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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Afterpay vs Zip

Afterpay 4.9★ · Free to download 70
Winner Zip
Zip 4.9★ · Free to download 75

Zip has a slight edge over Afterpay due to its broader acceptance and more consistent user experience, despite both apps facing similar issues with customer service and account freezes.

Full reviews: Afterpay · Zip

Both Afterpay and Zip offer buy now, pay later services, with users appreciating the convenience of splitting payments. However, Zip generally receives more positive feedback for its wider usability and fewer reported technical glitches compared to Afterpay.

Head to head

Features & Flexibility edge: ZipR2R3R5R8
Afterpay Afterpay users appreciate the ability to buy items they couldn't afford upfront, including luxury goods and groceries, with no interest on standard payments R2R5R11R17. Some users also like the option to use gift cards R5. However, many express frustration over limited in-store use without a special card, which is not available to everyone R3R36. There are also complaints about issues with single-use cards and specific merchant integrations like Amazon and Walmart R8.
Zip Zip is highly praised for its versatility, allowing users to shop virtually anywhere, including using a virtual card for various purchases and even paying bills R70R76. Users find it helpful for groceries and other necessities . The app offers flexibility in payment dates, though some wish for more control over picking specific days .
Ease of Use & Reliability tieR1R8R17R20
Afterpay Afterpay is generally seen as convenient and easy to use for splitting payments R17. However, a significant number of users report frequent technical issues, including generic 'Something went wrong' errors at checkout, problems with identity verification, login difficulties, and the app freezing on certain stores R1R8R20. Some also mention issues with autofill not working .
Zip Many Zip users find the app easy to navigate, straightforward, and quick for approvals and setup R100. However, there are reports of glitches, such as pending transactions without warning, the app being temporarily on hold, and identity verification failures . Some users also describe the app as not user-friendly or having internal problems .
Account Management & Policies tieR1R6R7R9
Afterpay Afterpay users frequently report issues with sudden drops in spending limits, even for minor delays in payment R6R9. Accounts are often frozen or banned for payment malfunctions, identity verification requests, or for being slightly overdue, even after years of good history R1R18R30. Some users feel policies are discriminatory against lower-income individuals . There are also concerns about being charged for orders not placed or double invoicing R7.
Zip Zip users also experience account suspensions, often without clear reasons, and report issues with spending power decreasing after a break from using the app . There are serious complaints about overpayments, with users being charged multiple times for the same order and not receiving refunds . Some users report being approved for a purchase, having a down payment taken, but then the card declining at checkout .
Customer Service & Support tieR7R10R30R32
Afterpay Afterpay's customer service is a major point of contention, with numerous users describing it as unresponsive, unhelpful, and difficult to reach R7R10R30R32. Users report long wait times, being hung up on, and issues not being resolved even after providing requested documentation R7R30.
Zip Zip also faces criticism for its customer service, with users reporting difficulties reaching support, especially the 'internal team' needed to resolve complex issues . Some users claim customer service agreed on overpayments but did not issue refunds .
Pick Afterpay if

you primarily shop at Afterpay's direct merchant partners and value the no-interest payment plans for specific purchases R2R17.

Pick Zip if

you need a buy now, pay later option that offers broader acceptance and can be used for a wider range of purchases, including bills, and you prioritize flexibility in where you can shop R70R76.

Evidence note: Both apps have a high lifetime rating, but recent reviews for both show a significant number of negative experiences, particularly regarding technical issues, customer service, and account management policies. The free-to-download nature means many users are likely experiencing friction related to limits and account restrictions.

