

Quick Answer
Top Affirm alternatives include: Afterpay, Denefits, Sezzle, Zip (formerly Quadpay), Splitit, Klarna, PayPal Pay Later, GoCardless, ViaBill, and OpenPay. Similar to Affirm, these alternatives allow customers to split purchases into easy monthly payments but differ in their specific features, interest rates, and how they handle payments.
Affirm is a leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) payment option provider widely accepted by e-commerce merchants, retailers, and other service providers. It allows customers to make convenient purchases while paying in 4 interest-free installments, or choose a plan that fits their schedule. With Affirm, you can split your payment into one of the three payment options:
- Pay in 4: It's an interest-free payment option where you can make 4 installment payments within 4–6 weeks to pay off the cost.
- Pay in 30: This is also a no-interest option. This option allows customers to settle the bill within 30 days of making the purchase.
- Pay Monthly: For those who cannot pay all at once after 30 days or within 4–6 weeks, there is an option to make monthly payments. Customers can choose from 3- to 60-month plans. However, standard interest rates, i.e., 5.99% to 35.99%, may apply as per the customer’s eligibility.
To determine eligibility, a soft credit check is usually required. However, if you are looking for other companies like Affirm to pay for other services such as healthcare, medspa, cosmetic services, etc., we have compiled a list of sites like Affirm and apps like Affirm that help make payments easier for you.
Here Are the Top Affirm Alternatives:
1. Afterpay
Afterpay is a key BNPL services provider among the leading Affirm alternatives. It allows you to split the purchase cost into 4 equal installments to be paid within 4–6 weeks. The first payment is usually due at the time of purchase, and the remaining three are due every two weeks. It's a convenient way to pay for smaller purchases via a short-term payment schedule. Whereas for larger purchases up to $4,000, you may choose a monthly payment plan. For this, a higher spending limit is required, which depends on a good credit history, credit score, and other factors.
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Plan Term/Duration |
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Credit Check |
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APR |
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Approval Rate |
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Spending Limit |
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Industries Served |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Fixed Payment Schedule |
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Financing Limit |
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2. Denefits
Among other companies like Affirm, which usually run a soft or hard credit check, Denefits offers no-credit-check financing options. It helps make services more accessible to a broader customer base without traditional financing challenges like credit barriers.
While Affirm is a leading BNPL in e-commerce and retail spaces, Denefits is a leading financing options solution for healthcare, medspa, dental, vision, automotive, legal, education, wellness, and a wide range of service providers. With flexible payment plans and a high approval rate, it provides a more inclusive alternative to Affirm without imposing any rigid payment structures or credit barriers.
It integrates with the existing business system for a seamless experience and allows businesses to keep track of payment plans from an all-in-one dashboard. Similarly, customers can use the Denefits app to keep track of their payments and manage their payment plan.
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Plan Term/Duration |
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Flexible Payment Plans |
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Credit Check |
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APR |
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Approval Rate |
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Early Payoff |
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Positive Payment Reporting |
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Industries Supported |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Minimum Limits |
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Financing Limit |
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3. Klarna
Klarna is a leading FinTech company that offers BNPL payment options in the e-commerce and retail space. Similar to Affirm, Klarna provides short-term, no-interest plans like “Pay-in-4” plans to split the cost into 4 equal installments to be paid within 6 weeks. It also offers long-term options for making monthly payments like Affirm, with plans extending up to 24 months or longer. There is also an option to pay in full within 30 days. While both Affirm and Klarna may seem similar in offerings, they differ in their payment plan structures, interest rate policies, merchant partnerships, and user experience. So, you can choose the option that fits your needs at your discretion.
