Top 10 Best Apps Like Zilch

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps like Zilch have transformed how people shop, offering flexibility and convenience by breaking down purchases into smaller, manageable payments. Instead of relying on traditional credit cards with high interest rates, BNPL platforms provide short-term financing, often interest-free if paid on time.

Whether you are shopping online, in-store, or through virtual cards, these apps give you more control over your budget. With so many options available today, it’s essential to know the best alternatives to Zilch.

In this blog post, I will guide you through the top 10 apps like Zilch, their features, pros, and cons.

Zilch is a UK-based Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) app that lets users shop and spread payments into four interest-free installments over six weeks.

Unlike traditional BNPL services tied to specific retailers, Zilch works almost anywhere through its Mastercard integration and gives customers flexibility across online and in-store purchases. It also offers rewards in the form of cashback or Zilch points, which can be redeemed later. The app conducts soft credit checks to ensure responsible lending while protecting users’ credit scores.

Designed for convenience, Zilch combines flexible payments with budgeting tools, helping shoppers manage spending more effectively.

Below, I will take you through the top 10 apps like Zilch, explaining how each one works, what makes it stand out, and the pros and cons of using it.

1. Klarna

Klarna is a globally-used BNPL service that gives shoppers flexibility at checkout. Users can either pay after 30 days, split purchases into four interest-free installments (Pay-in-4), or choose longer financing terms for big purchases. Klarna also offers a marketplace/feature in its app to see deals, price alerts, and virtual cards in some regions.

The service is polished, with many retailers integrated, both online and in-store. It aims to improve affordability without hidden fees if you keep up with payments.

Pros

• Multiple payment options (Pay in 4, 30 days, longer plans) for different needs.
• No interest for many short-term plans if paid on time.
• Broad merchant acceptance globally.
• Clean, user-friendly app with features like price alerts, virtual cards.
• Soft credit checks for many use-cases, causing less credit score impact.

Cons

• Missing payments can lead to late fees, and long-term financing often comes with interest.

2. Afterpay

Afterpay lets you buy goods now and pay in four equal payments over six weeks (bi-weekly installments). It is widely accepted in many online and brick-and-mortar stores. The signup is simple, typically with a soft credit check or minimal credit requirement. As long as you meet payment due dates, there is no interest.

It works well for small to moderate purchases and helps with budgeting. However, late fees apply if you miss payments, and the app doesn’t always build favorable credit history.

Pros

• Interest-free instalments if you pay on time.
• Fast, simple approval process with low barrier to entry.
• Much wider merchant support across many categories.
• May be used in both online and physical stores.
• Transparent structure: payments known in advance.

Cons

• Late fees can accumulate and sometimes are high, making missed payments costly.

3. Affirm

Affirm is a BNPL lender in the U.S. (and some other markets) that offer flexible repayment terms, from short “Pay in 4” plans (bi-weekly) to longer monthly instalments spanning several months (or even years in certain cases). Some plans are interest-free, others include interest, but all are transparent.

You see what you owe up front. Affirm also reports some payment behavior to credit bureaus, which means on-time payments may help build credit. It is good for bigger purchases where you need more time.

Pros

• Offers both short interest-free plans and longer financing for larger purchases.
• Transparent terms: know the total cost before committing.
• No hidden fees on many short-term plans.
• Reported behavior can help credit profile in some cases.
• Large range of merchants accept it.

Cons

• Interest rates on longer-term instalment options can be high; you must check your APR carefully.

4. Splitit

Splitit takes a different BNPL approach: it lets you use your existing credit card to split a purchase into instalments, so you don’t need a new loan. Because the full amount is “held” on your credit card (as available credit), there are no interest fees from Splitit itself if you pay the instalments.

It is useful if you already have a good credit card and want to spread payments without going through separate credit checks or new lender accounts. However, you need sufficient credit limit and not all merchants accept it.

Pros

• No credit check or new lender-account needed.
• You keep earning benefits / rewards of your credit card (if applicable).
• No extra interest or fees from Splitit itself (if terms are met).
• Global merchant adoption is growing.
• Simpler for people who prefer using credit card infrastructure.

Cons

• Must have sufficient available credit, which limits who can use it.

5. Laybuy

Laybuy is a BNPL option operating in places like the UK, Australia, New Zealand. It allows you to split purchases into six weekly interest-free instalments. The first payment is usually due at the time of purchase, and subsequent ones over the following weeks. It helps shoppers on tight budgets by spreading cost; no interest if everything goes smoothly.

