The 14 Best Buy Now, Pay Later Platforms of 2025 Reviewed
The 10 Best Buy Now, Pay Later Platforms Shortlist
Let’s take a peek at our top players for BNPL services in 2025. You’ll find what each BNPL platform is best for before reading the reviews below. Pretty handy!
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Big price tags are scary—admit it. Merchants with spendy products understand this, affecting how they do marketing, merchandising, advertising, and more. But, what if I told ya there's a simple way to blunt the impact of that big price tag? BNPL platforms.
What's that, you might say, exhausted from the surplus of acronyms being foisted on us. I get it. Buy now, pay later platforms are the release valve for your shoppers' big ticket anxiety.
You can go from begging them to pay it all now, no exceptions, to allowing them to break that thing into four nice little payments. How lovely for both of you!
There are now lots of BNPL services on the market, trying to get you to put their logo on every product page. Finding the best one for you will depend on what it'll cost you and what it'll cost your valued customers.
We've gone ahead and used our big ecommerce brains to find the best BNPL apps on the market for incredible ecommerce merchants such as yourselves. So, go ahead and start that scrolling and reading thing.
What is a Buy Now, Pay Later Platform?
A buy now, pay later (BNPL) platform lets customers split the cost of purchases into smaller installments, often without interest, while getting the product upfront.
It’s a "buy now, pay later" deal, popular among budget-conscious shoppers, especially younger generations.
For ecommerce merchants, BNPL is more than a trend—it’s a strategic way to boost average order values (AOV), reduce cart abandonment, and smooth conversions. Shoppers are more likely to add extra items or splurge on big-ticket purchases when they can break up payments.
At checkout, customers choose BNPL as the payment option.
After a quick soft credit check, if approved, the purchase cost is split into installments. Merchants receive payment upfront from the BNPL provider, who handles collections, keeping cash flow intact.
What’s new? BNPL platforms are evolving rapidly with tools like machine learning to refine credit approvals and create personalized repayment plans.
Plus, these platforms are expanding beyond ecommerce into areas like healthcare and education, tapping into new markets and industries.
Bottom line—BNPL gives customers financial flexibility, leading to more sales for merchants.
Why Trust Our BNPL Platform Reviews?
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As ecommerce experts, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
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Comparing the Best BNPL Platforms for Online Retailers
While the below pricing comparison may not shed a ton of light on these top buy now, pay later services, click Compare Software after the table to see a comparison of all the other features.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Sezzle Show the payment structure directly on your product page with the Sezzle widget. | Best for helping customers build credit | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 2 |  Affirm Use Affirm’s API to integrate with your storefront quickly. | Best for selling on Amazon | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 3 |  Afterpay Sign up to connect with customers with no application fees. | Best for encouraging responsible spending | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 4 |  Zip Co Accept payments from customers worldwide. | Best for global payments | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 5 |  Paypal’s “Pay-in-Four” Provide BNPL options within your PayPal merchant account. | Best for PayPal user | Not available | Website | |
| 6 |  Wisetack Add the Wisetack platform directly to your website to start offering payment options. | Best for subscription-based services | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 7 |  Humm Use Humm to help your customers buy little and big things from your store. | Best for large purchases | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 8 |  Klarna Promote your brand in Klarna’s marketplace. | Best for fashion and luxury brand | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 9 |  Uplift Uplift enables consumers to finance purchases through monthly payments without interest or fees. | Best travel industry installments | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 10 |  Four Add installment options without requiring customers to fill out a sign-up form to increase conversions. | Best for accepting payments through Google and Apple Pay | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website |
How to Choose the Best BNPL Platform
Picking the right BNPL platform isn’t just about finding what’s trendy—it’s about making sure the platform fits your specific business needs.
Here's how to zero in on the best one for you:
- Identify the problem you're solving. What BNPL feature gap are you trying to close? Are you looking to boost conversions, reduce cart abandonment, or make high-ticket items more affordable? Start here.
- Consider who will use it. Will it just be your ecommerce team, or will finance, customer service, and others need access too? The answer impacts how user-friendly or powerful the tool needs to be—and how many licenses you'll need.
- Evaluate integrations. Does it play nice with the tools you already use—like your accounting software, CRM, or ecommerce platform? Or are you looking for a one-stop solution that consolidates everything? Make sure you’re clear on how it’ll fit into your existing stack.
