on marketplace purchases.
The credit angle is the real hook. Perpay reports to all three major bureaus, and enrolled members with starting scores at or below 550 see an average increase of about 32 points in their first three months of on-time payments. Consistent repayment can also unlock spending limits up to $3,500.
That combination of shopping, paycheck-based repayment, and three-bureau reporting is the benchmark every alternative below is measured against.
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
Our Top Picks
- Perpay: Cost: no interest on marketplace purchases, membership features built in. Shop up to $1,000 and build credit with all three bureaus. Best for: shopping and credit building in one app.
- Sezzle: Cost: 0% interest pay-in-4 option, late or rescheduling fees may apply. Works at thousands of online stores. Best for: splitting purchases anywhere you shop.
- Kikoff: Cost: plans start around $5 per month. Pure credit building at 0% interest with bureau reporting. Best for: raising your score without buying anything.
8 Apps Like Perpay to Shop Now and Pay Later
1. Sezzle: Pay in 4 at Stores You Already Use
Perpay limits you to its own marketplace. Sezzle flips that by letting you split purchases into four payments over six weeks at thousands of retailers, with a 0% interest option.
A soft check gets you started, so applying should not hurt your score. Sezzle also offers an opt-in feature that can report your payments to credit bureaus. If catalog shopping feels restrictive, Sezzle brings the pay-later model to the open web.
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
2. Kikoff: Credit Building Without the Shopping
Maybe you do not need a new TV, just a better score. Kikoff builds payment history at 0% interest with plans that start around $5 per month, and it reports to major bureaus.
There is no temptation to overspend because there is no marketplace of gadgets. For people who like Perpay's credit results but not the shopping, Kikoff isolates the part that matters.
Kikoff Credit Account
Kikoff Credit Account
Everything you need to build your credit, right in one app. Build credit, lower debt, and unlock progress with tools that actually work.
Standout feature
An avg increase of +86 points within a year with on-time payments
Fees
$5/month for Basic plan, $20/mo for Premium plan $35/mo for Ultimate plan
Pros
Helps both payment history and credit utilization, the two factors that move scores most
Cons
Monthly fee continues for as long as you keep the account open
3. Afterpay
Afterpay, now part of Cash App, splits purchases into four interest-free payments over six weeks. It typically does not report on-time payments to credit bureaus, so it will not build your score. Late fees may apply if you miss a payment.
4. Klarna
Klarna offers pay-in-4, pay-in-30-days, and longer monthly financing at major retailers. Short plans are interest free, while longer financing may carry interest. Understanding what APR means on credit products helps you compare Klarna's longer plans against a credit card.
5. Affirm
Affirm funds bigger purchases with payment plans from six weeks to several years. Rates run from 0% to 36% APR depending on the offer, with no late fees. Some longer Affirm loans may be reported to bureaus, which can help or hurt depending on your payment habits.
6. Zip
Zip splits purchases into four installments and works almost anywhere that accepts its virtual card. Convenience costs money, though, since Zip typically charges a small fee per installment. It suits shoppers who want BNPL at stores that do not offer it natively.
7. PayPal Pay in 4
PayPal's Pay in 4 divides purchases into four interest-free payments at millions of merchants that accept PayPal. Approval uses a soft check, and there is no subscription. It is a low-friction option if you already use PayPal, though it does not focus on credit building.
8. Gerald
Gerald combines buy now, pay later for household essentials with fee-free cash advances. There is no interest, no late fees, and no tips. If you sometimes need cash instead of products, it pairs well with the best cash advance apps approach of borrowing small and free.
The Verdict: Perpay Still Leads for Credit Building While You Shop
Most pay-in-4 apps skip credit reporting, and most credit builders skip shopping. If you have a low score and real purchases to make, combining both in one place is hard to beat. Pairing it with a secured credit card that reports to all 3 bureaus can strengthen your file even faster.
For the full fee breakdown and qualification details, read our Perpay credit card review. For paycheck-based shoppers focused on their score, Perpay remains the one to beat.
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
What Users Commonly Report
Many users report meaningful score gains after several months of on-time Perpay payments, especially those starting with scores below 600. Others mention that marketplace prices can run higher than retail, so it pays to compare before buying.
Across BNPL apps, people commonly say juggling several pay-in-4 plans at once gets confusing fast. Missed payments and late fees are the most frequent complaints in the category.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Perpay work?
You get a marketplace spending limit of up to $1,000 when you join, shop Perpay's catalog, and repay through automatic deductions from your paycheck. Marketplace purchases carry no interest. On-time payments are reported to all three major credit bureaus, which may help your score.
Do buy now, pay later apps build credit?
Most pay-in-4 services do not report on-time payments to credit bureaus, so they typically will not raise your score. Perpay and some longer financing plans do report. If credit building is your goal, confirm bureau reporting before you commit.
What credit score do you need for apps like Perpay?
Many BNPL apps use soft checks and approve users with poor or fair credit, and some, like Perpay, look at your income instead of your score. Approval odds and limits vary by app. Even a 600 credit score or lower can qualify with several of these services.
Is buy now, pay later cheaper than a credit card?
Pay-in-4 plans are usually interest free, which can beat carrying a card balance. Longer BNPL financing may charge up to 36% APR, similar to subprime cards. Late fees and stacked plans can erase the savings, so borrow only what your budget covers.
