Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Zip vs PayPal

Zip 4.9★ · Free to download 75
Winner Zip
PayPal 4.8★ · Free to download 60

Zip is generally preferred for its ease of use and flexibility in buy now, pay later (BNPL) options, while PayPal, despite its widespread acceptance, faces significant criticism regarding customer support, app performance, and payment holds.

Full reviews: Zip · PayPal

Zip excels as a 'buy now, pay later' app, praised for its straightforward interface and broad acceptance, making purchases manageable. PayPal, a long-standing payment giant, is widely used but struggles with app performance, customer service, and issues like payment holds and unexpected charges, leading to user frustration.

Head to head

Features & Flexibility (Buy Now, Pay Later) edge: ZipR3R10R16R39
Zip Zip is highly praised for its 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) functionality, allowing users to split purchases into manageable payments and use a virtual card almost anywhere R10R16R39R42. Users appreciate the ability to shop from any store by searching via Google/URL within the app R42 and the flexibility to pay bills in installments . Some users wish for the option to pick specific payment days based on their pay schedule R3.
PayPal PayPal also offers a 'Pay in 4' option, but users report issues like being charged the down payment multiple times and money being held for days R64. While some find the 'pay in 3' feature helpful for more expensive buys R109, others note the app lacks full functionality compared to the website, such as recovering chat with customer service or applying discounts to invoices .
Ease of Use & Reliability edge: ZipR1R6R7R13
Zip Many Zip users find the app easy to navigate, straightforward, and quick to set up . The approval process is quick, and payment tracking with reminders is appreciated . However, some recent reviews highlight significant reliability issues, including pending transactions without warning R1, overpayments R7, internal problems like 'Pay with Zip temporarily on hold' R13, and the app being glitch-filled or unable to open after updates R6.
PayPal PayPal users report frequent issues with app performance, including slow loading times , inability to move money around , and the app not opening or allowing sign-in after updates . Payments sometimes don't process, forcing users to switch to a browser . Some find the interface complex, requiring many prompts for simple tasks , and the app can get stuck in portrait mode on iPads .
Customer Service & Support tieR1R7R9R15
Zip Zip's customer service receives strong criticism, with users reporting difficulty reaching help lines, no supervisors for escalation R1, and issues never being resolved R9. Many complain about the 'internal team' being the only ones who can fix problems, but they are unresponsive R15. Users who experience overpayments or account suspensions report not getting refunds or resolutions R7R9.
PayPal PayPal's customer service is a major pain point, with users calling it 'horrible' and 'unhelpful' . Many report issues with calls hanging up R76 or chatbots and agents failing to solve problems . Users needing to change account details after moving countries find no assistance . Some reviews, despite giving 5 stars to appear at the top, describe customer service as rude, unhelpful, and even attempting to steal information .
Payment Processing & Account Issues tieR1R4R7R9
Zip Zip users report issues with payments, including transactions pending without warning R1, fake payments being printed R4, and overpayments where funds are not refunded R7. Some accounts are suspended without clear reason, even for long-term users R9. There are also instances where Zip approves a down payment but the virtual card declines at checkout, leading to long refund waits R11.
PayPal PayPal users frequently experience money being held for weeks or even months R73R76. The 'Pay in 4' feature can lead to multiple charges for down payments R64. Users also report unauthorized charges and difficulties with their cards not being accepted . PayPal is criticized for randomly unlinking bank accounts for 'security' without notice and for issues with PayPal Credit payments not working in the app .
Value & User Experience edge: ZipR27R34R41R46
Zip Many Zip users express strong appreciation, calling it a 'life saver' R46 and 'best thing ever' for helping them manage finances, especially during tough times R34R41. It's seen as a way to purchase needed items without judgment R27. However, some users are frustrated when their 'spending power' resets after a break, feeling unappreciated .
PayPal PayPal is valued for its security and convenience in online payments R109. Users appreciate cash back offers, though some wish for more in-store options . However, the user experience is marred by intrusive push notifications for ads and promotions, which persist even when marketing notifications are turned off . Some users also feel the app's age restrictions are too high .
Pick Zip if

You frequently use 'buy now, pay later' services and value an app that is generally easy to use, offers flexibility in where you can shop, and helps manage payments for purchases and bills R10R16R39R42.

Pick PayPal if

You need a widely accepted payment platform for general online transactions and sending/receiving money, and you are willing to navigate potential app performance issues and customer service challenges R109.

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of positive lifetime ratings, but recent negative reviews for both highlight critical issues. Zip's negative reviews often focus on payment processing errors and unresponsive customer support, while PayPal's negative reviews frequently mention app performance, payment holds, and poor customer service. The sheer volume of PayPal reviews means its negative feedback, while a smaller percentage, represents a larger absolute number of frustrated users.