- Factor in partnerships and usability. Look for platforms with established partnerships with major retailers or services in your industry. A platform’s user experience, including seamless interfaces and quick onboarding for both your team and customers, can make or break adoption rates.
- Define success metrics. Don’t just get wowed by features. What business results are you after—bigger AOVs, fewer abandoned carts, better conversion rates? Decide what success looks like before you get lost in the options.
- Fit it into your workflows. Is this platform going to fit seamlessly into your current process, or is it going to force you to change everything? Just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’ll be a slam dunk for your unique setup.
The 10 Absolute Best BNPL Platforms, Reviewed
Now, we’ve made it to the meat of the post—the reviews. Take a look at our top 10 BNPL services, each with why we picked it, standout features and integrations to look for, pros and cons, and a screenshot of the thing.
Sezzle provides transparent services that can help you empower your customer to make wiser purchasing decisions and build credit.
Why I picked Sezzle: It provides customers with transparency and financial education to help you empower your target audience. It helps you give customers opportunities to avoid late fees and allows younger shoppers to build credit using the Sezzle Up program. Sezzle will report their on-time installment payments to credit bureaus when your customers sign up for this program.
Sezzle offers a straightforward BNPL solution to your customers. There’s only one payment plan available; the 4 pay plan, which includes a 25% down payment when your customers make an order and three other payments. Your customers are required to complete all their payments within six weeks.
Sezzle Standout Features and Integrations
Features include credit and debit card processing, reporting to credit bureaus, payment rescheduling, and interest-bearing saving accounts.
Integrations include Shopify, CommentSold, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, Littledata, 3dcart, ResponseCRM, Cybersource, BuyItLive, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
Sezzle offers custom pricing upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High customer approval rate.
- Easy to set up.
- Helps attract customers.
Cons:
- Fees can be high.
- Customer support issues.
Affirm helps your business provide flexible payment options wherever your customers shop for your products.
Why I picked Affirm: The platform is beneficial for ecommerce, in-store, and telesales transactions. They are Amazon’s choice for BNPL solutions. Affirm enables businesses to integrate buy-now-pay-later options for customers, no matter where they’re buying. You can use Affirm to show your customers flexible payment terms throughout your ecommerce site, including every product page and checkout, to make it easy for them to buy.
Affirm gives retailers complete control over the minimum amount customers spend to qualify for installments. You can choose whether to offer customers a 0% interest loan financing, where to show Affirm’s payment messaging, and how long your customers have to make payments. The platform also has a tool called Adaptive Checkout. This unique solution can update your customer’s loan repayment options when they add items to their cart, allowing them to see their purchase amount in personalized installment payments throughout your site.
Affirm Standout Features and Integrations
Features include business portal, credit card processing, ACH payment processing, activity dashboard, mobile payments, billing and invoicing, mobile app, and real-time analytics.
Integrations include Wix, Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, OpenCart, 3dcart, NetSuite SuiteCommerce, AmeriCommerce, Volusion, Web Shop Manager, PlanetScale, and Lightspeed eCommerce.
Affirm offers custom pricing upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive dashboard.
- Large customer purchase limits.
- No customer late fees.
Cons:
- Only works in the USA.
- Competition might get better rates.
Afterpay provides a credit limit for your customers to make purchases on your ecommerce store and provides rewards for responsible spending.
Why I picked Afterpay: The platform sets sensible and transparent initial spending credit limits for those new to using Afterpay when buying products. This initial limit can increase when customers make their payments on time. The vendor also provides tips to help customers spend responsibly.
Afterpay works for retailers with online storefronts and in-store purchasing options. It has a simple, built-in integration with Square, which makes it easy to offer BNPL options from a Square POS system. You can also order a marketing kit from Afterpay to help you let your customers know you accept Afterpay as a payment option.
Afterpay Standout Features and Integrations
Features include ACH payment processing, fraud detection, electronic payments, data security, mobile payments, credit card processing, subscription billing, and transaction history.
Integrations include Ecwid, CS-Cart, Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, Synder, Magento, BigCommerce, Cloud Funnels, Propeller, BridgerPay, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
Afterpay offers custom pricing upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent support for merchants.
- No customer credit checks.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- High interest on late payments.
- Some retailers can be denied.
Zip Co is a convenient option for businesses because customers can use it anywhere in the world if they use an Amex, Discover, or Visa credit card.