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Plan Term/Duration |
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Credit Check |
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APR |
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Approval Rate |
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Industries Supported |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Financing Limit |
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Late Fees |
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Quick Comparison: Klarna vs. Affirm vs. Denefits
Key Features | Affirm | Klarna | Denefits |
Credit Check Requirement | Soft Credit Check | Soft Credit Checks | No Credit Checks |
Min. Credit Score | 640 or better (though no fixed limit) | No specified limit | No minimum limit |
Interest Rates |
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Approval Rate | 60% to 75% (approx.) | 70% to 80% (approx.) | 95% Approval Rate |
Plan Duration |
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Financing Limits | Up to $20,000 |
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Industries Served |
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4. Zip Co.
Zip Co. (formerly known as QuadPay) is a notable BNPL provider across the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. It offers an alternative to sites like Affirm when you need quick and seamless financing. Customers get real-time approvals, transparent fees, and no surprises.
Zip uses soft credit checks, so your credit score remains unaffected. It offers three flexible financing options to fit different purchase sizes:
- Zip Pay: Short-term financing with limits from $350 to $2,000
- Zip Money: Credit line with a spending limit of $1,000–$5,000 for larger purchases
- Zip Plus: Digital card option with spending limits up to $8,000
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Card & Digital Wallet |
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Plan Term/Duration |
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Financing Options |
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Credit Check |
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APR |
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Industries Supported |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Financing Limit |
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5. Sezzle
Sezzle offers BNPL services with options for short-term financing and making monthly payments like Affirm with extended payment plans. Customers can opt for plans from 3 months up to 48 months. Similar to Affirm, it runs a soft credit check. However, Sezzle’s virtual card and in-store financing options give it an edge in accessibility.
With Sezzle, you can conveniently opt for purchases from $150 up to $15,000—ideal for those who may need easy financing with an extended repayment period for industries that websites like Affirm may not be catering to yet.
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Accessibility |
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Plan Term/Duration |
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Credit Check |
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APR |
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Industries Supported |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Financing Limit |
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6. Splitit
Splitit technology is a clever alternative that allows customers to split the transaction cost, while paying through a credit card, into monthly payments of 3–24 months as per their preferences. It does not require acquiring any new lines of credit. Instead, the existing credit card’s balance is the spending limit, and no separate credit check or approval is needed. This option shows up to customers at checkout when paying with their credit card to participating providers.
It gives buyers the flexibility to spread payments over time while still earning their usual credit card rewards. The transaction is backed by the customer’s own credit limit, and no added interest is charged by Splitit. This makes it an appealing choice for those who want payment flexibility without affecting their credit or taking on new debt.
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Plan Term/Duration |
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No New Credit Lines |
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Credit Check |
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APR |
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Approvals |
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Industries Supported |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Financing Limit |
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Geographical Limit |
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Payment Methods |
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7. PayPal Pay Later
The PayPal Pay Later option is a popular and widely used method by shoppers online and in-store at checkout to manage purchases. Similar to Affirm, it offers payment options to pay in easy installments without hassle.
PayPal Pay Later offers two key payment options:
✦ PayPal Pay in 4
This option allows customers to split the purchase price into four interest-free payments. It usually involves a soft credit check. PayPal also considers the PayPal account history and payment history. So even with a low credit score, people can get approved for this short-term payment option.
✦ PayPal Pay Monthly
The 2nd option offers a longer repayment period where customers need to make monthly payments to pay off the purchase. This has stricter approval criteria, including a closer look at your credit score.
Can Everyone Get Approved for PayPal Pay Later?
PayPal Pay Later provides instant approval decisions; however, approval is not guaranteed for everyone. The approval depends on your credit eligibility and various other factors.
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Plan Term/Duration |
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Credit Check |
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Approval Rate |
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APR |
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Early Repayment |
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Industries Supported |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Financing Limit |
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Availability |
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8. GoCardless
GoCardless primarily focuses on facilitating secure one-off payments involving ACH payments, direct debit, debit card payments, Instant Bank Pay, digital wallets, and payment links. However, it also offers services to make monthly payments like Affirm.
