10 Companies Like Affirm

People now shop differently because Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) evolved shopping habits to become more flexible in purchasing what they wish to buy. Through BNPL services customers can divide their shopping bills into sequential small payments that spread across different intervals. Affirm stands as one of the leading companies that operate within this industry category.

Affirm has gained the distinction of being a leading BNPL option because it provides clear installment programs that include no additional charges which enables consumers to plan for major or unexpected costs. Affirm delivers a solution that enables users to distribute payments flexibly for their purchases which include gadgets along with furniture and trips.

The popular payment platform Affirm provides limited benefits to many users who seek its services. The shoppers who use Affirm experience difficulties because it imposes high interest rates and requires shopping during restricted stores and maintaining specific credit scores.

Many individuals search through different companies which offer comparable offerings to Affirm but differ in their service conditions because of these factors. Various apps besides Affirm exist to serve customers seeking better interest rates alongside wider market availability and specialized loan options such as travel funding.

We will examine alternative options to Affirm along with their reasons to consider them throughout this article. We will examine 10 leading BNPL providers of 2025 which deliver distinct features including free-interest payments and adjustable due dates with built-in credit-building capabilities.

Finding an appropriate BNPL service among available options allows you to enhance how you handle your financial management while improving your shopping judgment. Let’s move on!

What is Affirm and How Does It Work?

The U.S. market leader in BNPL business operations, Affirm, emerged in 2012 after Max Levchin founded the company along with other co-founders of PayPal. The platform permits customers to pay their bills through periodic installments when purchasing items through the internet or storefronts.

Here’s how it works:

Affirm gives shoppers payment flexibility that covers timeframes spanning between weeks and reaching a maximum of 36 months.

The payment solution displays all costs clearly ahead of time since Fees and Late Penalties are completely visible to users. Your credit standing determines the interest rate between zero percent and thirty percent that Affirm will offer you.

The price tag for your credit report stays intact because Affirm uses soft credit assessments to verify applications without leaving any permanent marks on your credit score.

Key Features of Affirm:

Real-time credit approval.

Clear cost breakdowns with no surprises.

Partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and Shopify.

Limitations of Affirm:

Affirm is unavailable as a payment method in some retail establishments.

The interest rates Affirm provides to certain customers may be high.

Users need to demonstrate decent credit scores for them to receive approval from Affirm.

Why Look for Affirm Alternatives?

The benefits of Affirm help numerous consumers but it fails to suit every shopping requirement. A percentage of consumers need other methods for their financing needs because of the following reasons:

i. Issues with Affirm

Users particularly affected by high interest rates receive annual percentage rates that reach 30%. This makes borrowing through Affirm expensive for them.

Using Affirm becomes challenging because it operates through a restricted number of stores.

Getting approval requires having an acceptable credit score because the process depends on credit score checks.

ii. Benefits of Exploring Alternatives

Lower or zero interest rates.

Wider compatibility with retailers.

Specialized services like travel financing or credit-building tools.

If you are looking for BNPL solutions, this list of 10 companies like Affirm will help you:

1. Klarna

The company Klarna provides global consumers with flexible payment solutions for their purchases with its position as a leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service. The company originated from Sweden in 2005 and today operates as a fintech leader with millions of global users across many countries.

Klarna positions itself as a popular service because it lets buyers purchase products upfront then handle payments afterward which enables customers to obtain desired items before they pay.

The payment options offered by Klarna include solutions for diverse customer requirements. Firstly the “Pay in 4” program enables users to split payments into four equal amounts that customers pay across six weeks at no interest. Payment through this option provides customers with flexibility to divide inexpensive expenses into multiple smaller installments with no hidden costs.

Klarna enables users to use their “Pay in 30 Days” option which gives them one month interest-free to pay for their items after delivery. Time to assess their buying decisions becomes possible with this payment method which benefits shoppers who need additional time to make purchase decisions.

Also, Klarna enables users to obtain extended payment periods for larger purchases when they agree to pay interest rates reaching 24.99% during the term of 36 months. People gain the flexibility to handle substantial costs through Klarna’s financing solution despite the fact that it carries interest charges.

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2. Afterpay

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) merchants use Afterpay as their service solution which enables customers to convert single purchases into smaller payments that can be paid over time. The platform offers shopping flexibility by allowing split payments through an option which specifically serves customers who want to pay without making complete initial payments.

Afterpay customers typically use “Pay-in-4” because this plan enables them to divide their purchases into four equal payments. Shoppers initiate checkout payments at first and Afterpay will debit their linked credit or debit card automatically during two-week intervals for the remaining installments. The cost-free structure of this plan attracts customers who want to prevent typical payment charges.

Afterpay provides an intuitive mobile application that aids users in browsing from various participating retailers and handling their payments. The cultural and lifestyle products available through Afterpay warehouse include clothing together with home goods as well as beauty products which customers can purchase through internet or physical stores. Customers value the shopping benefits of the app through its exclusive discounts and deals features.