Why I picked Zip Co: Formerly Quadpay, Zip provides you with an opportunity to accept payments from customers anywhere in the world, as long as your business accepts payments from Amex, Discover, or Visa. The platform also has a community of customers that you can tap your business into to drive more traffic to your site. This combination of a global community and the ability to accept their payments means your business can enjoy a high average order value.
Zip Co lets your business put your customers first by providing convenient installments that won’t affect their credit scores. Zip Co lets your customers control their repayment schedule and set up weekly, biweekly, or monthly payments. When customers choose to make payments on a purchase, your business will get paid the same day from the vendor.
Zip Co Standout Features and Integrations
Features include order management, customer data management, merchant portal, reconciliation management, community marketplace, website widget, refund processing, and credit card processing.
Integrations include Salesforce, Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, Oracle Commerce, Workarea, and CartHook. Zip Co also provides an API to connect the platform to your current systems.
Zip Co offers custom pricing upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Responsive platform.
- Increases AOV.
- Easy to navigate.
Cons:
- No platform demo.
- No reporting.
PayPal’s “Pay-in-Four” BNPL platform provides merchants who already use PayPal Pay with capabilities to give customers alternative payment options.
Why I picked PayPal’s “Pay-in-Four”: The PayPal platform is the most popular, secure payment system, and they brought their capabilities to the BNPL atmosphere. They have a level of trust worldwide that can help you turn potential, unconvinced individuals into paying customers. Merchants who already accept PayPal as a payment option for customers can easily implement the Pay-in-Four system.
PayPal’s “Pay-in-Four” platform can scale with any business and help you provide various financing options to your customers. All you have to do is add a Pay Later button as another payment option on your checkout system. Afterwards, customers with an existing PayPal account can apply for the Pay-in-Four financing if their purchase is between $30 and $1,500.
PayPal’s “Pay-in-Four” Standout Features and Integrations
Features include business insights, reporting, automatic updates, debit and credit card processing, POS system, recurring payment, purchase protection, invoice management, and online checkout.
Integrations include BigCommerce, Wix, WooCommerce, GoDaddy, Adobe, Shift4Shop, XCart, Miva, Volusion, OpenCart, Cart.com, and Vortx.
PayPal’s “Pay-in-Four” is a free add-on for current PayPal merchants. When using the platform, you’ll only pay the regular 3.49% + $0.49/transaction.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple organization.
- Easy to use.
- No additional costs.
Cons:
- High customer interest rates.
- Takes customers off your website.
Wisetack enables businesses to give customers transparent payment options for subscription-based products and services.
Why I picked Wisetack: The platform plugs into your current website and checkout process to enable your business to give customers payment installment options for services like subscription boxes or streaming services. Wisetack BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) is a financing solution that allows ecommerce businesses to offer their customers the option to pay for their purchases in installments instead of a lump sum payment. By integrating Wisetack BNPL into their ecommerce platform, businesses can offer their customers the flexibility to pay over time and potentially increase customer loyalty and sales.
Wisetack BNPL also offers various benefits to the businesses themselves, including reduced cart abandonment and improved cash flow, as customers are more likely to complete their purchase when given the option to pay in installments. Additionally, Wisetack BNPL provides businesses with valuable insights into their customers’ spending habits, helping them make informed decisions about inventory, marketing, and other business operations. Overall, Wisetack BNPL can be a valuable tool for ecommerce businesses looking to increase sales, retain customers, and improve their overall financial health.
Wisetack Standout Features and Integrations
Features include consumer financing, fast customer approvals, debit and credit card processing, and immediate payments.
Integrations include an API that integrates with your current systems.
Wisetack offers custom pricing upon request. Wisetack doesn’t have any free trial information.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Payment term controls.
- Easy integrations.
- Excellent coordination with the vendor.
Cons:
- Must wait to receive funds.
- Fees can be high.
Humm is a BNPL platform that helps customers break up significantly large purchases.
Why I picked Humm: As it says on the Humm website, this BNPL helps your customers buy “big things.” They help break down any purchase up to $30,000! Your customers can spread these payments out over five or ten payments every two weeks or up to 60 months for more significant purchases.
Humm guarantees to settle their payment upfront with your business the next business day. This can be significant if you’re a smaller business that relies on these payments. Also, if a customer returns an item to your store, Humm will return their fee on the items.
Humm Standout Features and Integrations
Features include flexible repayments, soft credit checks, and online and in-store purchase processing.
