Today I will be taking you through the top 6 best apps like Zilch in the UK which you can use to buy now and pay later. Therefore if you are resident in the UK, and you have been searching for similar and alternative apps like Zilch UK that can allow you defer your in-store and online purchases to future and equal instalments without paying interest or fees, then you have come to the right place.
What is Zilch UK?
Zilch is a buy now, pay later (BNPL) application based in the UK which allows you to purchase whatever you need at the moment at thousands of retailers, including Amazon, eBay, AliExpress and Nike while you redeem your payment over a specific period of time. The app just started operating in the US in May of 2022 and works as a virtual card by allowing you split a product’s total cost into four separate payments. Similar apps like Zilch UK work in the same or similar way.
Such other apps like Zilch provides a helpful and handy payment option for emergencies because you can spend money before it lands in your account. One unique aspect of many similar Zilch alternatives is that they do not charge interest or fees, so you won’t have to pay more than you have borrowed.
Best 6 Apps Like Zilch UK in 2025
As good as the payment services offered by Zilch is, it is not the only veritable buy now pay later platform in existence. There are many other alternative apps like Zilch UK, which can help you buy what you want today and split your payments over time in equal installments.
The most popular apps like Zilch UK enabling you to buy now and pay later are Affirm, Sezzle, Afterpay, Laybuy, Klarna and PayPal. These applications allow future payment on commodities purchased now thus helping you meet your emergency or unexpected bills with no interest charges.
1. Affirm App
Affirm, a US-based platform is one of the best apps like Zilch UK that allow users to make purchases and pay for them in fixed monthly payments. It offers a wide variety of merchants to shop with, including popular e-commerce sites and brick-and-mortar stores.
Affirm is a unique alternative app that works like Zilch in that it doesn’t charge any fee or interest, not even a late fee. For transactions that do charge interest, Affirm charges simple interest, which means that your interest charges won’t compound and grow larger. With this platform, purchase limit is $17,500 and only requires soft credit check to prequalify with payments of three, six, or 12 months.
2. Sezzle App
Sezzle, a leading payment platform based in the United States and the best app like Zilch UK for flexible payment plans sets itself apart by allowing customers to reschedule payments to give themselves up to two weeks of additional time.
Users of Sezzle and other apps like Zilch are allowed to make purchases and pay for them in four interest-free payments. The platform has no hidden charges and only a soft credit check is required. Payment terms are 4 installments over 6 weeks.
3. Afterpay App
Afterpay is one of the best apps like Zilch UK that allows you to buy now, and pay in four instalments over 6 weeks, without ever having to pay an interest. With the app, you can make your first payment today and the rest over 6 weeks, while utilizing smart credit limits to ensure customers can afford to pay for purchases. There is also a virtual card in the app for in-store purchases.
4. Laybuy App
Laybuy, a fully integrated platform, based in New Zealand, is one of the amazing apps like Zilch that offers users the chance to buy and make payments later in six interest-free payments. Laybuy lets you receive your purchase now and spread the total cost over 6 weekly automatic payments all completely cost-free and zero charges.
When you register for a Laybuy account, you will need to pass through a soft credit check, however you are always guaranteed to be approved for credit. Limits vary and are dependent on an assessment of your ability to make repayment.
5. Klarna App
Klarna is a Swedish app that works like Zilch and the best for large purchases because it offers up to 24 months of financing. The platform is powered by virtual card numbers that can be used at any online or in-person retailer. Unlike Zilch, Klarna allows users to make larger purchases and pay for them in smaller four interest-free instalments.
This alternative app like Zilch can be used for purchases in store such as Adairs, Adidas, Apple Store, ASOS, AusPost, Beats By Dre, Bed Bath N’ Table, Birdsnest, Black Swallow Boutique to mention but a few. There are no predefined credit limit with Klarna, and only a soft credit check is applicable. Repayment are 4 equal payment installments.
6. Paypal App
PayPal, based in America, is one of the best apps like Zilch UK, that operates an online payment system in the majority of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc. Paypal offers a buy now, pay later service called PayPal Pay in 3 for UK customers where it lets you divide your purchase into three payments with no interest and no set up fees.
The application is the best option for small purchases because it focuses on transactions of $30 to $1,500. When you choose PayPal Pay in 3 as your payment method, you’ll be automatically taken through the application process for which you’ll get a decision instantly. There are no fees or charges involved with this very popular app like Zilch. If you miss a payment, you will get a reminder by email or SMS.
Conclusion
There are many alternative apps like Zilch you can choose from, when buying goods and services. However, most retailers partner with just one BNPL app, so their partner may be the easiest service to work with to complete your purchase. The key, as with many apps like Zilch offering BNPL service, is to ensure you can afford the repayments. If you miss a payment, you’ll get emails to remind you of any overdue amounts.
