What is Buy Now Pay Later, and Where Can You Use it?

We’ve all experienced that burning need to have something right now — whether it's the latest gadget, a new game, a special clothing item, or something new for your home.

No matter if it’s something you want or something you need, nothing stops us from buying faster than financial limitations. Once upon a time, you’d just go into debt or sign up for deferred payments with massive interest, all while torpedoing your credit score with hard inquiries.

But the internet has given us a wonderful new option called “buy now, pay later.”

This revolutionary shopping marvel gives us the ability to pay for our purchases over a period of time, all with no insane interest and no impact on our credit scores.

But how does this work? Is there a catch? What kind of credit score do you need for something like this? And, most importantly, what stores actually offer buy now, pay later?

In this article, we’re going to tackle all of these burning questions and provide you with a definitive list of 25 top retailers with buy now, pay later options.

What is “buy now, pay later?”

Buy now, pay later, or BNPL, is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an alternative service to layaway where you are able to buy something right now and pay for it over time. However, with layaway, you’re not actually taking possession of the items you’re purchasing until the final payment is made. Buy now, pay later offers instant gratification, providing you with your purchase right away and setting up a payment plan system over a predetermined period.

While this is a service offered by some of the largest retailers in the world, it’s not typically run through the retailer’s business system. Instead, they make use of a few different third-party services.

The biggest names in the buy now, pay later industry are:

These buy now, pay later platforms work with retailers to set up payment plans for the items you’ve got to have right away.

They spread your payments out over a longer period of time, giving you enhanced flexibility and more financial freedom during the shopping experience. These payments are typically spread out over four installments, usually corresponding to paycheck periods.

An image showcasing how buy now pay later works

What’s more, these services are incredibly simple to use. You get instant approval or rejection when you apply, but it’s not like applying for a credit card or personal loan. There’s no hard credit inquiry, which means that this process will have no direct impact on your credit score.

When applying for things like credit cards, car loans, and mortgages, a hard inquiry is placed on your credit score. When that happens, your score will take a brief hit, lowering by several points. There’s none of that here, and the process is actually very easy.

First, there’s a brief application to fill out. It includes information like your name, address, birthday, etc. Another great perk of this process is that you can still qualify for buy now, pay later services with bad credit or no credit.

Most of the popular buy now, pay later programs are interest-free, meaning that you’re not going to end up paying out the nose for specific items. Often, when you buy something with credit, there’s a ton of interest tacked onto the price, so you end up paying a lot more for the products you want. It just doesn’t feel like it because you’re paying it back slowly over time.

However, with BNPL, most services offer no interest payments, meaning you’re paying for the items you want at the prices listed on the retailers’ websites.

Some services will charge late fees if you fail to make a payment, however, so that should be enough to encourage on-time payments.

What stores offer buy now, pay later?

Now that you have a strong understanding of what buy now, pay later is, the question becomes, which stores actually offer it?

An image introducing the stores that include BNPL options

We’ve compiled this list of the top 25 buy now, pay later retailers for your convenience and review.

1. Amazon

The logo for Amazon

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Amazon is the world’s largest name in online retail. This eCommerce giant has become a household name, offering everything from gardening equipment to apparel, electronics, and pretty much anything you can imagine.

Amazon has revolutionized the way we look at online retail and offers its popular Prime service that provides free next-day shipping on many items located within its extensive catalog. Amazon participates in several online savings events, including Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Amazon?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here to find Amazon coupons.

2. Walmart


The logo for Walmart

(Image Source)

Walmart is an absolute juggernaut of a retail company, having more than 5,000 locations across the United States. Not only that, but it has a workforce that exceeds 2.3 million people.

On top of its thriving brick-and-mortar retail locations, Walmart also has an online store. While it doesn’t compete in the eCommerce world with the likes of Amazon, it’s a great option for people who are looking to add a little convenience to their shopping experience while also capitalizing on the company’s great pricing.