Integrations include Salesforce, Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Striven POS, PrestaShop, OpenCart, Kitomba, Retail Directions, Shopify Plus, Intershop, and eStar.
Humm offers custom pricing upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple sign-up process.
- Direct REST API.
- Customers can make large purchases.
Cons:
- High customer fees.
- Customer support needs work.
Klarna offers various BNPL options that are an excellent fit for fashion and luxury brands.
Why I picked Klarna: The platform is a popular choice for younger generations who typically shop with many fashion and luxury brands. This is because of Klarna’s Pay in 30 Days financing option, which allows your customers to try your items for free, keep what they like, and return what they don’t want within 30 days. It will enable you to provide a low-pressure option to your customers and encourage them to complete their orders.
Klarna also allows you to offer express checkout options on your product pages, which means you can create a one-click checkout experience. But keep in mind that when using this option, there’s an additional fee to your business. It might be worth it to decrease the effort it takes your customers to finish their purchase by reducing the time it takes them to change their minds.
Klarna Standout Features and Integrations
Features include zero-fraud liability, upfront payment, global solutions, seller protection, automatic updates, advertisement solutions, product search, order management, reporting tools, data analytics, and a merchant portal.
Integrations include LogiCommerce, Desktop.com, Shopaccino, PremierCashier, Happy Returns, Cloud Funnels, 29 Next, Elixir, SendOwl, Centra, BetterCommerce, and Adyen.
Klarna offers custom pricing upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No loan limitations.
- Multiple checkout options.
- Well recognized.
Cons:
- Poor customer service.
- High late fees for customers.
Uplift enables businesses to offer payment transactions within the travel industry.
Why I picked Uplift: If your ecommerce business operates in the travel industry, Uplift can help you reach more customers by offering installment options. You can provide transaction payments for totals as large as $25,000 with terms between six weeks to 24 months. Every transaction happens directly in your purchase workflow, so there’s no need to redirect the customer to another webpage to make a payment.
Uplift allows you to offer your customers a simple way to book travel plans immediately and make payments over time. They also don’t charge any late fees or pre-payment penalties, allowing your customers to book more trips while you reap the benefits. Thanks to the Uplift platform, your customers can even gift their family and friends a trip through your website.
Uplift Standout Features and Integrations
Features include fast approval process, installment loans, payment processing, and an API.
Integrations include an API that allows you to connect the platform to your current systems.
Uplift offers custom pricing upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No fees ever.
- Increases flight bookings.
- Straightforward application process for customers.
Cons:
- Issues with customer refunds.
- Poor customer service.
Four enables businesses to reach more customers through alternative payment applications such as Google and Apple Pay.
Why I picked Four: The platform doesn’t require your customers to leave your website to sign up and break down their purchase payments. Instead, it offers a simple buy now button and allows your customers to continue their purchase journey on your site, which can increase customer loyalty and decrease abandonment rates. It integrates with many digital wallets, such as Google and Apple Pay, to help your store reduce friction rates throughout the purchase process.
Four doesn’t require your customers to go through a credit check when buying your products, and they get an instant decision from the vendor. When using Four, you can customize their widget and checkout to match your brand’s theme to ensure your customers are purchasing from your business.
Four Standout Features and Integrations
Features include one-click checkout, a shopper portal, fast integration, a customizable interface, order and refund management, order tracking, customer spending analytics, and flexible payment processing.
Integrations include WooCommerce, Shopify, and Shopify Plus.
Four offers custom pricing upon request. Four offers a free demo to help you determine if the platform is right for you.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy order tracking.
- Simple Shopify integration.
- Increased conversion rates.
Cons:
- Customer service needs improvement.
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Our Selection Criteria for BNPL Platforms
Choosing the right BNPL platform is a critical step for ecommerce businesses. It’s not just about offering installment payments—it's about finding a solution that enhances customer experience, integrates smoothly, and drives real business results.
Core functionality (25% of total weighting score)
These are the essential features every BNPL platform needs to provide:
- Seamless integration with both online and physical stores.
- Instant credit approval to ensure a fast and frictionless checkout process.
- Flexible payment plans that cater to different customer needs.
- Transparent fee structures, so there are no hidden costs for either merchants or consumers.
- Secure and compliant transaction processing, meeting industry standards for protecting sensitive data.
Additional standout features (25% of total weighting score)
Platforms that bring extra value through innovative features stand out:
- Customizable payment options that let you adjust plans based on consumer behavior or seasonal trends.