Additionally, Afterpay assesses late fees on late payments while Affirm avoids charging such fees to users.

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3. Sezzle

Shoppers can use Sezzle as a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platform which enables them to divide their purchases across six weeks of interest-free payments. This solution lets customers manage payments across six weeks while eliminating interest expenses from their transactions.

Sezzle comes with a functionality that allows users to build a connection between their debit or credit card from which they can split their purchases into four equal scheduled payments.

Sezzle enables a first payment installment when you check out and continue three scheduled automatic deductions every two weeks. Budget-conscious shoppers choose Sezzle because its straightforward payment process is well-liked by them.

Sezzle distinguishes itself among other BNPL services through its exclusive Sezzle Up feature which helps customers build credit. Users that select “Sezzle Up” permit the service to report their timely payments to credit reporting agencies.

By making regular and timely payments to BNPL services customers using Sezzle will upgrade their credit scores each month which most alternative BNPL solutions do not provide. Using Sezzle helps users improve their credit score as they create or restore their credit profile through the installment payment option.

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4. Zip (formerly Quadpay)

Shoppers who use Zip can easily divide their purchases into four equal installments which they need to pay out over six weeks through their payment system. The payment solution operates through Visa and Mastercard platforms thus offering broad compatibility for in-person and online shopping venues. International shoppers find Zip payment solution attractive because it provides worldwide coverage for their shopping needs beyond what Affirm offers.

Customers benefit from easy convenient procedures when using Zip. The first payment of an order through Zip goes directly from your account when you buy while the remaining three payments will be scheduled for automatic deduction every two weeks through your linked debit or credit card. The three-part payment scheduling system allows users to handle costs evenly throughout time instead of one major payment.

The service implements features that make Zip payment procedures more user-friendly. Customers get free payment rescheduling privileges once per month through Zip which provides flexibility during financial unexpectedly. Customers who must adjust their payment dates twice within one month can do so by paying a $2 service fee which stands lower than typical BNPL fee penalties.

Your account becomes suspended when you make a full payment omission while Zip provides late payment fees that do not exceed $7. The system created by Zip temporarily disables your account access so customers can focus on payment recovery before their use of the platform resumes.

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5. Splitit

Splitit provides customers with a unique Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service which presents different payment solutions through installment choices. Through Splitit you can pay your purchases with any available Visa or Mastercard credit card while breaking payments into smaller monthly installments. The whole payment strategy delivers free interest to shoppers as long as they maintain timely payments which makes it appealing to flexible consumers.

The purchase process at participating merchants includes using Splitit as your payment selection at checkout. The payment process begins with selecting Splitit as your payment option before setting the installment number that ranges between three months and 24 months according to retailer guidelines.

Following checkout the first payment installment charges your credit card and all other funds remain on your credit card as authorized amounts until you make your payments.

Your hold payment becomes smaller throughout each month until you fulfill the total purchase cost. Through this process you avoid obtaining new credit and benefits from additional fees.

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6. PayPal Pay Later

Through its Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service PayPal enables shoppers to use installment plans that simplify their payment procedure. Users with PayPal accounts gain seamless access to this feature through PayPal’s platform so they need not create another account to benefit from this service.

The Pay in 4 program by PayPal serves as its most commonly used Buy Now, Pay Later service. The Pay in 4 program enables buyers to make four equal installments totaling six-weeks starting with an initial payment at checkout. The system draws the remaining three payment slips automatically from weekly periods which provides users with stress-free use.

Users benefit from PayPal’s BNPL service through its interest-free policy which avoids additional costs when they pay their bills by schedule. The interest-free nature of PayPal BNPL services makes it economical to handle small payments starting at $30 and extending up to $1,500.

PayPal gives customers access to “Pay Monthly” as a financing solution to spread payments spanning six to 24 months across purchases from $199 to $10,000. Through the Pay Monthly option customers can enjoy interest rates from 0% to 29.99% based on their payment needs for larger transactions.

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7. Bread Financial

The company Bread Financial brings technological innovation to create payment solutions which adapt to individual shopping requirements. The company distinguishes itself by letting customers choose from different payment options for stress-free shopping.

The payment services provided by Bread Financial streamline online shopping for all types of purchases from routine needs to major items such as household furniture and electronic devices and domestic appliances.

The central aspect of Bread Financial’s operations rests in its clear lending practices. The lending services from Bread Financial maintain full visibility of payment plans because they present such information clearly before customers commit to plans.

Shoppers can make informed financial decisions with ease because Bread Financial operates with open pricing which decreases their chances of encountering unexpected expenses. Users can select between short and long-term loan programs through Bread Financial since the company provides repayment solutions that match individual financial plans.

Bread Financial operates effortlessly with business merchants to deliver point-of-sale financing solutions to their customers. Customers can conveniently obtain pay-over-time solutions anywhere they shop either online or in person through such integrations.

Bread Pay is one of their leading products that enables customers to distribute payments across several smaller amounts which facilitates cost-effective purchases without needing immediate complete payment.

