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

Sezzle vs Affirm

Sezzle 4.9★ · Free to download 60
Winner Affirm
Affirm 4.9★ · Free to download 70

Affirm is generally a better choice for buy now, pay later services due to its wider merchant acceptance and fewer complaints about mandatory fees, despite both apps sharing similar issues with inconsistent purchasing power and customer service.

Full reviews: Sezzle · Affirm

Both Sezzle and Affirm offer buy now, pay later services, but Sezzle faces significant criticism for introducing mandatory subscription fees for basic functionality and inconsistent account management. Affirm, while not without its own customer service and purchasing power issues, is praised for its flexibility and broader acceptance, making it a more reliable option for most users.

Head to head

Features & Flexibility edge: AffirmR3R8R10R11
Sezzle Sezzle users appreciate the ability to split payments into 4 or 5 installments and the option for free payment reschedules R8. Some users find it helpful for various expenses, including building savings and emergency costs R8. However, a major point of contention is the introduction of a mandatory $20 monthly fee for 'Anywhere pay' and to use common stores like Amazon or Target, which many users see as a paywall R3R10R19R43. The app also offers points for playing games and quizzes, though the rewards system has been criticized for becoming stingy and points not always being awarded R11R12.
Affirm Affirm is praised for its flexibility in payment plans and wide range of shopping options, including travel and personal purchases . Users like the ability to choose payment plan options and the potential for $0 down and $0 interest with reasonable terms . It's also noted for being accepted at major retailers like Amazon . However, some users desire the ability to combine multiple payments, a feature available on competing platforms .
Ease of Use & Reliability tieR2R6R9R11
Sezzle Sezzle is described as convenient and easy to use for making purchases R2. Many users find it helpful for managing cash flow and appreciate quick approvals . However, the app frequently requires mandatory updates, which users find annoying R6. There are also reports of the app not opening when needed, issues with processing payments, and difficulties converting points to gift cards R9R11R13. Some users experience login problems and account access issues after losing email access .
Affirm Affirm is generally considered easy to use and reliable for making purchases and managing payments . Users appreciate the straightforward application process and quick responses . However, recent updates have made the login process more cumbersome, requiring both text and email verification . Some users report issues with the app's layout being too large for their phone and difficulties accessing all their cards for purchases . There are also reports of the app getting stuck in an update loop, preventing access .
Purchasing Power & Account Management tieR1R3R8R13
Sezzle Sezzle users report inconsistent available balances, with some experiencing significant drops in spending limits even after early payments R1R3. Accounts can be restricted or locked without clear reasons, leading to users being unable to use their balance R1. While some users report increases in purchasing power over time with responsible use R8, others are denied credit despite having cash advance apps that approve them . There are also instances where loaded money cannot be used for purchases R13.
Affirm Affirm users frequently complain about inconsistent and misleading 'purchasing power' estimates R63R67. Users are often approved for a certain amount but then denied for smaller purchases or find the approved amount fluctuates randomly R67. Some users report being denied credit after maintaining a perfect payment history, feeling it's a 'bait and switch' tactic . Failed payments can result in money being held for up to 10 days .
Fees & Value edge: AffirmR3R7R10R19
Sezzle Sezzle is heavily criticized for its fees. Users report a mandatory $20 monthly fee for 'Anywhere pay' or to access common stores R3R10R19R43. There are also complaints about high late payment fees, with one user citing $42 in fees for a failed payment and another noting a $25 late fee plus a processing fee R7. Some users feel the app has become 'paywall after paywall' and is a 'rip off' R10R19.
Affirm Affirm users generally praise the option for $0 down and $0 interest plans . However, some users report being charged a down payment for plans that are voided or disappear, leaving them without their money for 7-10 days . There are also complaints about payments not processing quickly enough and issues with double payments not applying to the next bill but rather to the back of the loan . Some users feel the company is 'predatory' due to these practices and hidden fees .
Customer Service & Support tieR1R12R13R16
Sezzle Sezzle's customer service receives overwhelmingly negative feedback. Users describe it as 'utterly pathetic,' 'extremely lacking,' and non-existent R1R12R16R27. Issues include ignored disputes, auto-generated responses, agents cutting conversations short, and a lack of resolution for problems like unreceived rewards points or locked accounts R1R12R16. One user reported over 7 attempts to resolve a payment processing issue with no success R13. In contrast, one positive review noted a quick response to a dispute within 24 hours .
Affirm Affirm's customer service is also a significant pain point for many users, described as 'non-existent,' a 'maze of AI bots,' and 'terrible' . Users report receiving inconsistent and incorrect information, agents closing conversations prematurely, and issues remaining unresolved even after numerous calls over months . Some users complain about being given automated answers even when speaking to humans . However, a few users had positive experiences, noting ease in solving problems and getting refunds .
Pick Sezzle if

You are a long-term user who has built a good relationship with Sezzle and benefits from increased spending limits and free payment reschedules, or if you enjoy earning rewards through in-app games R8R12.

Pick Affirm if

You prioritize flexible payment plans, broad merchant acceptance including major retailers like Amazon, and the potential for $0 interest options .

Evidence note: Both apps have a high lifetime rating, but recent negative reviews for Sezzle heavily focus on the introduction of mandatory subscription fees and account restrictions. Affirm's negative reviews are more spread across inconsistent purchasing power and customer service issues. The free-to-download nature of both apps means that many negative reviews might stem from users who are dissatisfied with credit limits or fees, which are inherent to such services.

