book a trip now pay later

How Buy-now, Pay-later Services Work

Airlines and travel agencies partner with BNPL services like the travel-specific Uplift or the more broadly available Affirm to offer monthly payment options. Some take payments through PayPal Credit and/or Klarna. Learn about the differences between these services and how they work.

Affirm allows customers to pay monthly or every two weeks. Terms can last up to 48 months for the largest loans, but more typically, they last up to a year. Interest rates vary by person, ranging from 0% to 36% APR, and are determined at the time of sign-up. A down payment and credit check might be required when you apply for a loan.

To use Affirm, you will need a phone number to use as an account login. The service is available only in the U.S. and Canada. Once you've created your account and gotten approved for a loan amount, you can set up auto-pay or pay each month via the app or website. You can find a full list of Affirm's travel partners, including airlines and accommodations, on its website.

PayPal Credit

This is a monthly payment option provided by travel companies that take PayPal. Typically, you'll choose PayPal as your payment method, and once you sign into your PayPal account, you can choose PayPal Credit. As of 2023, the variable purchase APR is about 28% for new accounts, but you can avoid paying interest altogether if you pay the loan off within six months. Loan applications are subject to credit approval.

Uplift is the leading pay-over-time financing service in the travel space, partnering with cruise lines, hotel chains, airlines, and more. Once you have selected a product, like your flight, you are shown a per-month rate based on the price of the items in your shopping cart. When you get to the payment page and choose monthly payment as your option, you will be asked for some personal details, and once you click "check rate," you will be told whether you've been approved. Uplift offers an APR of 0% to 36% based on your credit. You won't be penalized for paying late or early, and you can set up autopay so the money comes out of your account automatically.

Klarna breaks up the price of your ticket into monthly payments or four equal payments to be made two weeks apart. Add the Klarna extension to your Chrome browser or download the app on your phone, then book your flight as usual, selecting Klarna at checkout. The first payment will be due upfront. Klarna offers an APR of 0% to about 30%.

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Buy now, pay later with KAYAK and Affirm

Don’t let budget get in your way – enjoy monthly installments for select flights, stays and rental cars booked on KAYAK.

What is Affirm?

Book today and pay over time.

Feel good about what you book and how you pay for it. With Affirm, you can make thoughtful purchases and pay over time while staying on budget. See here for additional details .

Affirm benefits

Quick and easy

Select Affirm as your payment method when booking and choose the payment plan that works for you.

No hidden fees

Affirm helps you break up payments with no fees or surprises, so you’ll know exactly how much you owe.

Real-time eligibility check

Answer a few questions to check your eligibility -or prequalify to see how much you can spend without affecting your credit score.

Images below are for illustrative purposes only

How to use Affirm on KAYAK

Step 1 – look for the kayak logo **.

Once you find the flight, stay or rental car perfect for you, look for the KAYAK logo when choosing which provider to book with.

**Applicable bookings may be labeled with “Instant booking” and/or a thunderbolt icon.

Step 2 – Select “Affirm” as your method of payment

When choosing your payment option, select Affirm as the method of payment for your booking.

Step 3 – Check your eligibility on Affirm

Simply enter your mobile number to confirm your account and answer a few questions to check your eligibility. Don’t stress–this won’t affect your credit score.

Step 4 – Compare your payment plan options

Quickly and easily compare the payment plan options available for your booking.

Step 5 – Review your final payment plan

Review the payment options for your booking and complete your reservation by paying with Affirm.

Rates from 10–36% APR. For example, a $800 purchase might cost $72.21/mo over 12 months at 15% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available everywhere, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders . Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. See affirm.com/licenses for important info on state licenses and notifications.

Search now and pay with Affirm

Frequently asked questions.

Yes! There’s no penalty for paying early.

You can make or schedule payments at affirm.com  or in the Affirm app
 for iOS or Android. Affirm will send you email and text reminders before payments are due.

No—your credit score won’t be affected when you create an Affirm account or check your eligibility. If you decide to buy with Affirm, this may impact your credit score. You can find more information in Affirm’s Help Center.

Yes, your travel booking must be $150 or greater.

For any cancellation or change requests, please reach out directly to the merchant via customer support service number provided in your booking confirmation emails.

Yes, you’ll need a mobile phone number from the U.S. or U.S. territories. This helps Affirm verify it’s really you who is creating your account and signing in.

You can visit their website at affirm.com .

California consumers have the right to opt out of the sale * of their personal information. For more information on how we securely process personal information, please see our Privacy Policy .

Do not sell my info ON

* The definition of "sale" under the California Consumer Privacy Act is applicable only to California consumers.

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Enjoy now. Pay over time.

Spread the cost of your trip over low monthly payments.

Experience Buyer's Joy Feel good about what you book and how you pay for it. With Uplift, you can make thoughtful purchases and pay for them in bite-sized installments while keeping yourself on a budget.

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• Select Uplift at checkout Add purchases to your cart just like you normally would. When you are ready to check out, choose Uplift as your form of payment.
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• Enjoy now Enjoy your trip now and pay for it over time with low monthly installments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Uplift?

Uplift gives you the freedom to book travel now and pay over time with simple fixed installments. Some plans include interest while some are interest-free. When you're ready to check out, just select "Uplift" as your payment method, complete a short application and receive quick decision. Choose the terms of your payment plan, finish checking out and enjoy your purchase. Then, pay over time with simple, no-surprise monthly payments.

• How do I apply for installment payments through Uplift?

Shop for your items and add them to your cart just like you normally would. When you are ready to check out, simply select Uplift as your payment method. To apply, you'll need to provide some basic information like your mobile number, date of birth, and if you are a U.S. resident, your Social Security Number. If you're approved, finish checking out and you're done.

• How are my loan term offers determined?

We look at a number of factors, including your credit information, purchase details and more.

• How do I make installment payments?

