PayPal Buy Now, Pay Later: 2024 Review

PayPal is best for no fee interest-free payment plans on small purchases

If cash is tight, you can split a purchase of up to $1,500 into four payments with no interest charges. There are no sign-up fees, no late fees and autopayment is available through a debit card, credit card or bank account. 

The Pay Monthly program is also available for purchases above the $1,500 threshold up to $10,000, with longer repayment periods up to 24 months. However, the APRs depend on your credit score and may be as high as 35.99 percent. 

PayPal buy now, pay later purposes

The Pay in 4 and Pay Monthly programs can be used to buy products at millions of merchants that accept PayPal. It may not be available for recurring subscription services and can’t be used to buy products with companies that don’t accept PayPal. 

You’re also limited to a purchase price maximum of $1,500 for Pay in 4, which may not be enough if you’re buying expensive items like exercise equipment or furniture sets.

Where PayPal stands out

• Interest and fee-free payment option: Besides the obvious benefit of zero interest, you also won’t pay sign-up or late fees of any kind with the PayPal Pay in 4 plan. 
• Available at online sites that accept PayPal: The PayPal brand is widely accepted, giving you more options to spread out payments on a variety of different products. 
• Easy qualifying: No hard credit check is required, and you get a decision within seconds of choosing PayPal at checkout. 
• Personal loan option available for higher cost items: If you need to stretch out the repayment on a more expensive item, PayPal’s Monthly program gives you up to 24 months to pay off up to $10,000. 

Where PayPal falls short

• First payment required up front: You’ll need to make your first payment at checkout if you’re approved for the Pay in 4 program, which may be tough if you’re strapped for cash.
• Not available in all states: If you live in Missouri or Nevada, you won’t be eligible for the Pay in 4 payment plan. 
• Only one no-interest payment plan available: You’re limited to a four-payment plan with PayPal, while others buy now, pay later companies offer additional choices. 
• Pay Monthly APRs are high: You could pay up to 35.99 percent for the longer term payment plan, and the lowest APR is just under 10 percent, making it more expensive than other excellent credit personal loan options. 

PayPal customer resources

Customer support

PayPal customer support is available by phone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, seven days a week. It also offers a chat feature, though you will need to be logged in to your account to use it. Messaging for assistance starts with a chatbot called PayPal Assistant. 

Digital experience

PayPal’s app gets a 4.8 out of 5 star rating with over 6.3 million ratings given. You’ll need the app to apply for the Pay in 4 or Pay Monthly options when you check out. If approved, you’ll make the first payment up front and the remaining payments over the next six weeks. 

There also seems to be a great deal of confusion in the ratings regarding product returns and refunds, as well as resetting passwords for access to PayPal accounts.

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How this lender compares

Do you qualify for a PayPal buy now, pay later plan?

PayPal doesn’t provide much detail about what’s needed to qualify for its payment plans. A soft credit pull is standard for the Pay in 4 program, but you won’t know if you qualify until you apply for a payment plan at checkout. You’ll also need to make a down payment that’s usually equal to your first payment. 

PayPal personal loan amounts and APRs depend on your credit score and may require extra documents for approval.

How Bankrate rates PayPal’s buy now, pay later plan