- Integration with loyalty and rewards programs to boost customer retention.
- I test these features by simulating real-world scenarios to assess their execution and impact.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
Usability is crucial for both merchants and customers:
- The platform should have an intuitive interface that simplifies the checkout process.
- Clean, user-friendly design that balances powerful functionality with ease of use.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
Quick and seamless onboarding is essential:
- The platform should provide detailed guides, tutorials, and chatbot assistance to make setup easy.
- Smooth onboarding helps merchants integrate the system quickly, and consumers can start using it without confusion.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
Great customer support is non-negotiable:
- Fast response times and multiple support channels (live chat, email, phone) are critical.
- Knowledgeable support teams who can effectively resolve issues.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
The pricing should reflect the platform's value:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for merchants or consumers.
- Flexible plans that scale with your business as it grows.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
User feedback can reveal a lot about the platform:
- High satisfaction rates based on ease of use, reliability, and support.
- Positive feedback highlighting business impact, such as higher average order values and improved customer retention.
When weighing BNPL platforms, these criteria help you find a solution that fits your business needs while adding measurable value.
Trends in BNPL Platforms for 2025
The BNPL space is rapidly evolving, and 2025 is set to bring significant changes. Here are some of the key trends shaping the future of BNPL platforms:
- Mobile-first BNPL experiences. With the growth of mobile commerce, BNPL providers are optimizing their services for mobile devices. This includes easier checkout flows, one-tap approvals, and streamlined user interfaces that make mobile shopping even more convenient.
- BNPL moving into new industries. While retail has been BNPL’s bread and butter, providers are expanding into healthcare, travel, and education, enabling customers to finance significant expenses like medical bills and tuition.
- Greater transparency and regulation. As BNPL platforms face scrutiny from regulators in regions like the UK and Europe, transparency around fees and terms is becoming critical. These changes not only protect consumers but also help build trust in the platforms.
- AI-powered credit assessment. AI and machine learning are reshaping credit checks, enabling instant, precise approvals. By reducing reliance on traditional credit metrics, platforms can assess risk more inclusively.
- Integration with alternative payment methods. In addition to crypto, platforms are exploring layaway plans and loyalty programs as complementary options. This broadens consumer choice and helps merchants cater to diverse preferences.
- Global expansion with localized approaches. As BNPL continues to expand into new markets, platforms are focusing on adapting to local consumer preferences, regulations, and payment methods. This includes offering multi-currency support and tailoring marketing efforts to different cultural contexts.
- Sustainability and ethical lending. Younger generations care about more than just convenience—they want to know their spending aligns with their values. BNPL platforms are responding with responsible lending practices and tools that promote sustainable financial habits.
- Strategic partnerships with retailers. To stay competitive, BNPL platforms are forging exclusive partnerships with major retailers to secure their place at checkout. These alliances are driving sales growth while providing merchants with added visibility.
These trends are all about making BNPL platforms more accessible, flexible, and secure for both consumers and merchants.
For ecommerce businesses, staying on top of these trends means more opportunities to offer better payment solutions while tapping into new customer bases and markets.
Key Features of BNPL Platforms
BNPL platforms are changing the landscape of consumer shopping by offering more flexible payment solutions. Here’s a breakdown of the core features:
- Instant credit approval. Customers get immediate access to credit, skipping the lengthy application process found with traditional loans or credit cards. This convenience is a key draw for customers looking to make quick purchases.
- Flexible payment plans. BNPL services offer multiple repayment options, typically allowing consumers to split purchases into installments without interest, provided payments are made on time.
- Seamless integration. Platforms integrate with popular ecommerce and brick-and-mortar point-of-sale (POS) systems, ensuring a frictionless checkout experience for all sales channels.
- No upfront costs. Customers can make purchases without any initial payments, increasing their willingness to buy more or bigger items. This helps merchants encourage larger sales and reduce cart abandonment.
- Soft credit checks. Unlike traditional credit options, BNPL platforms often use soft credit checks that don’t impact a customer’s credit score, making the service accessible to a broader audience.
- Automatic payments. BNPL platforms often automate repayments, scheduling deductions from customers' accounts or credit cards, reducing the risk of missed payments.
- Transparent fees and charges. Clear disclosure of fees, especially late payment penalties, builds trust with users and meets increasing regulatory demands for transparency.