You can make a payment anytime at pay.uplift.com and clicking on the Loans tab. From there, click the Make a Payment button.

We recommend that you enable AutoPay at time of purchase so that your payments are automatically deducted each month. If you don't have AutoPay enabled, visit pay.uplift.com, click on the Accounts page and set the AutoPay toggle to ON. You can also change the form of payment on file with Uplift anytime at pay.uplift.com.

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• I purchased a trip using Uplift, can I travel before it’s paid off?

Yes! You do need to allow a few days between booking and your departure date for things to process. Other than that, you are free to travel whenever - even before you're all paid off.

• What is your Privacy Policy and Terms of Use?

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Down payment may be required. Actual terms are based on your credit score and other factors and may vary. APRs range from 0% to 36%. Minimum $300 purchase required. Not everyone is eligible. Loans made through Uplift are offered by these lending partners: uplift.com/lenders.

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Uplift’s Address: 440 N. Wolfe Road Sunnyvale, CA 94085

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I only need accommodations for part of my trip

What are the benefits of vacation payment plans?

Paying for your vacation in instalments can help you spread the costs and also gives you the option to plan a vacation you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. By booking in advance and choosing a trip payment plan you’ll give yourself plenty of time to pay for the vacation of your dreams. It can also come in handy when paying for a group booking, giving you extra time to round up money from other members of your party.

Can I book now and pay later with Expedia?

With Expedia you can filter your vacation search results by payment type, to see what options are on offer. If you know you need to spread the costs, go straight to our latest book now, pay later deals . With this option you can reserve your accommodation ahead of time, and cancel or modify your booking with no extra fees, should your plans change.

How can I find great deals on vacation packages?

To grab the best deal on your next vacation, book your accommodation, flight, and car rental as an Expedia bundle . Search the latest deals to see what’s on offer and then choose to pay monthly for your vacation on checkout.

Does Expedia have a flexible cancellation policy?

Find free cancellation and pay later options by filtering your search results by payment type, so you can rest assured that your vacation is fully flexible. Cancellation policies differ between vacation packages, so it’s always best to check at the time of booking.

Why should I book a vacation payment plan with Expedia?

At Expedia we give you easy access to a huge selection of the best vacation packages. You can then use our advanced filter options to build your ideal vacation and book it in just a few clicks. With access to loads of book now, pay later deals, as well as vacations with payment instalments , we can help you secure the vacation of your dreams.

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Explore > Company > News > Book your flight and hotel now, pay later

Book your flight and hotel now, pay later

We are always looking ahead at new payment options and technologies to help alleviate the stress of booking your dream vacation. Are you on a tight budget, or perhaps you just prefer to pay for big purchases over time? Great news, we now have you covered!

Expedia recognizes there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to budgeting for vacation so next time you’ve caught the wanderlust bug or need to get home for Christmas but are struggling to pay for those flight and hotel reservations upfront, you can now breathe a sigh of relief. We’ve recently expanded our partnership with online lender Affirm to give you the flexibility of spreading out the cost of your flight and hotel package booking over numerous payments instead of paying the full amount of your trip upfront.

Our team is incredibly passionate about making travel accessible for all—everyone deserves a vacation! We’ve received positive feedback from our customers who have used Affirm to book and pay for hotels on Expedia , and now we are excited to bring this payment offering to Expedia customers shopping for flight and hotel packages as well.

Ready to take advantage of more payment flexibility when you travel? Here’s how you can use Affirm on Expedia to book your next hotel and flight package.

1) Visit expedia.com , search for and select a flight and hotel.

Upon selecting your package, select the Monthly Payments tab .

2) Click on “Continue to Affirm”

3) Create an account or sign in to Affirm

You will be transferred to a secure Affirm sign-in page. Shoppers apply using top-of-mind information about themselves and receive a real-time decision at checkout.

4) Complete your reservation with Affirm

Now you’re ready to jet set!

Expedia also offers exclusive Book Now, Pay Later hotel deals , so there’s no reason to let the cost of accommodation keep you from your travel plans.

What’s holding you back? Plan and book your next dream vacation today!

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Vrbo just got better

Book your dream trip now, pay later with affirm.

Your next getaway is closer than you think. Find vacation homes offering Affirm as a payment option.

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Introducing a new way to pay

With a unique selection of 2+ million whole homes all over the world, finding the perfect place for your family to get away together is easy. And now paying at your own pace with Affirm gives everyone more options - choose between 3 to 24 monthly payments. You’ll also get access to 24/7 support and our Book with Confidence Guarantee free with every booking. So go for it. Your together awaits. Affirm is available on select properties. Look for the Affirm logo on eligible listings.

Rates from 0–36% APR. For example, a $700 purchase might cost $63.18/mo over 12 months at 15% APR. As low as 0% APR promotion runs 5/1/2023 to 5/14/2023 or until funds are expended, whichever occurs first. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. See affirm.com/licenses for important info on state licenses and notifications.

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Does vrbo offer book now pay, later vacations.

Yes, you can pay for your short-term home with Vrbo Affirm vacation payment plans. Once you've found your dream place to stay, select “monthly payments” at checkout. You'll be able to spread the cost over 3, 6, or 12 months, giving you the financial flexibility to pay for your vacation over time. This means you'll have the freedom to jet off on the escape you've been dreaming of all year. Vrbo's vacations with payment installments include all types of homes, from trendy townhouses to cozy mountain lodges and spacious beachfront homes.

How can I use Affirm's book now pay, later vacations?

To take advantage of Affirm's vacation payment plans, choose your favorite short-term rental and select “monthly payments” on the checkout page. Then, click “Continue to Affirm” and type in your details to get a real-time decision in seconds. It'll show you the total cost to pay for your vacation over time, with payment options for 3, 6, and 12 months. Pick the one that works for you and let the countdown begin—your dream vacation home is booked.

