Sezzle buy now, pay later: 2024 Review

What’s new with Sezzle?

In late 2023 Sezzle was ranked the number one buy now, pay later brand among Canadian consumers, and ranked third in the global BNPL market, according to BuiltWith.com, a website that tracks payment technologies of the top one million visited websites. 

Sezzle is best for no interest payment plans for small purchases

If cash is tight and you want to spread the cost of a purchase out without paying interest, Sezzle is worth a look. It offers buy now, pay later plans with two interest-free payments over two weeks or four interest-free payments for up to six weeks. 

If you need more time, a personal loan option is available with payoff terms between three and 48 months. You’ll pay interest rates ranging from 5.99 to 35.99 percent, if you qualify. 

Sezzle buy now, pay later purposes

You can spread the payments out on goods and services you purchase from over 47,000 brands that partner with Sezzle’s platform. You can use the service to budget for hotel and Airbnb costs on an upcoming vacation or to buy clothes, beauty supplies or groceries. 

If the payments for the two- or four-payment plans are too high, you can finance the purchase for up to 48 months. However, you’ll pay a rate of 5.99 to 34.99 percent, and will need to meet the credit and income requirements set by the lender that approves Sezzle loans.

Where Sezzle stands out

• Two interest-free payment options: You can choose a two- or four-payment option which evenly splits the payments out over two to six weeks. This can be a great tool if you need to purchase something, but want to avoid depleting your savings. It’s also a great alternative to credit cards or personal loans because there are no interest charges. 
• Longer term finance options available: If the payment is too steep on the interest-free payment plan, you can apply for a personal loan option with three to 48 month terms. However, you’ll pay a rate of up to 34.99 percent depending on your credit score and other factors. 
• Easy qualifying: The app gives you a minimum spending power to start that can be increased as you pay on time. No hard credit inquiry is required unless you apply for a longer term loan. 
• Highly rated app: Sezzle’s app scores 4.9 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

Where Sezzle falls short

• Requires a down payment to qualify: Your first payment typically needs to be made the day of your purchase. That means you’ll need to have enough cash on hand to pay 25 to 50 percent of the item’s cost the day you buy it. 
• Qualifying requirements not disclosed: Sezzle’s website doesn’t provide much detail about how your spending power is determined. That means you may be limited to a small amount at first until you have a track record of buying and paying items off. 
• May have limited brand access for free service: In order to use Sezzle for more recognizable brand names, you may need to purchase the premium paid subscription membership that you can’t access with the free option. 
• Payment history may not be reported to credit bureaus: Unless you enroll in the company’s Sezzle Up program, your payment history isn’t reported to the credit bureaus. You may want to choose a credit-builder loan if you’re trying to improve or build a credit score. 

Sezzle customer experience

Customer support

Sezzle offers messaging support 24/7 on its online dashboard or through its 4.9-start rated phone app. Phone support is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. An email contact form is also offered on the website. 

Digital experience

Sezzle’s digital app scores 4.9 out of 5 with over 148,000 ratings posted on the App Store. Users can shop a variety of different brands. However, access to well-known brands may require enrollment in Sezzle’s monthly subscription service, which is $12.99 per month. 

What people are saying about Sezzle

Trustpilot gives Sezzle an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5. Users consistently cite the ease of setting up the account and responsive customer service as reasons for the high ratings. 

Low ratings appear to show some confusion regarding the difference between Sezzle’s free service and its premium paid subscription service. Sezzle proactively responded to negative feedback and offered to have a representative speak to the users.

How this lender compares

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

Sezzle’s website indicates that your buying power is based on a soft pull of your credit score. Over time the amount you’re approved for may change depending on your payment history and how often you use the service. 

If you apply for a Sezzle personal loan, you may have to provide proof of your income and authorize a hard credit pull for the lender to determine if you qualify. The hard credit pull also helps it determine your interest rate and how much you can borrow.

How Bankrate rates Sezzle