With its recurring and installment plans, customers can pay off purchases directly from their bank account via automated payments at a customized frequency, i.e., weekly, monthly, etc., whichever fits their pace. GoCardless, similar to Denefits, allows businesses to adjust payment amounts and even collect one-off charges alongside the recurring or installment payments.
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Plan Term/Duration |
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Credit Check |
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Payment Authorization |
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APR |
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Industries Supported |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Maximum Transaction Limit |
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No Credit Card Payments |
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9. OpenPay
Openpay is another BNPL platform emerging with a strong presence in Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., and the U.S. It offers interest-free payment plans starting from 2 months up to 24 months. However, they may charge other service fees, which are disclosed before plan finalization. With Openpay, you can make weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments.
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Plan Term/Duration |
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Upfront Deposit |
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Credit Check |
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APR |
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Payment Methods |
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Industries Supported |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Financing Limit |
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Merchant Network |
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Availability |
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10. ViaBill
ViaBill is a payment gateway originating from Copenhagen, Denmark, which has expanded to Norway, Spain, and the United States. It offers BNPL payment plans like Affirm for online shopping. It allows customers to pay for purchases over time with interest-free installments. However, users may need to pay a monthly account fee.
✅ Key Advantages:
Factors | Details |
Plan Term/Duration |
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Credit Check |
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APR |
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Flexibility |
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Early Repayment |
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Industries Supported |
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❌ Limitations:
Factors | Details |
Financing Limit |
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Availability |
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6 Notable Mentions: Other Apps Like Affirm
Other than the above leading platforms, there are also several notable Affirm-like apps and providers that offer similar services, including:
11. Perpay
A shopping and credit-building platform that you can use to pay over time with deductions from your paycheck while also improving your credit score.
12. Uplift
Specializes in travel financing, allowing users to pay via flexible monthly payments for vacations and flights.
13. Zebit
An e-commerce platform that also offers BNPL services with its no-interest pay-over-time options (no traditional credit checks).
14. Amazon Pay Later
Amazon also offers a built-in BNPL option to pay later for eligible customers during checkout on select items. The spending limit varies for customers and can be extended over time.
15. Bread Financial
A direct competitor to Affirm with similar BNPL services. Customers can choose between installment plans or its SplitPay option at point-of-sale checkout and get quick approval decisions.
16. Gerald
BNPL and cash advance features. It allows eligible users to purchase essentials through its in-app store (Cornerstore) and offers fee-free BNPL, plus optional cash transfers.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the available payment options makes it much easier to plan even when emergency expenses arise. Exploring Affirm-like apps and other websites like Affirm that offer BNPL options gives you a better way to manage diverse expenses. From everyday shopping to paying for essential services like healthcare and dental care to paying for cosmetic procedures, you have several Affirm alternatives. And among these top alternatives to Affirm, while some require a soft credit check or hard credit check, there are also no-credit-check financing options, such as Denefits, that stand out.
So, if you are curious to learn more about how Denefits payment plans can help you afford your desired services, feel free to reach out!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Get BNPL Options That Don’t Require a Credit Check?
Yes. Denefits offers no-credit-check payment plans with a 95% approval rate, making it a strong alternative for customers who may not qualify through Affirm.
2. Are There Any BNPL Companies Like Affirm That Don’t Charge Interest?
Yes. Apps like Splitit, GoCardless, and Openpay don’t charge any interest but may charge some other fees like fixed monthly account fees, account management fees, or other charges. However, many BNPL options usually offer an initial interest-free payment period, such as “pay-in-4,” while others may also offer extended no-interest plans, such as Denefits with a 12-month deferred interest plan.
3. Does Klarna Perform a Credit Check Like Affirm?
Klarna performs a soft credit check for its Pay in 4 plans similar to Affirm and a hard inquiry for longer-term financing.
4. Which Affirm Alternatives Work Best for Those with Bad Credit?
Platforms like Denefits don’t require any credit check. Thus, it’s a more viable option for customers with low, bad, or no credit history. However, your timely payments are reported to credit bureaus, which helps build and improve credit.