Is there a credit check to use Affirm's book now, pay later vacations?

Yes, there'll be a credit check if you want to pay for your vacation over time. But don't worry, it has no impact on your credit score and you'll get a real-time decision within a few seconds. To perform the check, you'll need to enter a few brief details.

What types of homes can I book by payment plans?

All types of homes are eligible for Vrbo's book now, pay later vacations. From luxury beachfront villas in Florida to rustic mountain lodges in the Rockies, you can pay for dream vacation rentals in 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments. These payment options make your escape more accessible than ever before. Whether it's a family reunion in Colorado's quaint mountain towns or a group getaway to the West Coast, you can now pay for your vacation over time.

Can I book my family escape with Affirm's vacation payment plans?

Yes, you can book your family vacations with payment installments thanks to Affirm at Vrbo. Take your pick from thousands of spacious homes and select the “monthly payment” tab at checkout. It'll then guide you through the quick and easy steps to access payment options for 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments. Whether it's a spacious villa in Orlando to relax between visiting the theme parks or a trendy townhouse as a base to explore New York, pay for your vacation over time on Vrbo.

What are the benefits of Affirm's book now, pay later vacations?

Thanks to Affirm's vacation payment plans, you can book the dream home you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford in 2024. Think luxury beachfront condos on the West Coast, trendy apartments in Vegas, or quaint cottages in the Great Smoky Mountains. Payment options include 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments, and there are no hidden fees. This means you'll see the final cost before booking. You can even set up automatic payments through the Affirm app—helpful if things slip your mind sometimes. But you don't have to, and there are no late payment fees, either.

Are there any additional fees or interest charges for book now, pay later vacations?

There are no additional fees with Affirm's book now, pay later vacations, meaning what you see is what you pay. Before booking, you'll be able to view the final cost of your vacation payment plan. While most credit cards charge a complicated compound interest, with Vrbo Affirm you'll pay simple interest on your vacations with payment installments.

How can I find travel deals for book now, pay later vacations?

To score deals on vacation payment plans in 2024, try to be flexible with your dates. If you're traveling during popular dates, such as national holidays, it's a good idea to book early. This way, you'll guarantee your first choice of home and you may get a better rate. There could also be early booking deals, too. For off-peak dates, you can sometimes land great last-minute offers.

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'buy now, pay later' can help fund your next trip but here's what you need to know about these loans, cnbc select walks you through what you need to know if you're considering a point-of-sale loan to finance your next trip.

When it comes to planning your next vacation , travel expenses can quickly add up — even if you managed to save a little cash ahead of time. You might be tempted to choose the 'buy now, pay later' option that's offered at checkout on many travel websites, including Carnival or Expedia.

These point-of-sale loans are seductive to consumers who don't want to pay for their vacations with one lump-sum payment, allowing people to make payments over a fixed period of time, sometimes without high interest rates.

But is using the 'buy now, pay later' option to pay for your flights or hotel stays too good to be true?

CNBC Select explores some of the benefits and drawbacks of using 'buy now, pay later' for travel.

What we'll cover

What are point-of-sale loans, how do point-of-sale loans work, should you use point-of-sale loans for travel, bottom line.

'Buy now, pay later' providers (also known as point-of-sale loans) offer consumers the option to sign up for a payment plan either when they're buying something on a retailer's website or directly through the loan provider's website ahead of purchase

Point-of-sale loans give consumers the ability to make installment payments over a fixed period of time until they completely pay off their purchase. This means that you'll make payments toward your purchases bi-monthly or monthly depending on the plan and/ or provider.

These payments can typically be automated by providing your debit card or bank account information. While many providers boast 0% interest rates, some point-of-sale loans can have interest rates upwards of 30%, higher than the APRs on many credit cards.

Some of the most popular providers are Afterpay , Affirm , Klarna and Uplift . Klarna offers point-of-sale loans, some with 0% APR, that allow you to make four payments every two weeks and require a deposit at checkout, while Afterpay allows you to pay over six weeks. Afterpay, Uplift, Klarna and Affirm also offer consumers longer payment periods of up to one, two or even three years.

When you purchase a flight or an item, you're given different financing options at checkout, such as the opportunity to pay with a credit card, gift card or point-of-sale loan . You'll be redirected to the POS provider website where you can enter your personal information. 

Some companies won't perform a credit check while others will perform either a soft or hard credit inquiry . Soft credit checks don't negatively impact your credit score , but hard inquiries will temporarily decrease your score. Based on the information you enter, you'll either be approved or denied for the loan.

Afterpay doesn't do any credit checks while Klarna does soft and hard credit checks, depending on the loan.

The impact a point-of-sale one has on your credit score depends on whether the provider reports your payment history to the credit bureaus . For example, Affirm only reports your credit history to Experian for some loans and not others. For the loans that Affirm does report to Experian, your payment history, the length of your credit history with Affirm, the amount of your loan and your late payments can all show up on your credit report.

Make sure to read the terms and conditions of your POS loan to see if your negative payment history is reported to the credit bureaus.

Travel expenses might seem like the perfect opportunity to use a point-of-sale loan because it's oftentimes a big purchase that you might not have the immediate cash on hand to cover.

Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm and Uplift all offer 'buy now, pay later' option for certain travel partners. Affirm has partnerships with Delta Vacations, Priceline, StubHub and Alternative Airlines, a flight booking website. Uplift is exclusively focused on providing point-of-sale loans for travel, with around 200 travel partners , including United Airlines, Kayak , Southwest Airlines and Royal Caribbean. 

Uplift will help you cover transactions costing anywhere from $100 to $25,000. Interest rates range from 7% to 30%, but there are a few travel partners such as Carnival Cruise Line and Atlantis that have a 0% APR, according to Tom Botts, chief commercial officer at Uplift. The average APR for an Uplift point-of-sale loan is 15%, which is similar to the average APR for credit cards .