One great thing about Walmart is that not only can you use buy now, pay later options, but you can also buy online and pick up your items in a physical store.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Walmart?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here to find Walmart coupons.

3. Target

logo for Target

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When talking about the largest retailers in the United States, Target is always a part of the conversation.

The store’s motto is even “buy more, pay less,” so you can be sure that it will be offering some of the best possible prices. Target is also a juggernaut in the world of buy now, pay later, partnering up with a whopping five BNPL services for your convenience.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Target?

  • Afterpay (For gift cards only)
  • Sezzle
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Target coupons.

4. Best Buy

logo for best buy

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Best Buy has always been a one-stop-shop for electronics. This includes movies, entertainment systems, computers, printers, mobile devices, gaming consoles, accessories, and even large home appliances like refrigerators or washing machines.

Best Buy is also a great place to take broken electronics — such as laptops, mobile devices, or desktop computers — for repairs. Its popular Geek Squad service even makes home visits if someone isn’t able to bring their device into a physical store.

This is a hugely popular Black Friday shopping location, and it makes a few buy now, pay later options available to customers.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Best Buy?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Best Buy Coupons.

5. Adidas

logo for adidas

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Adidas is one of the most popular shoe lines in the world, so much so that it has its own retail locations like its chief competitor Nike (more on them a little later on).

Of course, Adidas doesn’t only offer shoes in its stores and online shop. It also sells sports gear and apparel, making Adidas a one-stop-shop for athletes looking to gear up with top-quality equipment. Its buy now, pay later option makes these purchases easier and more convenient for the average consumer.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Adidas?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Afterpay
  • Affirm

Click here for Adidas Coupons.

6. Home Depot

logo for home depot

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Home Depot is a dream location for home improvement, whether you’re handy or not. This super hardware store has everything you need for the next big project in your house.

If you need to purchase tools, they have every tool you could imagine. Plus, you’re able to mix and purchase paint. They have household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, toilets, and more. You can also buy lumber, gardening supplies, and even a Christmas tree at Home Depot stores.

These materials are made even more accessible thanks to several buy now, pay later options.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Home Depot?

  • Afterpay (For gift cards only)
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Home Depot coupons.

7. Kroger

logo for kroger

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Kroger is a large company that has a number of different brand names under its belt. These include Ralph’s, Smith’s, King Soopers, and Fred Meyer, among others. In fact, Kroger has 19 different brands under its family of stores.

A lot of people associate Kroger with groceries, and it is true that this company does specialize in that area. However, it also carries electronics, toys, and a lot of other larger items that are made more affordable and accessible with buy now, pay later services.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Kroger?

  • Afterpay
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Kroger coupons

8. CVS

logo for CVS Pharmacy

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CVS is one of the largest pharmacy stores in the world, but it’s a lot more than just a typical drugstore. While CVS has always specialized in pharmacy services, you can get several different items from its physical locations and online store.

This includes over-the-counter medications, household items, hair care products, stationery, groceries, and more.

Which buy now, pay later services work with CVS?

  • Afterpay (for gift cards only)
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for CVS coupons.

9. Costco

logo for costco wholesale

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Costco is a membership-based wholesale warehouse where you can buy items in bulk. This appeals to some of the more budget-minded individuals who want their money to stretch further.

Costco offers everything from food and beverage items to toiletries, clothing, appliances, and much more. Most Costco locations even have a gas station for members, which typically comes at a lower cost than public gas stations.

Costco members are able to take advantage of buy now, pay later services in order to stretch their paychecks even further with added convenience as they buy items in bulk.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Costco?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Costco coupons.

10. Lowe’s

logo for lowes

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Lowe’s is the chief competitor of Home Depot, also operating in the home improvement and hardware sector.

Lowe’s has an impressive array of tools for sale, along with other household appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more. You can also get lumber, gardening supplies, and even moving boxes for your next big move.