Frequently asked

Does Sezzle charge a monthly fee?
Yes, Sezzle has introduced a mandatory $20 monthly fee for features like 'Anywhere pay' and to use the service at common stores like Amazon or Target R3R10R19R43.
Are the spending limits consistent on these apps?
No, both Sezzle and Affirm users frequently report inconsistent and fluctuating spending limits and purchasing power, with approved amounts often not honored at checkout or decreasing unexpectedly R1R3R63R67.
How is customer service for Sezzle and Affirm?
Customer service for both Sezzle and Affirm receives significant criticism, with users reporting issues like unhelpful AI bots, agents ending chats prematurely, inconsistent information, and a general lack of resolution for problems R1R12R16R27.

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] Sezzle 3/5 · US It’s okay: The app is okay for borrowing money and payment plans but I’ve definitely had better before (Klarna, Shop, Afterpay, Affirm). Sezzle requires you to pay a $20 monthly fee just to even be able to use the money and make a payment plan and they tried to make it sound cool but coining it as (Anywhere pay) when the pay should’ve been available to be used anywhere from the beginning. They als
  2. [R8] Sezzle 5/5 · US The best: I literally use this app for everything from building up my gold & silver savings, fixing and building my race car, emergency expenses. Its the greatest thing ever! You can split in 4 or 5 and they even go as far as giving you FREE reschedules if you happen to have a different expense in your due date. I highly recommend this app to anyone. They start you off at 300$ after about a year o
  3. [R10] Sezzle 1/5 · US Paywall after paywall: I’ve had Sezzle for years now every store is stuck behind a paywall
  4. [R11] Sezzle 4/5 · US Please fix: App is good but just recently I haven’t been able too exchange my point to Sezzle spend which is disappointing and it won’t let me convert the points too gift cards anymore I think there’s a bug issue or idk but besides that it’s good overall if you like playing games n making a quick buck
  5. [R2] Sezzle 5/5 · US Sezzle where have you been all my life!!!: Sezzle has made it convenient and easy for me to make purchases for my family without breaking the bank. As a single Mom with 3 daughters!! kudos to Sezzle you are the best!! Thank you sooo much!!!
  6. [R6] Sezzle 3/5 · US Can you STOP updating: EVERY 2 days it feels like there is a mandatory update and it’s annoying
  7. [R9] Sezzle 3/5 · US App works when it wants.: Love sezzle itself but the app never wants to open for me when I need to use it !
  8. [R1] Sezzle 1/5 · US Inconsistent available balance: They’ll tell you that your available balance will go up if you pay early or on time, but that’s a lie, I made an early payment of $115 and they took $400 dollars away from my available balance. Once again as soon as my available balance reached $2000 Sezzle found a way to restrict my account, now I can’t use it at all, and customer service is utterly pathetic.
  9. [R13] Sezzle 1/5 · US Problems: Every time I try to pay with my Sezzle balance it won’t process, I have reported 7 times with no resolve, still have money that I loaded that I can’t use.
  10. [R7] Sezzle 1/5 · US Ridiculous: This app is ridiculous. My card was locked which caused me to have “failed” payment i can understand if the card had insufficient funds these people charge me $42 in fees, almost twice the cost of what was owed ridiculous. Rip off money hungry
  11. [R19] Sezzle 1/5 · US What happened?: Every online store I frequently use now comes with a monthly fee. No thanks. Keep your membership. This was a dumb move
  12. [R12] Sezzle 3/5 · US Legitimate app but poor service: This app is legit, I have honestly made about +$160 in gift cards in just a month and a half, mostly thru arcade games and the money IQ. They also are good for credit reporting and giving you a decent amount for buy now pay later. The customer service is extremely lacking though. First time i had issues with not getting reward points for a game i had played an
  13. [R16] Sezzle 1/5 · US Sezzle Allowed Fraudulent Charges, Ignored and Canceled My Sub: This is the worst of any buy now pay later app. Go with literally anyone else. It’s annoying AF to use and costs way too much to use, monthly. I had a charge from Amazon but received no product at all. I opened a dispute and contacted “priority support” that you get from a subscription, but they ignored me or just sent auto-generate
  14. [R43] Sezzle 1/5 · US Rip off!: They make pay a subscription on top of getting approved! If you want to shop at common stores like Amazon or Target they charge you a premium! There are WAY better buy now pay later apps!! Go elsewhere where they are greedy here
  15. [R63] Affirm 3/5 · US Purchasing Power: Purchasing power is annoyingly inconsistent. Like if I’m approved for a certain amount, tell me that. If I’m not approved, tell me that. A constantly fluctuating number is not helpful.
  16. [R67] Affirm 1/5 · US Bs purchasing power: Says “YOU HAVE $700 SPENDING POWER” but yet it can’t give me any plans for a $200 order? AI assistant says the $700 is an “estimate” which would still make no sense not being able to do anything with a $200 order not even letting me pay half up front. App is pointless and misleading
  17. [R27] Sezzle 2/5 · US Customer service is terrible and takes forever to process payments: I used sezzle as a payment method at least 3 times. I made some returns on my very first order and I’m still waiting on my refund. I contacted customer support for clarification and the agent literally cut our conversation short without resolving the problem. Not only that, but they make you pay for their subscription to be able t

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