"We use a variety of factors to determine eligibility," Botts says. "Interest rates are based on a number of factors including credit history, transaction amount and time to travel."

Uplift also only performs a soft credit check which won't negatively impact your credit score.

If you're able to secure a loan with 0% APR and make your payments on time, a point-of-sale loan could be a good choice for funding a trip. But if those monthly payments won't easily fit within your budget, be wary of a POS loan and read the fine print beforehand to determine how much you'll end up paying in interest.

For example, if you use Affirm to finance your purchases on Alternative Airlines , you can only get a 0% APR on your point-of-sale loan if you buy a flight that costs less than $500. If your ticket costs more than $500 , you could incur an interest rate of up to 30%, depending on your creditworthiness.

If you spend $1,000 on a flight and choose a 12-month payment plan with Affirm, you'll have to cough up nearly $100 in interest if you have a 20% APR on your loan. One perk of using Affirm over a credit card is that you'll have a longer payment period (of 3, 6, 12 or 18 months) which helps to spread the expenses over time into more manageable payments. And with an installment loan from Affirm or Uplift, the interest doesn't compound month over month, so your payment stays the same over the loan's term.

But a big drawback of using point-of-sale loans for travel is having to deal with unexpected problems, like trip cancellations or delays, says Priya Malani, the CEO and founder of Stash Wealth.

"If a trip is canceled or delayed with unexpected fees, your loan is still due. You're on the hook for the agreed upon total. Even though you may have checked out in one fluid process, you're still working with two separate entities — the travel provider and the POS loan provider," Malani says.

When it comes to funding your resort stay in Cancun or your flight to the Maldives, there are other options for financing your trip.

Travel rewards credit cards offer higher rewards rates for money spent on travel and the points you earn can go toward booking flights or hotels. While travel credit cards typically come with an annual fee, some offer a 0% introductory period, so you won't have to worry about high interest rates kicking in for 12 months or longer. If you go the 0% APR route, make sure you set up a repayment plan and pay the minimum each month so you don't end up paying late fees or big interest charges.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is currently offering a welcome bonus offer where new cardholders can earn 60,000 points after they spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Points can be redeemed for $750 worth of travel when booked through Chase Travel℠.

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The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is also a solid choice but comes with a smaller welcome bonus and higher rewards rate than the Preferred, giving 2X miles per dollar on every purchase and a welcome offer of 75,000 bonus miles if you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening.

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Travel cards also often come with additional perks such as car rental insurance, trip cancellation insurance and purchase protection. You won't get any of these perks when you use a POS loan for travel.

If you worry about putting a big expense on your credit card or you're only eligible for a POS loan with high APR, you should also consider creating a travel fund instead.

By saving your money in a high-yield savings account , you'll be earning more (thanks to compound interest ) than you would be if you put your money in either a checking account or a traditional savings account. Creating a separate fund for travel can also give you a money goal to strive for and setting up automatic monthly transfers can help you avoid spending money on other short-term, more frivolous purchases.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Point-of-sale loans are attractive because of how easy they are to use — you simply provide some basic information about yourself to the loan provider before checking out and you can instantaneously get a loan that will allow you to spread the cost of your trip over a few months. If you're not diligent about reading the fine print, however, there can be a lot of caveats to using the 'buy now, pay later' option, including high interest rates and late fees.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of buy now, pay later loan products . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

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Book now, pay later

Vacation financing through Affirm is available for U.S. stays with a total rent of at least $250. Select "Pay later with Affirm"* at checkout.

How Affirm works

See if you’re eligible by providing some basic information. You’ll get a real-time decision (and your credit score won’t be affected).

Know exactly what you’ll owe before you commit. No hidden costs, no surprises.

Choose to pay in installments over 3, 6, 12, or 18 months*—even after the date of your trip.

Your trip, your way

When you finance your vacation with Affirm, your payment schedule is just one of the things you won't have to worry about.

Our professional property management includes 24/7 guest support, premium cleaning, and seamless check-in for your most relaxing vacation yet.

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Affirm travel FAQ

Who is eligible to apply for affirm financing on a vacasa stay.

While Affirm requires you to be at least 18 years old, you must be at least 21 to book a Vacasa home. (Some of our homes and destinations require a higher minimum age to rent the property—you'll see that specified on the property listing, if applicable.)

You must also be a U.S. resident booking a home within the U.S.

Does Affirm do a credit check, and how does it impact my credit score?

If you choose to pay with Affirm, we ask for some basic personal information to see if you're eligible. You'll get a real-time decision on whether you prequalify for a vacation loan. This process includes a quick credit check—but it does not affect your credit score.

How do I make my payments?

After you complete your Vacasa trip purchase, look out for an email directly from Affirm about your vacation payment plan. You can make secure payments on Affirm's website, or through their app. Visit Affirm's help center for more details on making loan payments.

Can I amend my order after my purchase has been processed?

If you need to adjust your reservation after purchase, you can do so in your Trip Manager . For any changes that come with additional fees (such as adding pets or pool heat), you'll need to pay for those with a credit card. Those charges cannot be added to your existing loan through Affirm.

And, if you end up needing to change dates or cancel your reservation, good news—trips paid for with Affirm still fall under our worry-free booking policy . You'll also see your change and cancellation options in your Trip Manager.

Can you make payments on a trip to Hawaii?

Yes, you can. We offer vacation payment plans through Affirm on U.S. stays, including those in Hawaii (as long as the rent totals at least $250).

Where to next?

Rates from 0–36% APR. For example, a $700 purchase might cost $63.18/mo over 12 months at 15% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders . Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. See affirm.com/licenses for important info on state licenses and notifications.

A guide to using buy now, pay later for travel

PayPal Editorial Staff

January 5, 2024

Planning a vacation? Buy now, pay later (BNPL) may be offered as a payment option when booking flights, hotels, or other travel accommodations.