But wanting shorter commitment means more frequent payments, which some may find restrictive. Missed payments can affect credit.

Pros

• Interest-free when payments are made on time.
• Weekly payments keep individual instalments smaller.
• Good for budgeting with regular incomes.
• Well established in regions like UK, NZ, AU.
• Simple app with automatic payments.

Cons

• First payment due immediately; some users dislike high upfront cost.

6. Sezzle

Sezzle is a U.S.-based BNPL service that splits purchases into four equal, interest-free payments over six weeks. The company performs a soft credit check, which doesn’t impact your score. One standout feature is that Sezzle offers the option to reschedule payments once for free.

These aspects make it flexible for users managing tight budgets. It’s popular among online retailers and integrates well with e-commerce stores. However, if you miss payments after rescheduling, fees can add up quickly.

Pros

• Interest-free payments when paid on time.
• Free rescheduling option for one payment.
• No hard credit checks, so minimal credit impact.
• Widely integrated with online merchants.
• Easy-to-use app for tracking purchases.

Cons

• Additional rescheduling or late payments incur fees.

7. Perpay

Perpay is a BNPL platform that focuses on people with less access to traditional credit. It allows users to shop from its marketplace and split payments automatically through payroll deductions, making repayments more structured. It also reports payments to credit bureaus, which can help improve credit scores over time.

This aspect is especially appealing for those with poor or no credit history. However, shopping is limited to the Perpay marketplace, meaning you can’t use it at just any store.

Pros

• Payments deducted from payroll ensure timely repayment.
• Helps build or improve credit history.
• No hard credit check required to join.
• Interest-free payments available.
• Designed for users with limited financial options.

Cons

• Can only shop from the Perpay marketplace.

8. Zip (formerly Quadpay)

Zip is a BNPL app that allows you to split purchases into four equal payments, spread over six weeks. It works online and in-store by generating a virtual card, meaning it can be used more broadly than some competitors. Approval is typically quick and does not require strong credit.

Users appreciate its flexibility across multiple merchants, but fees may apply for late or rescheduled payments. It’s best suited for people who want versatility in where they can use their BNPL option.

Pros

• Virtual card makes it usable almost anywhere.
• Interest-free when paid on time.
• Quick approval process.
• Works for online and in-store shopping.
• Flexible repayment options.

Cons

• Late payment fees can stack up quickly.

9. PayPal Pay in 4

PayPal’s BNPL option, “Pay in 4,” splits purchases into four equal, interest-free payments over six weeks. It integrates directly into the existing PayPal platform, so you don’t need a separate app. With PayPal’s massive merchant network, it’s one of the most widely accepted BNPL options globally.

Payments are automated, and users can manage everything from the PayPal dashboard. The main downside is that not all purchases qualify for Pay in 4, depending on merchant agreements and eligibility.

Pros

• Accepted worldwide at millions of merchants.
• No interest if paid on time.
• Easy integration with existing PayPal accounts.
• Automated payments for convenience.
• Trusted brand with strong buyer protection.

Cons

• Not all transactions qualify for Pay in 4.

10. Tabby

Tabby is a BNPL service popular in the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.). It allows customers to split purchases into four interest-free payments or defer payments for 14 days. It’s widely accepted by regional retailers and growing rapidly.

The app includes features like cashback offers and shopping deals, which makes it appealing beyond just payment flexibility. However, it is geographically limited compared to giants like Klarna or Afterpay, which may restrict usage if you’re outside its supported countries.

Pros

• Interest-free instalments and pay-later options.
• Popular in Middle Eastern markets.
• Includes cashback and deals in-app.
• Easy, user-friendly interface.
• Trusted by many local retailers.

Cons

• Limited availability outside supported regions.

These are the details about the top 10 best apps like Zilch.

Zilch is undoubtedly a great BNPL app, but it’s not the only option for shoppers looking for smarter, interest-free payment solutions. Alternatives like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, and others provide similar benefits with unique features suited to different needs.

Whether you want global acceptance, credit-building opportunities, or region-specific apps like Tabby, there is a BNPL platform for you. However, it is important to remember that while these services make shopping easier, responsible usage is key.

Always track your installments, avoid unnecessary spending, and pay on time. When you choose wisely, you can enjoy flexibility without falling into financial pitfalls.