Lowe’s has several buy now, pay later options for people to choose from, making some of their larger items more attainable for customers on a budget.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Lowe’s?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Lowe’s coupons.

11. Macy’s

logo for macys

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Macy’s is one of the most recognized names in the department store world. Not only does it sell a variety of clothing, beauty, and home items, but it also has a place firmly etched in the pop culture world.

Macy’s puts on the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. It’s also a key part of the classic Christmas film Miracle on 34th Street. But while Macy’s has been around since before the black and white film days, it has embraced modern practices by offering a number of buy now, pay later options.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Macy’s?

  • Afterpay (For gift cards only)
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Macy’s coupons.

12. PetSmart

logo for petsmart

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PetSmart is the place you need to go for the furry friend in your life. It is one of the largest and most successful pet shops in the world. While you’re able to purchase some smaller pets at PetSmart, like fish, reptiles, and guinea pigs, to name a few, you can also get food, collars, leashes, beds, and more for larger pets like dogs and cats.

On top of that, you can buy containers and environments for smaller pets and even get your dog or cat groomed. Some PetSmart locations also offer obedience training for pets. When it comes to your fur baby, sometimes you need to buy something right away, and you can’t let budgetary constraints get in the way. That’s why PetSmart offers buy now, pay later options.

Which buy now, pay later services work with PetSmart?

  • Afterpay
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for PetSmart coupons.

13. Apple

logo for apple

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Apple is one of the most well-respected and trusted electronics companies in the world. Its physical locations and online store have revolutionized the industry, selling items like iPhones, iPads, iPods, and even laptop and desktop computers.

Apple products can be pricey, so buy now, pay later options are a definite plus when looking to invest in a quality computer or large device of that nature.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Apple?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Apple coupons.

14. Kohl’s

logo for kohl's

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Kohl’s is a department store specializing in a variety of different items. Of course, clothing is one of its most important areas, but it also sells jewelry, electronics, furniture, home decor, and more.

Kohl’s has both on-site brick-and-mortar stores and an online eCommerce store. You can use buy now, pay later options with this retailer when shopping online.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Kohl’s?

  • Afterpay (For gift cards only)
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Kohl’s coupons.

15. JCPenney

logo for jc penney

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JCPenney is another huge name in the department store industry. You can often find its physical locations anchoring shopping malls across the US. Recently, however, the company has had to close many of its locations, but it is still operating and running its business both in-person and online.

This company, which has existed for over 100 years, specializes in apparel, technology, jewelry, beauty products, and more. It offers several buy now, pay later services to make the shopping experience easier and more convenient for customers.

Which buy now, pay later services work with JCPenney?

  • Afterpay (For gift cards only)
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for JCPenney coupons.

16. Nordstrom

logo for nordstrom

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Nordstrom is a designer clothing retailer that specializes in some truly fine apparel. Not only does it sell gorgeous clothing for both men and women, but it also sells shoes and other accessories.

Nordstrom’s items are more expensive than somewhere like Walmart or Target, but you’re buying higher-quality items. Its buy now, pay later options make many of these items more attainable for the average buyer.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Nordstrom?

  • Afterpay
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Nordstrom coupons.

17. Wayfair

logo for wayfair

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Wayfair is a popular name in the online furniture retail industry. However, this company isn’t only limited to tables, chairs, couches, and beds. It also sells large household appliances, pet accessories and essentials, mattresses, home decor, and more.

Wayfair has partnered with a few buy now, pay later services to ensure that its customers can purchase easily.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Wayfair?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Wayfair coupons.

18. GAP

logo for gap

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GAP is a large clothing retailer specializing in apparel for all ages. They’re especially known for their jeans (and for their commercials in the 90s featuring a dog named Magic).

GAP has many affordable clothing options, but its buy now, pay later services can be applied to an entire shopping cart. That means you can purchase an entirely new wardrobe and pay for it in easy monthly installments.

Which buy now, pay later services work with GAP?

  • Afterpay
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for GAP coupons.