Discover how BNPL options work for travel, from potential pros and cons to responsible practices and strategies if considering using it.

What is buy now, pay later for travel?

Buy now, pay later is an installment option that allows people to split up purchases into several smaller payments over weeks or months. It can typically be used for several types of purchases, from big-ticket items like electronics and furniture to travel expenses like hotels and airfares.

If BNPL is an available payment option for an airline, hotel, or travel retailer, individuals can opt for a payment plan at checkout. Normally, they would select the BNPL provider and apply in the checkout, but some providers may redirect applicants to their website to create an account and apply. Typically, applicants receive a near-instant decision, which may mean those looking to use buy now, pay later for travel can book their travel or vacation without a significant delay.

Depending on the BNPL provider , there may be interest fees and other charges, though some providers may offer plans with no interest. Be sure to review any terms before applying.

While application and approval requirements may vary depending on provider, here’s a breakdown of the general eligibility requirements and approval process:

• Meet the eligibility requirements:  These can vary based on the provider. People typically need to be at least 18 years old and provide personal details like their social security number and home address. Some BNPL providers may also assess income, payment history, and credit score.
• Agree to the terms:  Individuals must agree to the terms and conditions of a BNPL plan, including an installment schedule and any associated fees or interest charges.
• Receive a decision and book travel:  People usually receive a BNPL approval decision in seconds. If approved, they can book their travel using BNPL as their payment method.

Potential benefits of using buy now, pay later for travel

Before using buy now, pay later for a trip, consider the potential advantages:

• Flexibility:  BNPL may offer flexibility to spread the cost of a trip over time, allowing travelers to manage their budget and avoid a significant upfront expense.
• Interest-free options:  Some BNPL services may provide interest-free payment plans. For example, PayPal’s Pay in 4 allows people to split eligible purchases into four interest-free, bi-weekly installments. 1
• Accessibility:  Buy now, pay later may help make travel accessible to those with limited credit histories or low credit scores.

Potential downsides of using buy now, pay later for travel

There are some potential disadvantages to using buy now, pay later for travel expenses. Some examples include:

• Interest and fees:  Some BNPL providers may charge interest or fees if travelers miss payments or choose longer repayment terms, potentially increasing the overall cost of their trip.
• Overspending: While BNPL offers flexibility, it can also lead to overspending if travelers don't carefully budget for their installment payments. It also may tempt some to book more expensive trips than they can comfortably afford.
• Credit impact: Although certain buy now, pay later providers may not conduct hard credit checks initially, missed payments or defaults may negatively impact credit scores in the long run.
• Limited booking options:  Not all travel providers or agencies accept BNPL as a payment option.

Using buy now, pay later for travel responsibly

Here are some factors to consider when signing up for a BNPL plan for travel:

• Budget and plan:  Establish a personal budget  for travel plans that includes not only the upfront trip cost but also the future installment payments to ensure the overall expense remains manageable and within budget.
• Read the fine print:  Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions. Pay close attention to any interest rates, fees for missed payments, and the total cost of a trip when opting for BNPL.
• Responsible spending:  Avoid the temptation to overspend just because BNPL offers flexibility. It’s important to only buy on credit responsibly .
• Ensure timely payments : Commit to making payments on schedule to avoid late fees or interest charges. Setting up automatic payments  can help prevent missed deadlines.

Using BNPL for travel may offer convenience and flexibility for those looking to travel or book a vacation, but it should be done with careful consideration. Be sure to consider any fees or interest that may apply and keep track of when payments need to be made.

Learn about PayPal Pay Later .

BNPL for travel FAQ

What is buy now, pay later.

Buy now, pay later is a type of short-term financing method that allows people to split a purchase into several smaller installments over weeks or months. Some BNPL plans may be interest free, while others may include interest and fees.

Can buy now, pay later be used for flights?

Buy now, pay later can often be used for flights. Many airlines and travel booking platforms offer BNPL as a payment option at checkout. Travelers should budget and plan their payments accordingly before committing to a payment plan.

Can I book a vacation with buy now, pay later?

Individuals may be able to book a vacation using buy now, pay later. BNPL options are increasingly available for vacation planning, including flights, accommodations, and activities. Travelers can opt for BNPL at checkout and split the total cost into smaller installments. However, be sure to budget carefully and be aware of any potential interest or fees.

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Should You Use Buy Now, Pay Later for Travel?

BNPL brings financial flexibility to travel bookings, but paying for travel in installments could be risky.

Should You Use BNPL for Travel?

Getty Images

Plan how you’ll make the payments before hopping onboard.

Buy now, pay later financing options offer a flexible alternative to traditional payment methods when you make a purchase – including travel purchases. Whether traveling for family obligations or jetting off on a fabulous vacation, BNPL may offer the option to book travel without making a full upfront payment. But while BNPL can offer flexibility, it isn’t without risk.

Read on to understand the benefits, drawbacks and factors you should consider before using BNPL to book travel.

What Is Buy Now, Pay Later?

BNPL is an alternative to credit cards and loans . It’s popular for travel expenses such as flights, hotels and vacation packages. BNPL can offer convenience and flexibility, particularly for costly trips that might be difficult to pay upfront, but you should exercise caution.

“Participating online and in-person retailers offer (BNPL) at checkout,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of public education and advocacy for credit bureau Experian. “You can think of BNPL similar to a layaway plan, where you pay a merchant for a purchase over time rather than immediately upfront. Unlike a layaway, though, with BNPL, you get your items right away.“

Using BNPL, you can make a purchase and spread your expense into installment payments . That allows you to buy products or services – such as travel – immediately without making a full payment. BNPL is often interest-free as long as you stay on top of installment payments.

