Is Afterpay or Zip Pay better?

Afterpay and Zip Pay provide similar buy now pay later services but there are some differences. Whichever one is better for you will depend on how well you can meet the repayment schedules. You want to be able to repay the money on time to avoid any additional fees.

Can I use Afterpay and Zip Pay at the same time?

You may be able to use Afterpay and Zip Pay at the same time, but with buy now pay later services now conducting credit checks it may be more difficult. You also cannot use one BNPL service to make a repayment of another.

Will applying for Afterpay or Zip Pay hurt my credit score?

Because BNPL services are now required to conduct credit checks when customers apply, an enquiry will appear on your credit file. This may mean your credit score is impacted. It's important to only apply for a BNPL service if it's absolutely necessary, only apply for small limits and not apply too many times in a short period of time.

Afterpay vs Zip Pay: Interest-free plans compared

Afterpay and Zip Pay are buy now pay later services which allow you to buy goods but pay for them over time.
They differ in terms of how they spread out your repayments, but they also have different fees and limits to consider.
You should be wary of fees and charges when using 'interest-free' plans.

What are Afterpay and Zip Pay?

Both Afterpay and Zip Pay are buy now pay later (BNPL) services. BNPL allows you to buy what you need but either spread the cost out over time or delay the cost.

This works by the provider essentially paying for the product(s) on the buyer's behalf and the buyer repaying the provider later on.

Afterpay requires you to repay over the course of 6 week instalments. Zip Pay provides monthly statements with minimum repayments to be made each month.

Zip Pay has a credit limit of $1,000, but there are other tiers of Zip if you need a higher limit.

Paying late fees

In June 2025, 20% of Australians admitted that they didn't always manage to pay off their BNPL balance in time, meaning they incurred late fees and extra charges.

Source: Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker

Compare Afterpay vs Zip Pay

	Afterpay	Zip Pay
Credit limit	Starts with a low credit limit and gradually increases or decreases based on good or bad spending behaviour.	From $350 up to $1,000.
Interest	No interest.	No interest.
Repayments	To be made over 6 weeks.	To be made 1 calendar month after you receive your statement. A monthly account fee will apply if the balance is not paid by the due date.
Payment instalments	4 instalments, paid every 2 weeks; 25% of the price is paid upfront. The option for no upfront payment is available for Afterpay Plus subscribers.	2 payment schedules are available. You can either choose your own repayment amounts, dates and frequency to suit you. Or you can choose Zip's fee waiver schedule where Zip automatically adjusts your schedule to pay off the full balance owing each month to avoid the monthly account fee.
Upfront and ongoing fees	None.	A monthly account fee of $9.95 may apply if you don't pay your monthly statement in full. No fees will be charged for additional payments.
Late payment fees	The late fee starts at $10 and is never higher than 25% of the purchase price or $68, whichever is less.	A $7.50 late fee will be charged if you miss the minimum repayment. This will be charged 7 days after your due date.
Payment flexibility	The number of instalments cannot be changed, but you can make custom payments and pay more or less than the payment due. This feature can be accessed only on the website.	You can choose weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments, so long as you cover the minimum amount owed.
Sign-up	Via app for in-store and online shopping. Registering prior to online shopping is not required; the account can be created afterwards.	You can sign up for Zip Pay online.
Eligibility	Afterpay uses a mandatory ID verification process. To qualify for Afterpay, you must: ✔️ Live in Australia. ✔️ Be over 18. ✔️ Have a valid and verifiable email address and mobile phone number. ✔️ Use a valid Australian credit or debit card. ✔️ Capable of entering into a legally binding contract.	To qualify for Zip Pay, you must: ✔️ Be over 18. ✔️ Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. ✔️ Have a verified Facebook, PayPal or online banking account under your name. ✔️ Have a good credit history. ✔️ Have a valid and verifiable email address and mobile number.
Find out more	Read the full review	Read the full review

Do Afterpay and Zip Pay conduct credit checks?

Since 10 June 2025, BNPL providers like Afterpay and Zip Pay must hold an Australian credit licence and assess your finances before approving you. This includes a credit check when you sign up and for some limit increases, which may appear as an enquiry on your credit file. Afterpay doesn't currently report your repayment history to credit bureaus. Zip may list missed payments or defaults on your credit file.

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Interest rate (p.a.)	Min. loan amount	Max. loan amount	Establishment Fee	Credit Check Required?
Afterpay	0%	$35	$1,500	$0 establishment fee	Yes	Select Afterpay at the checkout online or in-store. Repay in four equal fortnightly instalments.	View details	loading
Zip Pay	0%	$350	$1,000	$0 establishment fee. $9.95 monthly fee applies.	Yes	Purchase now and pay later with a line of credit up to $1,000.	View details	loading

Showing 2 of 2 results

Our expert says: Don't get caught in the spiral

"Afterpay and Zip Pay may start off by giving you 'low' credit limits but it's really easy to get caught in a spiral. Once the money is seemingly available it can encourage people to spend more on. Just because you're able to pay off the cost later, doesn't mean you'll be able to more comfortably afford it later. Buy now pay later should only be used as an emergency for things you actually need."

Rebecca Pike

Editor, Money

Frequently asked questions about Afterpay vs Zip Pay

Because BNPL services are now required to conduct credit checks when customers apply, an enquiry will appear on your credit file. This may mean your credit score is impacted. It's important to only apply for a BNPL service if it's absolutely necessary, only apply for small limits and not apply too many times in a short period of time.

Finder writers are subject matter experts and use primary sources, in-depth research and interviews with other experts to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information. Articles are fact checked in line with our editorial guidelines.
1. Afterpay
2. Zip Pay
3. Australian BNPL Regulations, Afterpay
4. Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, accessed 14 July 2025

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by

Elizabeth Barry

Journalist

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Elizabeth Barry is an experienced journalist with over 10 years of expertise in personal finance, contributing to outlets like the ABC, Sydney Morning Herald, and 7News. She holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Technology Sydney, and has earned multiple award nominations, including a Highly Commended recognition at the 2017 Lizzies. Elizabeth began her career at Finder in 2013, progressing through roles to become Lead Editor, where she oversaw a wide range of personal finance coverage until 2024. See full bio

Elizabeth's expertise

Elizabeth has written 151 Finder guides across topics including:

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14 Responses

CreditFebruary 18, 2018

Can I get this zippy my name is Suzanne

Finder

JonathanMarch 7, 2018Finder

Hi Suzanne, thanks for your inquiry.

ZipPay is a method of payment which allows you to receive your product now and repay over time.

Best,

Jonathan

SuzanneMarch 7, 2018

How do i apply for this

Finder

JonathanMarch 8, 2018Finder

Hi Suzanne,

To sign up for Zip Pay, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Have a valid and verifiable mobile phone number and email address
Be at least 18 years of age and able to enter into a legally binding contract
Have an Australian bank account or credit card
Have basic information about yourself as well as bank account or credit card details

To sign up, you can create an account using your Facebook or PayPal account information. Once you’ve signed up with your basic information, you’ll be given approval within seconds, after which you can immediately begin buying with Zip Pay.

You can check out the full list of eligible stores for your reference.

Best,

Jonathan

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Afterpay vs Zip Pay

Keep an eye out for repayment terms, schedules and fees when comparing.