19. H&M

logo for h&m

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H&M features trendy apparel that’s more modern and minimalist. If this style appeals to you, then you might want to either pop into one of its physical locations or shop in its online store.

This company has a reputation for being stylish while also maintaining affordability. However, it becomes even more affordable when you apply buy now, pay later options into your online shopping cart.

Which buy now, pay later options work with H&M?

  • Afterpay
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for H&M coupons.

20. Etsy

logo for etsy

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Etsy is an online store that sells handmade items lovingly crafted by actual people. Anyone can set up an Etsy shop online and sell items they’ve made with their own hands. This often includes knitted pieces, artwork, clothing, and more.

Because of the man-hours it takes to create something by hand, sometimes Etsy creations come at a higher cost than something mass-produced in a factory by machines. But with buy now, pay later options, you can get those quality handmade items, supporting small independent creators in the process.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Etsy?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Etsy Coupons.

21. Crocs

logo for crocs

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Crocs are one of the more recognizable shoes on the market. They’re loved by people who have to be on their feet for long hours, such as those in the medical field, or even just tourists looking for a comfortable shoe to wear during long days in a theme park.

Crocs have many different styles, and they’re not all the typical rubber shoes with holes in them that many think of when they hear the brand name. Crocs have physical brick-and-mortar stores and an online shop that offers buy now, pay later options.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Crocs?

  • Afterpay
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Crocs coupons.

22. Nike

logo for nike

(Image Source)

Nike is a huge name in the world of sneakers and athletic wear. Its retail locations sell high-quality sneakers for running, sports, and everyday use, along with sportswear like joggers, shirts, and shorts.

Nike’s online store features several buy now, pay later options that make this name brand infinitely more affordable to many.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Nike?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Nike coupons.

23. Saks Fifth Avenue

logo for saks fifth avenue

(Image Source)

Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury department store chain founded in 1867. It has 45 locations around the United States and Canada, along with an online store.

Because it’s a luxury business, it has higher prices than your average store. But these prices become far less intimidating when you can break them down into four payments. That’s why this company offers buy now, pay later options.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Saks Fifth Avenue?

  • Afterpay
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Saks Fifth Avenue coupons.

24. GameStop

logo for gamestop (Image Source)

GameStop is a video game and electronics retailer with many physical locations and an online store. It’s known for selling both new and used video games. It also sells game consoles, both new and refurbished, along with gaming accessories.

GameStop has expanded its offerings to include memorabilia like Funko Pops, board games, and even some apparel. Some larger purchases, like a new gaming console, are more affordable when you break them down with buy now, pay later options.

Which buy now, pay later services are available with GameStop?

  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for GameStop coupons.

25. Sephora

logo for sephora

(Image Source)

Sephora is a makeup and beauty retailer with physical stores and an online shop. It sells makeup and other beauty supplies, even offering a free gift to customers on their birthdays.

Beauty and hair products typically don’t come cheap, and while Sephora does have several affordable options, it’s made even better with buy now, pay later services.

Which buy now, pay later services work with Sephora?

  • Afterpay (For gift cards only)
  • Klarna
  • Zip
  • Affirm

Click here for Sephora coupons.

Conclusion

Buy now, pay later is a game-changer for many in the retail world. People are no longer going into debt and torpedoing their credit scores to buy the items they want and need. This keeps credit scores strong for large important purchases like buying a house or a new car.

We’ve listed 25 retailers that carry buy now, pay later options, but there are many others out there also using these services to provide shoppers with flexible payment options. The end result is happier shoppers who can stick to their regular budgets while shopping more.

For more information on how you can save money while shopping online, check out CouponFollow’s extensive list of retail coupons.

about the author

Marc Mezzacca
Founder and CEO, CouponFollow
As the Founder and CEO of CouponFollow, Marc has a passion for helping consumers save time and money while shopping online. He’s been a bargain and deal hunter since the early 2000s.