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How Buy Now, Pay Later Services Work

BNPL services are typically available at checkout when you book travel. For example, you might see the option to use BNPL when you book a flight instead of entering a credit card number .

At checkout, the BNPL service will provide loan information, including the number of payments, how much you’ll pay and your interest rate , if there is one. Some BNPL services use a credit check, but BNPL often doesn’t require a hard credit check unless you opt for extended terms or make a particularly large purchase.

You’ll make the first payment if approved, and your travel will be booked. The remaining balance will be split into equal installments. If you’ve opted for auto-pay, the installment amounts will be automatically charged to your payment method when each payment comes due.

Personal Loans for Debt Consolidation:

Factors to Consider Before Opting for Buy Now, Pay Later

Before you opt for BNPL, plan how you’ll make your payments. While BNPL can make paying for travel easier, installment payments could pressure other financial obligations. Can your budget handle the installment payments along with other commitments?

“The first thing to ask yourself is can you pay back the loan on time and in full?” says personal finance and travel expert Barry Choi. “Next, you should be aware that BNPL may encourage you to spend more because the entire balance isn't due right away.”

Some BNPL services offer interest-free installment plans, but you may have to pay interest or fees if you miss a payment.

“BNPL plans have widely varying payment structures, so it's important to read the terms carefully,” says Griffin. “Treat them like you would any loan agreement and look for information on payment terms, potential interest and late fees, and whether those payments or fees will be reported to the national credit reporting companies like Experian.”

Interest-Free Buy Now, Pay Later Installment Plans

An interest-free BNPL plan allows you to split your purchase into equal installments with no interest charges. BNPL installment plans may have no credit check . That can give you an alternative if you’re worried about getting approved for a credit card or loan to finance a travel purchase.

But there’s a catch: The repayment terms are often very short – for example, a down payment and three biweekly payments. Also, you might pay fees if it takes longer to repay the loan or if you miss a payment.

For example, you might be offered four interest-free payments, but if you opt to pay over six, 12 or 24 months instead, you’ll pay interest. It’s key to read the terms and conditions before signing the dotted line. And if you miss a scheduled installment payment, you should expect a late payment fee. You might also have to pay interest.

6 Best Loans for Moving or Relocating

Dawn Papandrea Aug. 8, 2023

Benefits and Drawbacks of Buy Now, Pay Later for Travel Expenses

• Payment flexibility: You can spread out travel costs in installments so it’s easier on your budget.
• Interest-free options: You may have the option of getting an interest-free installment plan.
• Quick approvals: BNPL applications and approvals are generally fast, so you can get approved and book your trip.

“The main benefit of BNPL is that you can pay for your purchases over time without potentially paying interest,” says Choi. “This can help people who are facing a temporary cash flow crunch.”

• Late fees and interest: If you miss a payment or extend the installment period, you might have to pay late fees or interest.
• Credit impact: Missing a payment or defaulting on BNPL could negatively impact your credit score if the account goes to collections. But BNPL generally doesn’t help you build credit as traditional credit cards or loans can.
• Overspending risk: Breaking payments into smaller installments might make you feel that you can afford to spend more than you can handle.

“Generally, consumers are better off avoiding BNPL services since it may encourage them to spend more or buy things they don't need,” says Choi. “That said, BNPL can be helpful in some situations. For example, you need to purchase something immediately for an emergency and don't have a credit card.”

Alternatives to Buy Now, Pay Later

• Savings: Setting aside money in a travel fund enables you to pay for your trip without using credit.
• Rewards credit cards : You could pay for travel with points and miles earned with a rewards credit card.
• Personal loans : If you have good credit, a personal loan might offer better terms than BNPL.
• Delaying purchases: If you can’t afford travel without debt, hold off until it’s in your budget.

“To responsibly use BNPL services, you should be prepared to make all your payments on time to avoid fees, keep enough funds in your bank to avoid overdraft payments and assess the cost of the purchase and your overall budget to avoid overextending,” says Griffin. “It can be very easy to take on multiple BNPL accounts. You can quickly find yourself with more debt than you realized you were taking on and difficulty repaying the debts you owe.“

6 Best Vacation Loans

Dawn Papandrea June 17, 2024

Tags: money , Travel , credit cards , loans

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Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

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3 Ways to Leverage 'Buy Now, Pay Later' for Your Dream Vacation

T aking a vacation is pricey, and with inflation soaring over the past few years, the average cost of a domestic trip -- not including airfare -- is $1,584 right now. When you add flight costs or the price of paying for other family members to join you, a dream vacation can easily feel out of reach.

High travel costs are causing some Americans to opt for buy now, pay later (BNPL) options when putting their vacations into their online shopping carts. BNPL plans are essentially loans you apply for when booking your travel that allow you to pay for your trip over time.

Many BNPL companies charge interest rates ranging between 7% to 30% for the loan, but some may have lower special offers. As such, using a BNPL to fund your dream vacation may not always be the best option for your personal finances . But if you score a reasonable rate -- some can be as low as 0% -- there could be a few ways to leverage this option for your dream vacation.

1. Buy your plane tickets

The ticket-purchasing website Alternative Airlines says on its website that you can book flights on more than 650 airlines and use a BNPL service to pay for them.

The website partners with 10 BNPL companies, including PayPal Credit, Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay, allowing you to make payments on your ticket weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Some buy now, pay later companies on the site even offer interest-free payment plans.

2. Book your hotel

Lodging is one of the most expensive parts of any dream vacation, which is why some people choose to pay for it using an installment plan rather than all at once.

There are a couple of different payment methods you can choose from when booking a hotel with BNPL, including a no-interest option through some online travel booking websites. For example, Expedia allows you to reserve some hotel rooms without charging you, and you only pay for the room when you arrive at the hotel.

The company's Book Now Pay Later option won't charge you any interest, making it a better option than some BNPL companies. Expedia says that some hotels may also offer free cancellation, which can come in handy if your travel plans unexpectedly change.