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8. Uplift

Through its travel-specific financing approach, Uplift serves as a perfect solution for people interested in purchasing travel services without requiring initial full payments. Through Uplift, travelers have the option to pay their travel costs through defined monthly payments. People who use this system can take pleasure in their travels while delaying their expenses until convenient dates.

The Uplift app implements an easy-to-understand approach for its operation. The company establishes partnerships with airlines and cruise lines and travel agencies which enables its payment system to become directly accessible through their booking interfaces. Customers can choose Uplift as their payment method during the checkout process of their travel bookings.

Uplift evaluates your eligibility after obtaining basic information that includes your details together with your Social Security number when needed and provides you with suitable payment plans which match your specified budget. The flexibility with payment terms gives you up to 24 months to repay your travel expenses after checking the expense amount against your financial status.

The prominent characteristic of Uplift is its self-explanatory nature together with ease of use. The payment solution from Uplift functions uniquely from standard credit cards by implementing interest fees without compound charges and without additional late fees.

Your loan payment structure and all expenses become clear during the bank approval process since the company calculates simple interest which prevents interest accumulation. The service provides users with full control of their finances since Uplift does not ask for charges or penalties when customers repurchase portions of their outstanding balance.

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9. Mollie

Mollie functions as a payment platform that serves primary business customers through transaction solutions which help merchants process payments easily. The payment processing service Mollie provides BNPL services along with payment solutions which help businesses achieve simpler operations combined with better customer satisfaction. The platform maintains total price clarity that enables business customers to keep costs limited to successful payment processing with no surprise charges.

Mollie offers unparalleled flexibility as part of its capabilities. Customers have multiple payment options through Mollie because it accepts debit cards and credit cards together with Apple Pay and PayPal along with European payment solutions including iDEAL and SOFORT.

Mollie proves particularly useful to European businesses as it combines European payment methods with capability for global transactions. The convenience of Mollie extends to its feature which lets merchants handle payments in various currencies to facilitate business with customers from around the world.

Businesses using Mollie have the option to create specific schedules for receiving their funds which range from daily to weekly and monthly payments according to their financial requirements.

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10. Accrue Savings

Accrue Savings operates as a platform which changes typical Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) operations. Accrue Savings positions saving as the key strategy for purchase and goal attainment by discouraging users from adopting the money-upfront buy-later method of payment. The innovative system enables customers to practice debt avoidance while developing positive financial practices.

Users specify their desired product purchase along with their savings goal on Accrue Savings before it develops individual saving plans to reach their targets. Users who deposit money in their savings account enable participating brands to give cash rewards that speed up their savings targets. Participating brands offer rewards through cashback programs together with discounts as well as other forms of payment incentives that decrease costs.

The model satisfies buyers who seek to evade the financing model flaws of BNPL services by providing an interest-free payment option. Users who choose to save instead of borrow, maintain full control over their financial resources and stay clear of debt build-up. Accrue Savings teaches users to plan ahead as it directs them to wait until their accumulated savings reach their purchase target.

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Comparison Table: Key Features of Affirm Alternatives

Company	Interest-Free Option	Max Loan Term	Specialty Features
Klarna	Yes	Up to 36 months	Rewards program, pay-in-full option
Afterpay	Yes	6 weeks	Simple interface, late fees
Sezzle	Yes	6 weeks	Credit-building option (Sezzle Up)
Zip	Yes	Varies	Global store compatibility
Splitit	Yes	Varies	Uses existing credit cards
PayPal Pay Later	Yes	Varies	Integrated with PayPal ecosystem
Bread Financial	No	Varies	Personalized lending solutions
Uplift	No	Varies	Travel-focused financing
Mollie	No	Varies	Business-focused tools
Accrue Savings	N/A	N/A	Save now, buy later model

Conclusion

Customers now have greater payment flexibility through BNPL, but each company requires a unique payment approach. Affirm maintains its position among BNPL providers, but you should evaluate other choices such as Klarna, Afterpay or Sezzle to discover the option most appropriate to your financial framework and shopping routines.

These 10 companies established different bank partnership options which let shoppers choose solutions for their unique financial circumstances along with travel financing and credit-building capabilities.

Remember: Choose a BNPL service which supports your financial plans and fits your requirements without creating excessive debt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services?

BNPL services is a payment system which lets customers divide their payments across multiple installments instead of immediate complete payment. Popular providers include Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, and Sezzle.

2. Why should I consider alternatives to Affirm?

The high interest rates combined with limited stores and rigid credit score preconditions from Affirm could lead you to find alternative payment options.

3. Which BNPL service is the best to support travel expenses?

Uplift stands out for its expertise in vacation packages and cruise booking services because it provides adaptable payment schedules suited just for travel costs.

4. Can I build my credit score using BNPL services?

Yes, BNPL services like Sezzle provide customers with the “Sezzle Up” feature that enhances their credit reports through prompt payment reporting to build better credit scores.