Frequently asked

Can I use Zip for all my purchases?
Yes, many Zip users praise its versatility, stating you can use your virtual card almost anywhere and shop from any store by searching via Google/URL within the app R16R42R57.
Does PayPal have a 'buy now, pay later' option?
Yes, PayPal offers 'Pay in 4' and 'Pay in 3' options, which allow users to split more expensive purchases into installments R64R109.
Are there issues with customer support for these apps?
Both Zip and PayPal receive significant criticism for their customer support, with users reporting unhelpful, unresponsive, or difficult-to-reach service R1R7R9R15.
Do these apps have problems with holding funds?
PayPal users frequently report issues with money being held for weeks or even months R73R76. Zip users also report issues with pending transactions and delayed refunds R1R11.

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. [R3] Zip 3/5 · US Option to pick your payment days: I just wish I gave you the option to update or pick the days to make the payment based on your pay
  2. [R10] 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.
  3. [R16] Zip 5/5 · US The most versatility: You can use your virtual card anywhere
  4. [R39] Zip 5/5 · US Perfect: This app makes it so easy to purchase items that I need and want to take care of. I never have worry about how to payment plans as it’s transparent and simple to understand.
  5. [R1] Zip 1/5 · US NO WARNING ABOUT PENDING TRANSACTIONS: Who orders fast food to pick up on 24 hours? Must be the staff at Zip… I ordered and got my pickup time only to arrive at a restaurant with no confirmation and no order placed . Reopening the app said transaction is pending BUT Zip gave a pickup and no warning about pending payments. ALSO there nobody on the help lines (no supervisor) who can escalate help
  6. [R6] Zip 3/5 · US Recent update: Can’t open app. Is it my political stance or just a bug again?
  7. [R7] Zip 2/5 · US OVERPAYMENTS: I used zip religiously for YEARS, now they’re taking 2-3 payments out, I have 4 active orders and they took out 6 payments yesterday(2 of them were charged twice) even customer service agreed when I showed them my bank statement compared to my zip app. Did I get refunded? NOPE. Did they honor the overpayment? ALSO NO. I will never ever use zip again and I will NOT be paying the rest
  8. [R13] Zip 1/5 · US One Internal Problem After Another.: I’ve had my account for over 5 years now. Recently, since June of last month, I have been getting all sorts of interface issues. One issue is where I attempted to make a purchase, I received the message “Pay with Zip temporarily on hold.” The app instructed me to pay the installments that were preventing me from continuing to use Zip. I immediately paid both
  9. [R9] Zip 1/5 · US Worst app ever: I had been using zip for years paid every payment on time I one day logged into my account and it says my account is suspended when I look at my history Every time I called customer service multiple times about this situation they give me the run stop every time my issue is never resolved
  10. [R15] Zip 1/5 · US Internal team: Why is the internal team the only one to fix your issue, I’ve been trying to get a hold of them for the past couple of days… no response I got my zip back I can’t even use it. Can somebody please fix this issue
  11. [R4] Zip 1/5 · US I need my refund: Printing fake payments to pay merchant.. running leave there Calculating due amount without transaction they don’t complete
  12. [R27] Zip 5/5 · US I love ZIPPPP!: Thank God for the creators of ZIP. After raising 5 children and battling tons of debt for college and my medical bills. I feel as if I ZIP didn’t judge me, they took one for the TEAM.They gave me a chance, now I can purchase things for my Grandchildren and myself now, the people at zip allow me the luxuries. Just make certain you pay them on the dates you specify. They give you op
  13. [R34] Zip 5/5 · US Loooove: You all are awesome. I lost my job and you all kept me going thank you
  14. [R41] Zip 5/5 · US LoveLove: This app has saved my life in many ways i am able to buy items to sale and pay later I love ZIP
  15. [R46] Zip 5/5 · US Life saver: Best card ever.
  16. [R42] Zip 5/5 · US Will forever use Zip !: Love this app especially the fact that you can search using Google/url and shop from any store . Easy user interface very straight forward and always an amazing experience
  17. [R57] Zip 5/5 · US Love it: You can use zip to pay anything!!!
  18. [R64] PayPal 1/5 · US Subpar: DO NOT USE PAYPAL. This is the third time I have used pay in 4. They approve it and charge your bank the down payment 3 times and hold the money for 3 days. They blame the vendor and say there is nothing they can do. Fraud. Stay away use any other payment system
  19. [R109] PayPal 5/5 · GB Worry free payments: Love this app it’s a secure way to pay whatever needs paying. I use it a lot even better now with pay in 3 opens up the more expensive buys but splits it in 3 payments I’ve found this a very helpful secure way to pay. Great app!
  20. [R11] Zip 1/5 · US Scam!: Warning! I was approved at check out at Best Buy. Com. Zip approved it, took my $100 down payment and then their card declined at check out even though ZIP popped up as a partner with Best Buy. Contacted support who had no answers besides, it was declined and you’ll get a refund in 13 DAYS. Insane! Completely ripped off
  21. [R73] PayPal 1/5 · US No good: Every time i try to use this app they take so much money and now my money is stuck inside the app for 30 days this app sucks
  22. [R76] PayPal 1/5 · US Where is my money: My friend sent me $1,000 over a month ago and they have not given it to me, it just stays in pending. I have called them and it hangs up saying unavailable at this moment. Never use this app

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