Another option for travelers is to book their hotel and pay for it using a buy now, pay later service like Uplift. The company conducted a survey showing that 48% of travelers are likely to use BNPL for hotels, and 43% of travelers upgraded their hotel options and amenities when doing so.

3. Book the full vacation

Nearly all online vacation booking sites offer the option to pay for your full vacation over a series of installments with a BNPL service. This allows you to spread out the cost of a pricey vacation over time, making it easier to manage the large expense.

But it's good to remember that the more you spend on your vacation, the more you'll owe, depending on your BNPL interest rate. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says BNPL late fees are on the rise too, and that in some cases, late fees can make buy now, pay later payment options more expensive than using a credit card.

It's worth mentioning that some vacations allow you to pay in installments without charging any interest. Disney is well known for allowing people to book their entire vacation with just $200 down and then spread out payments leading up to the vacation, paying as much as they want for each payment. The last remaining payment is then due 30 days before you arrive at your hotel.

Keep this in mind when using BNPL

While there can be responsible ways to use BNPL to book your dream vacation, pay attention to the details. If you qualify for a 0% interest rate, then it may not be a bad option. But if you have to pay an interest rate, you're much better off budgeting and saving ahead of time for your vacation.

Also, make sure you'll be able to make your payments on time to avoid late fees. Your dream vacation will likely cost enough already -- there's no need to add fees on top of it.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends PayPal. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: short December 2023 $67.50 puts on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .

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Apple kills off its buy now, pay later service barely a year after launch

Apple is discontinuing its buy now, pay later service known as Apple Pay Later barely a year after its initial launch in the U.S., and will rely on companies who already dominate the industry like Affirm and Klarna.

It's an acknowledgement from a company known for producing hit products that building a financial services business from scratch as Apple has been doing for several years is difficult and highly competitive.

Apple Pay Later launched with fanfare in March 2023 as a way for iPhone customers to split purchases of up to $1,000 into four equal payments with no fees or interest. The service was Apple's answer to the growing popularity of buy now, pay later services globally, and considered a sizeable threat to companies like Klarna, Affirm and others.

But Apple Pay Later was only available where Apple Pay was accepted whereas the other buy now, pay later companies had deeply integrated themselves into millions of merchant websites.

In an acknowledgement of how popular buy now, pay later services had become, Apple said at its developer's conference this month that it would start allowing banks to offer buy now, pay later plans to their customers through Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. Affirm would be integrated directly into Apple Wallet, and Apple customers would be able to open an Affirm account directly.

“With the introduction of this new global installment loan offering, we will no longer offer Apple Pay Later in the U.S.,” Apple said late Monday. “Our focus continues to be on providing our users with access to easy, secure and private payment options with Apple Pay, and this solution will enable us to bring flexible payments to more users, in more places across the globe, in collaboration with Apple Pay enabled banks and lenders.”

Apple executives as recently as this month had indicated that the company still had plans for Apple Pay Later despite announcing plans to integrate Affirm directly into Apple Wallet.

Apple Pay Later was unique because Apple needed to create its own bank to offer the loans. The Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs, which means Goldman ultimately decides who gets approved and what spending limits are for each customer.

Apple has discontinued any new Apple Pay Later loans, but customers who have existing Apple Pay Later loans will be able to manage them inside Apple Pay.

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Speed Today 12:13 pm JST

Buy now, pay later sounds like a big recipe for debt.

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Everything you need to know about the Capital One travel portal

Editor's Note

Capital One's new travel portal, launched in 2021, has significantly improved since its beta release. It now allows Capital One credit cardholders , including those with the issuer's cash-back cards , to directly use their rewards for travel purchases. The portal also features updated flight search capabilities and the issuer's hotel programs: the Premier Collection and the Lifestyle Collection .

In this guide, we will explain what you need to know about the Capital One portal.

What is the Capital One travel portal?

Credit card issuers often provide bonus rewards when using their travel portals, but they can be frustrating due to poor customer service and user interfaces. However, Capital One differentiates itself by integrating technology from Hopper, a trusted app for predicting the lowest prices for flights and hotels. With access to vast amounts of data, Capital One claims a 95% accuracy rate in price predictions.

The portal also offers customer-friendly features like price drop protection, best price guarantee and price match with competitors. Suppose the portal advises you to book a flight. In that case, you will receive automatic price drop protection, ensuring a partial refund as a travel credit if the ticket price decreases within a specified time frame (generally up to $50 after booking).

Capital One has also addressed customer concerns by adding more support staff to reduce phone hold times. Three paid add-on features are available for users: cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage, price freeze protection and rapid rebooking .

CFAR coverage allows you to cancel your flight up to three hours before travel and receive back 70-90% of the ticket price. On the other hand, price freeze protection lets you pay a fee to lock in a price, protecting against sudden price increases. Rapid rebooking lets you select a same-day or next-day flight for up to $5,000 on any airline if your flight is delayed more than two hours or you risk not making your connection.

Here's a list of some top Capital One cards that offer access to Capital One Travel:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business

You can access the portal through this link .

Related: Best Capital One credit cards

How to book flights through the Capital One travel portal

To book airfare using the Capital One travel portal, log into your account and hover over the "Flights" tab to search for one-way or round-trip flights. Enter your desired departure and arrival cities.

When selecting departure and return dates, it's not just a matter of merely selecting the convenient dates for you. Capital One brings in Hopper's familiar, color-coded interface, allowing you to see which dates offer the lowest prices in economy class.

You'll see Capital One's booking recommendation and flight options on the next screen.

From the results page, you can narrow the parameters by:

• Fare class (cabin)

Then, you can sort your results by:

• Recommended
• Price (low to high)
• Departure time (earliest to latest)
• Arrival time (earliest to latest)
• Stops (least to most)
• Duration (shortest to longest)

There are a few other interesting features worth mentioning. Above all the options, you can see the price prediction tool come into effect with clear messaging on whether or not it's a good time to book.

