Online buy now, pay later (BNPL) offers can help you save money as you shop. It becomes easier with apps that help you do this. You buy something today and then split up the payments over some time. Essentially, you only have to pay it back in installments. These work the same as credit cards, usually minus the interest, as long as you make the payments on time.

So here are some of the top buy now, pay later apps you can use when you make your next big-ticket purchase.

Affirm
Available on the Apple App Store, Android, and Google Play, Affirm is one of the most popular buy now, pay later apps. Its popularity is due to the wide range of payment options for all types of purchases, whether online or in-store. For example, for smaller everyday purchases, you can split your interest-free payments into four to be paid every two weeks. For big-ticket purchases, such as home appliances or furniture, you can pay through monthly installments spread over three, six, or 12 months. There are no hidden fees, and you can directly make automatic payments in the app. However, there will be soft credit checks, and interest rates can range from 0% to 36% APR, depending on the retailer.

Apple Pay Later
With Apple Pay Later, you can divide the payment of any of your purchases into four equal installments. Each installment will be due two weeks apart, with the first payment due immediately at checkout. For instance, if you’ve made a $700 purchase with Apple Pay Later, you’ll have to pay $175 at the checkout. The remaining three installments of $175 each can be paid every two weeks. You can do this with zero interest and zero fees. You can apply for Apple Pay later through the Apple Wallet.
There is no minimum credit score requirement yet, but Apple does a soft credit check during the application, and this app is available only for Apple devices.

Zip
Previously known as Quadpay, Zip is a great choice if you are looking for online buy now, pay later offers through this app. It is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play; Zip does not do hard credit checks but only soft credit checks during the application process. In addition, it doesn’t report to any major credit bureaus. So if you have low credit, Zip is a good option. Moreover, it is versatile since you can shop using this app wherever Visa is accepted. However, Zip does have interest rates on every payment based on a soft credit check. Also, you will be charged a $1 fee for every installment payment.

PayPal Pay in 4
If you make most of your purchases online, PayPal Pay in 4 must be your top choice for a buy now, pay later app. Although it is not available for in-store purchases, the app is directly integrated into the online checkout of several merchants and retailers. So the transactions are secure as well as fast. In addition, the payments you make later are free of interest without any hidden fees, even for late payments. Like most other apps, the payment schedule is standard: you pay the first installment at checkout and the rest of the three every two to six weeks. There will be a soft credit check during the application, but it won’t affect your credit profile. The only drawback is that this app is unavailable in select places such as Missouri, Nevada, and New Mexico.

Afterpay
Afterpay is a good option for those on a budget. It has an easy-to-use and intuitive interface that allows you to keep track of your purchases. Moreover, you can also plan for any payments you need to make in the future. The app lets you set up payment reminders so you don’t have to pay any penalties. It is quite convenient, as you can use it for in-store and online purchases across major retailers and brands. There is no interest on the payments; you can pay across four payments. The first is at checkout; the remaining payments are due every two to six weeks. In case you miss a payment, your account will be paused automatically.

Klarna
When you want to earn rewards while saving on your purchases, Klara is the app for you. It allows you to earn one point for every $1 you spend with Klarna. It allows you to choose the stores where you want to redeem your rewards. Moreover, these rewards give you exclusive access to deals, discounts, and other perks. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, this app can be used for online and in-store purchases. It is directly integrated into the payment gateways of several major retailers. It works just like another buy now, pay later app, wherein you make the first interest-free payment at checkout. The rest of the three payments can be made every two weeks. In addition, longer-term payment options are offered on schedules ranging from 6 to 36 months. However, these have an APR ranging from 0% to 28.99%.