What are some apps like Perpay?

I’ve been using Perpay to make purchases in smaller payments, but I’m curious if there are similar apps out there with different or better features. Can anyone recommend alternatives? Looking for options that fit my needs better.

1. Affirm

  • Homepage Link: https://www.affirm.com
  • Pros:
    • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
    • Offers various installment options, some with 0% APR depending on merchant offers
    • Widely accepted by many retailers both online and in-store
  • Cons:
    • Interest rates can go as high as 30% APR if you don’t qualify for promotional terms
    • No rewards or perks for frequent use
  • Features:
    • Easy-to-use app and browser integration at checkout
    • Option to pre-qualify and see purchase limits without affecting credit score
    • Financial planning tools within the app
  • User Reviews: Users appreciate the ease of use and transparency, though some report frustration with high-interest rates for longer-term payments.
  • Verdict: Affirm strikes a good balance for those who want transparency and flexibility but are wary of hidden fees.

2. Afterpay

  • Homepage Link: https://www.afterpay.com
  • Pros:
    • No interest rates, only late fees if payments are missed
    • Payments split into four installments over six weeks
    • Well-integrated with numerous U.S. retailers and growing its international footprint
  • Cons:
    • Late fees can add up quickly if payments aren’t managed carefully
    • No longer-term financing options for bigger purchases
  • Features:
    • Easy linking with debit/credit cards
    • Zero credit checks, making it accessible to users with varying credit scores
    • Push notifications for payment reminders
  • User Reviews: Customers love the simplicity and no-interest aspect; however, they advise careful budget planning to avoid late fees.
  • Verdict: Ideal for short-term shoppers who appreciate the structured 6-week plan, but not suitable for larger purchases.

3. Klarna

  • Homepage Link: https://www.klarna.com
  • Pros:
    • Offers multiple payment options: pay in 4, pay in 30 days, or monthly financing
    • No interest with most “Pay in 4” plans
    • Attractive UI and features for frequent shoppers
  • Cons:
    • Monthly financing may come with high APR interest rates
    • Some complaints about customer service delays
  • Features:
    • In-app exclusive discounts from partnered brands
    • Option to track shipping for purchases made through the app
    • Loyalty program offering Vibe Rewards for continued use
  • User Reviews: Reviews are generally positive, with praise for the flexibility and shopping incentives. Users report occasional issues with refunds and disputes.
  • Verdict: A solid option for flexibility, particularly with no-interest options. The added rewards program sweetens the deal for frequent users.

4. Zip (formerly Quadpay)

  • Homepage Link: https://www.zip.co
  • Pros:
    • Split payments into four installments over six weeks
    • Accepts debit/credit cards for better accessibility
    • Good app design with retailer browsing options
  • Cons:
    • Charges a $1 convenience fee per installment payment
    • High late fees if payments aren’t made on time
  • Features:
    • Allows in-store use via a digital card
    • Compatible with most retailers, not just exclusives
    • Payment scheduling and tracking within the app
  • User Reviews: Users mention how convenient it is to use Zip for in-store purchases, but concerns arise over the extra service fees.
  • Verdict: A practical Perpay alternative for quick and straightforward small purchases, just watch out for fees.

5. Sezzle

  • Homepage Link: https://www.sezzle.com
  • Pros:
    • No interest charges on purchases
    • Extended flexibility with rescheduling one free payment per order
    • Works with smaller and niche retailers
  • Cons:
    • Credit checks may affect some users
    • Fewer retailers compared to Affirm or Klarna
  • Features:
    • Option to defer payments for free once per transaction
    • Appealing to socially-conscious shoppers as Sezzle is a B corp (prioritizes social impact)
  • User Reviews: Appreciated for helping build credit or providing flexibility for those who might not qualify for traditional loans. Complaints focus on the limited retailer acceptance.
  • Verdict: Great if you’re looking for flexibility and don’t mind limited brand coverage.

6. Splitit

  • Homepage Link: https://www.splitit.com
  • Pros:
    • Uses your existing credit card’s credit limit without incurring additional interest
    • No application process, so approval rates are high
    • Allows for longer payment terms than most competitors
  • Cons:
    • Requires available credit on existing cards
    • Restricted partner retailers compared to Klarna or Affirm
  • Features:
    • No interest or late fees
    • No impact on credit score
    • Payments are directly tied to your card’s credit line
  • User Reviews: A favorite for those preferring no new credit line. Feedback is mixed on coverage limitations.
  • Verdict: A good option for users with available credit who don’t want extra applications or fees.

7. PayPal Pay in 4

  • Homepage Link: https://www.paypal.com
  • Pros:
    • Trusted brand with strong security standards
    • Widely accepted wherever PayPal is available
    • No interest charged on payment plans
  • Cons:
    • Limited repayment options (only 4 installments available)
    • Can’t be used for amounts outside specific thresholds
  • Features:
    • Seamless integration into the PayPal ecosystem
    • Works internationally for cross-border purchases
    • Fast, automatic payment deduction from linked accounts
  • User Reviews: Users appreciate the convenience of PayPal’s existing network, but some express frustration with the inflexibility of installment lengths.
  • Verdict: Excellent for PayPal users who prioritize security and convenience.

8. Zebit

  • Homepage Link: https://www.zebit.com
  • Pros:
    • Helps users with poor credit or no credit access financing
    • Interest-free payment plans but included pricing reflects higher costs upfront
    • Plenty of product browsing options in-program
  • Cons:
    • Limited to Zebit’s own product catalog
    • May not be transparent about effective APR in total cost calculations
  • Features:
    • Pre-approval for credit line without any hard credit check
    • No additional fees for late or missed payments
  • User Reviews: Mixed reviews due to high embedded costs, but users with bad credit appreciate its accessibility.
  • Verdict: Useful for lower-credit customers but limited by its smaller inventory selection.

9. ViaBill

  • Homepage Link: https://www.viabill.com
  • Pros:
    • Offers no-interest installment options up to a certain purchase value
    • No hard credit checks
    • Straightforward application process
  • Cons:
    • Upgradeable monthly limits require paid membership
    • Primarily targeted at smaller purchase limits
  • Features:
    • Simple split payments with low approval barriers
    • Easy sign-up, with no immediate affect to credit score
  • User Reviews: Easy to use and ideal for smaller value purchases but lacks flexibility in catering to larger purchases.
  • Verdict: Efficient for smaller purchases but not as robust as competitors.

10. LazyPay

  • Homepage Link: https://www.lazypay.in
  • Pros:
    • Instant credit line available for smaller purchases
    • Flexible repayment within chosen monthly cycles
    • One-click checkout process
  • Cons:
    • Limited to certain markets (like India)
    • APR can be high for extended repayment plans
  • Features:
    • Works with popular platforms in applicable regions
    • No initial upfront charges
  • User Reviews: Loved for its speed and ease in emerging markets, though some find repayment APR to be steep.
  • Verdict: Best suited for localized usage cases where it’s available.

Try out one or a mix of these based on your needs—each has unique advantages!