- Mobile optimization. Reflecting the surge in mobile commerce, many BNPL platforms offer dedicated apps or mobile-friendly interfaces for seamless on-the-go shopping.
- Real-time decisioning. Advanced algorithms allow for real-time credit decisions, ensuring customers receive immediate feedback on their approval status, speeding up the checkout process.
- Merchant analytics. Merchants benefit from detailed analytics on customer behavior, sales trends, repayment patterns, and payment trends, enabling data-driven strategies to increase conversions and customer loyalty.
- Partnership opportunities. Many BNPL platforms now partner with major retailers and service providers, offering co-branded marketing opportunities and exclusive integrations to enhance visibility and sales.
These features make BNPL platforms not only a win for consumers seeking more financial flexibility but also for merchants looking to boost conversions and customer loyalty.
Top Benefits of BNPL Platforms
BNPL platforms are reshaping the online shopping and financial management experience, offering multiple benefits to both consumers and businesses.
Here's how these platforms are driving value:
- Increased purchasing power. BNPL allows customers to buy now and pay over time, enabling them to afford larger purchases they might otherwise delay. This flexibility can improve the shopping experience and lead to higher cart values.
- Improved cash flow management. For businesses, BNPL can result in faster sales cycles and improved cash flow. While customers pay in installments, the business typically receives the full payment upfront from the BNPL provider, keeping cash flow steady.
- Access to new customer segments. BNPL appeals to shoppers who avoid traditional credit or lack a credit history. This includes younger demographics and consumers in emerging markets. By offering BNPL, businesses can tap into these growing segments and expand their reach internationally.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty. The convenience and flexibility of BNPL often lead to higher customer satisfaction. Shoppers appreciate the ability to spread out payments without added interest, fostering brand loyalty and increasing repeat purchases.
- Reduced financial stress. BNPL platforms provide clear terms and often little to no interest on short-term payments, helping consumers budget effectively. This transparency and accessibility make BNPL a sustainable alternative to traditional credit options.
- Boosted sales through partnerships. Strategic partnerships with major retailers and exclusive promotions encourage customers to shop more frequently and spend more. These collaborations amplify visibility and drive merchant sales growth.
BNPL platforms aren’t just changing how people shop—they're influencing broader retail and financial strategies by creating a win-win for both consumers and merchants.
Cost & Pricing for BNPL Platforms
BNPL platforms have varying pricing structures depending on the provider and your business needs.
Most platforms charge a percentage-based transaction fee, with some also incorporating additional fees for smaller merchants or low-volume accounts.
Here’s a breakdown of current BNPL pricing trends and a comparison of some popular platforms:
| Platform | Transaction Fee | Interest Rate (Consumer) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sezzle | 6% + $0.30 per transaction | 0% for "Pay in 4" | Best for helping customers build credit, especially younger consumers looking to establish credit history. |
| Klarna | 3.29% to 5.99% + $0.30 per transaction | 0% for "Pay in 4" and "Pay in 30"; 19.99% for longer terms | Ideal for fashion and luxury brands due to its strong consumer base and marketplace integration. |
| PayPal Pay Later | 1.9%-3.49% + $0.49 per transaction | 0% for "Pay in 4"; 9.99%-35.99% for monthly payments | Best for businesses already using PayPal as a payment gateway. |
| Uplift | 2-4% per transaction | 0% interest; custom terms up to 24 months | Best for businesses in the travel industry, enabling large bookings with flexible repayment. |
| Zip (formerly Quadpay) | 4-5% per transaction | 0% for "Pay in 4" | Best for global payments, especially merchants looking to serve international customers. |
| Humm | 3-6% per transaction | 0% for installments; custom plans up to 60 months | Best for large purchases (up to $30,000) across industries like furniture or high-end goods. |
| Afterpay | 4-6% + $0.30 per transaction | 0% for "Pay in 4" | Best for retailers targeting younger, budget-conscious consumers with responsible spending limits. |
Key considerations:
- Transaction fees: Most platforms, such as Sezzle, Afterpay, and Zip, charge 4-6% per transaction. Uplift's fees tend to be lower at 2-4%, especially for travel-related purchases.
- Consumer interest rates: Interest-free options are common for short-term plans, but longer-term options can carry interest rates as high as 36%, depending on the platform and the consumer's credit.
- Best for: Each platform caters to specific types of businesses. For example, Sezzle is great for younger consumers building credit, while Uplift is perfect for high-ticket items in industries like travel and luxury goods.