Frequently asked

Can I use Afterpay or Zip for in-store purchases?
Afterpay offers an in-store card, but eligibility is not guaranteed for all users, even those with good payment history and high spending limits R3R36. Zip, on the other hand, is widely praised for its virtual card which can be used almost anywhere, including in-store R70R76.
Do Afterpay and Zip charge interest?
Afterpay generally offers no-interest payment plans, which many users appreciate R11R17R39. Reviews do not explicitly mention interest charges for Zip's standard payment plans, focusing instead on the convenience of splitting payments R100.
What are common issues with Afterpay and Zip accounts?
Both Afterpay and Zip users frequently report issues with account freezes, suspensions, and unexpected drops in spending limits, often after minor payment delays or for unexplained reasons R6R18R30. Technical glitches, such as payment processing errors, login problems, and app malfunctions, are also common for both services R1R8.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] Afterpay 5/5 · US Love! Love! Love!: Afterpay is the absolute best company on the internet! Without Afterpay I couldn’t afford a lot of the items I’ve purchased. Thank you Afterpay for spoiling me rotten!
  2. [R3] Afterpay 3/5 · US It’s good but..: This app is great the only thing is Ive been using it for a while and have a lot of money I can use for my limit but they don’t give eligibility to everyone for them to have a afterpay card where they can use it in store so you would think with what I have they would trust me enough for the card but according to the support team they practically pick and choose who gets the card m
  3. [R5] Afterpay 5/5 · US Super helpful: Helps me buy what I need either in-store or online. The gift cards help with grocery shopping when short on cash and the customer service is always helpful if I have any questions are issues. 1000% recommend
  4. [R8] Afterpay 4/5 · US Messing up: I have no idea what happened, I’m an avid shopper online and I love using Afterpay. For some reason when I pay on Amazon it kicks my payments back all the time. I have to redo the pay1in-4 card multiple times delays my purchases because it does not accept them. Can you please fix this. It was flawless before now it’s nothing but issues.
  5. [R1] Afterpay 1/5 · US Cant Use After Years of Building: I recently tried using Afterpay for a purchase that I couldn’t afford to pay all at once. Every time I reached checkout, the app let me select a payment plan like everything was working, but as soon as I confirmed it, I got a generic “Something went wrong” error. This happened every single time. What makes this even more frustrating is that I have a $3,000 spendi
  6. [R17] Afterpay 5/5 · US No interest!: I really love and appreciate Afterpay! It is convenient, easy to use and no interest! It’s like using the old school “lay away” payment form before high interest credit cards were the payment of choice. Unlike “lay away”, you pay equal installments and get your purchases up front. You don’t have to pay anything off before you get your purchase!😃 It’s a great way to take control of yo
  7. [R20] Afterpay 2/5 · US Identity Verification: I cannot verify identity and everything is correct , chat is no help
  8. [R6] Afterpay 3/5 · US One hour missed payment?!: You guys really dropped my spending limit $700 for a missed payment that was one hour late wow I don’t know about using you guys anymore because that’s just ridiculous. I had an $1800 spending limit and I miss my payment by one hour and you guys drop my spending limit to only $1100. Shame on you. It wasn’t even a whole day overdue and you guys decrease my spending limit
  9. [R7] Afterpay 1/5 · US worst shopping experience ever: I will try to be as succinct as possible as I have already probably wasted 10 hours plus dealing with their alleged customer service team, customer service managers, etc. Long story short, they invoiced me twice, exact duplicates, for an order I made around Christmas 2025. Around that same time I also ordered two books for which they charged me over $150 but actua
  10. [R9] Afterpay 3/5 · US Its okay: Afterpay is okay. But they only thing i dont like is when they try to take a payment off your card at 6 in the morning and you paycheck dont hit till 3-4 in the afternoon and once it hit you make a payment and they lower your credit limit down. And they say you are late even though the day is not over with. I like zip way bettet
  11. [R10] Afterpay 1/5 · US Horrible theives: This company should be sued til they don’t have a cent left. Unresponsive customer service. Website doesn’t work. Harass you for payments that are NOT DUE YET!!! Do not use them, you’ve been warned
  12. [R30] Afterpay 1/5 · US Support sucks: Froze my account for no reason. Told me to send pictures to get it unfrozen. I did and it’s still frozen. Support hasn’t responded in days.
  13. [R32] Afterpay 1/5 · US Support is useless: Horrible customer service do not waste your time
  14. [R36] Afterpay 1/5 · US Sucks: Zip is way better, can use zip virtually anywhere. Afterpay you cannot. Unless you want to pay a monthly subscription. Afterpay gives a spending limit you can’t even use. Have a credit line over 650 dollars and can only use 25 dollar coverage at select stores. It’s basically useless.
  15. [R70] Zip 5/5 · US Number 1: This is by far the best “buy now, pay later” app. Never hassled me about lack of credit and so easy to use. Can use everywhere on anything.
  16. [R76] Zip 5/5 · US The most versatility: You can use your virtual card anywhere
  17. [R11] Afterpay 5/5 · US Buying things I want.: I’ve been able to buy my Michael korrs purses. Get massages and never worry about having to come up with everything up front. I have the freedom to enjoy making 4 easy payments no interest.
  18. [R39] Afterpay 5/5 · US Thanks Afterpay: Thank you for not having the interest rate anymore especially when I’m going through a difficult time with a relationship! Thank you!
  19. [R100] Zip 5/5 · US Fast, easy, and secure!: The zip app is very easy and straight forward. You know, how much up front and payments are easily drafted. It is very helpful especially for people whom may not get paid in the summer. Have never had a problem. Recommend them to anyone!
  20. [R18] Afterpay 2/5 · US It’s okay: Firsti thought afterpay was the best !!! Then my check was delayed by 4 days I paid my bill they paused my account told me I had to built good payment history back up after being with them 2years !!! Definitely paying them off and never using again

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store