When selecting a BNPL provider, balance the transaction fees and additional costs against the platform’s features and how well they fit your target audience.
BNPL Platforms FAQs
You’ve read a lot at this point (or else you’ve scanned a lot). Either way, we guessed at some lingering questions you may have, then endeavored to answer them for your edification.
What are the most popular BNPL providers?
The biggest names in BNPL include Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm, PayPal Pay Later, and Zip. These platforms excel with flexible payment plans, strong integrations, and customer trust.
Regional players like Clearpay (UK) and Sezzle (US) are also growing rapidly. Klarna leads in fashion and luxury, while Affirm is known for high-ticket purchases like electronics or furniture. Emerging players like Splitit focus on offering installment plans directly through credit cards without new credit lines.
What happens if a customer misses a payment on a BNPL plan?
Most BNPL platforms charge late fees if a customer misses a payment, but the policies vary:
- Afterpay charges $10 per missed payment, capped at 25% of the order value.
- Klarna charges late fees after a grace period, but the amount depends on the region.
- Affirm doesn’t charge late fees but reports missed payments to credit bureaus, which could impact the customer’s credit score.
Merchants can mitigate missed payments by clearly communicating repayment terms upfront and offering reminders through email or SMS. This ensures a smoother customer experience and maintains loyalty.
How can BNPL improve my customer conversion rates?
BNPL can significantly boost your conversion rates and average order value. By giving customers the option to pay in installments, you reduce the sticker shock for larger purchases. Customers are more likely to buy when they don’t have to pay the full amount upfront—leading to fewer abandoned carts and increased revenue. Many merchants see a jump in conversions, sometimes up to 20-30%, after adding BNPL options.
Can I negotiate lower transaction fees with BNPL providers?
Yes, you can negotiate lower transaction fees—especially if your business processes high transaction volumes. To strengthen your position:
- Show evidence of your sales volume and consistency.
- Highlight how your offerings align with the BNPL provider’s target industries.
- Explore bundling marketing fees or co-promotions for better overall terms.
If you’re driving significant revenue through BNPL, don’t hesitate to negotiate for better margins.
What are the hidden costs of offering BNPL?
While BNPL can increase sales, be aware of hidden costs:
- Transaction fees: Typically 4-6%, which can impact margins.
- Marketing fees: Platforms like Klarna charge extra to feature your brand in their marketplace.
- Customer dissatisfaction: Late fees may create negative experiences, reducing loyalty.
To offset these costs, track ROI from BNPL sales closely, negotiate transaction fees, and ensure clear communication about repayment terms to customers.
How do BNPL platforms handle refunds?
Refund policies vary by platform but generally involve merchants issuing refunds directly to the BNPL provider. The provider then adjusts the customer’s payment schedule or issues a refund for completed payments. Merchants should understand their BNPL partner’s refund policies to avoid delays or customer confusion.
What types of businesses benefit most from BNPL?
BNPL is particularly effective for industries with high-ticket or discretionary purchases, such as electronics, fashion, furniture, travel, and healthcare. It can also work well for businesses targeting younger or credit-averse demographics.
Additional Ecommerce Payment Software Reviews
If you are looking for BNPL software, you might be interested in these related software reviews, as well. They all focus on ecommerce finances, payments, or tax management.
- Point-of-Sale (POS) Software
- Mobile Payment Solutions
- Ecommerce Sales Tax Software
- Ecommerce Fraud Prevention Software
Give Shoppers More Options to Buy
Being able to offer your customers the ability to buy what they want, when they want it is a big deal, especially for big ticket items. BNPL offerings enable them to pay in easier to digest chunks without dealing with added interest (unless they don't pay it in the defined period).
For merchants like you, this is a rare opportunity to grow your average order value in one clean sweep. Nothing more than an additional payment option!
Finding the right one is the only obstacle, as it always is. Since the advent of this technology, the BNPL services have proliferated, each with their own fancy, modern names.
Luckily, we exist and we've done the work to compare the options and present the coolest ones to you, dear reader. Pore through the comparison tables, the reviews, the details on how to choose and what features to look for.
Then, you are certain to find your perfect BNPL platform. You are so incredibly welcome.
If you’re considering using other tools along with these BNPL platforms, sign up for our newsletter. There, you’ll receive the latest regarding top tools in the ecommerce industry and some advice from the top leaders in this sector.