If the site's algorithms advise you to book, that will trigger free price drop protection. You'll get back up to $50 of the difference as a future travel credit if you book now and the price drops in the specified time period (10 days in the above example).

If you're not ready, you can press "Watch This Trip" to receive emails about the best time to book whenever better prices become available. Unfortunately, this feature applies to the route and date, not the specific flight(s) you want to watch — though you can exclude basic economy and connecting flights.

Pay attention to the fare class when booking flights. Basic economy differs between airlines. For example, United Airlines does not allow full-size carry-on bags, but Delta Air Lines does. Additionally, cancellation policies vary across fare classes.

Capital One has tried to standardize fare classes across all airlines on its platform, making it easier for users. When searching through Capital One Travel, you'll see the following labels:

• Basic : The best-priced options are often basic fares with restrictive policies and few amenities.
• Standard : Typically, main and economy fares include amenities like carry-on bags and seat selection.
• Enhanced : These fares include more legroom, priority boarding, and free beverages and snacks.
• Premium : These fares include cradled or reclined seats, priority boarding, and premium snacks and beverages.
• Luxury : These fares feature reclined seats with personalized services and premium meals. Priority boarding is also included.

After selecting your desired flight, Capital One Travel provides an extensive overview of what to expect during your journey. This includes detailed information on seat measurements, aircraft layout and onboard amenities like power outlets, fresh food options and whether lounge access is included. These comprehensive details surpass what you typically find on other travel portals or even when booking directly with airlines.

The payment side is quick and easy too. Enter the traveler information, with fields for frequent flyer numbers and Known Traveler Numbers (for instance, your TSA PreCheck number).

As a holder of the Capital One Venture card , I can apply my miles at a rate of 1 cent each toward the purchase. However, if you want to save your miles for later, press "Do not apply my rewards." You can use your credit card to pay for your reservation instead.

Note that the Capital One Venture X card offers 5 miles per dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel.

Other options available in the booking process include purchasing the abovementioned add-ons: CFAR and price freeze. The price for these features will vary, depending on factors like your trip cost, how far in advance you're booking, whether the price is rated as "low" or "high," and other elements.

Related: Everything you need to know about Capital One's new rapid rebooking feature

How to book hotels through the Capital One travel portal

There are fewer distinctive features when booking your hotels through the Capital One travel portal, but the process is similar to the above.

To find a hotel, hover over the "Hotels" tab on the landing page and enter your destination, dates and number of travelers. Unlike flight bookings, there is no color-coded calendar for prices.

You'll then see a list and map format with various options. Filter your search by rating and price per night. Sort the listings by recommended, price (low to high) or star rating (high to low).

If your city has Premier Collection hotels, those options will appear toward the top. These hotels include benefits like an on-property "experience credit" of up to $100, daily breakfast for two people and complimentary Wi-Fi. Access is limited to those with premium credit cards from Capital One: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business (a business credit card formerly known as the Spark Travel Elite card).

If you click "All filters," you can sort by the amenities that matter to you or even look up specific properties.

While the search features are more limited than booking flights, you'll get a detailed description of each hotel and can find out about amenities, rates, location and cancellation policy.

The payment process for booking hotels is the same as for flights. You can redeem your Capital One miles for the trip or pay with your card.

Paying with your card may be the better option here, as multiple cards offer bonuses on hotels booked through Capital One Travel:

• Venture X: 10 miles per dollar spent
• Venture, VentureOne and Spark Miles: 5 miles per dollar spent
• SavorOne, Quicksilver and Spark Cash Plus: 5% cash back

However, if you book hotels in a major loyalty program — like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors — through Capital One Travel, you likely won't receive points. You also won't enjoy any elite status perks.

Related: The best hotels in San Francisco for a golden getaway

How to book rental cars through the Capital One travel portal

The process for rental cars is straightforward. Click "Car Rentals" at the top and enter your search criteria. You'll receive a list of options that can be filtered by car type, price per day, rental car company and specifications.

You can then reserve the car in a few clicks, with clear information about pick-up and drop-off.

With some rental car agencies — Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar — you can add your rewards number to the booking and likely enjoy the associated benefits. The option to add your loyalty number generally won't appear for other companies.

This is particularly appealing for Venture X cardholders , as you can earn 10 miles per dollar spent on rental car bookings and still enjoy the complimentary Hertz President's Circle status* that's included on the card.

Note that these car rentals earn rewards at the same rate as hotels booked through Capital One Travel:

*Upon enrollment eligible cardholders will maintain Hertz President's Circle status through Dec. 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

Related: Stacking rental car perks with Hertz and the Venture X

Further things to consider about the Capital One travel portal

Capital One Travel packs a punch for cardholders, but there are a few additional things to remember.

First, consider checking alternative platforms like Google Flights for better prices or alternate routings before booking with Capital One. Credit card portals sometimes have higher prices and don't always show all available flight options. Be sure you're not paying more for the same itinerary.

Additionally, if you're planning on using your Venture miles or Spark miles at a rate of 1 cent apiece , you should always book directly with the travel provider (whether it's an airline, hotel or car rental company). Then, use the miles to cover that purchase. This ensures you get all of the benefits of booking directly while using your rewards at exactly the same redemption value.

Also, with 18 transfer partners , Capital One offers a range of options for transferring your miles at a 1:1 ratio. Before booking through the portal, compare prices against Capital One transfer programs. For instance, a $150 United flight can cost 15,000 Capital One miles through the portal or just 7,500 Avianca LifeMiles (plus minimal taxes and fees). In this instance, it makes more sense to transfer your Capital One miles to Avianca LifeMiles.

As noted, hotel and car rental reservations through Capital One Travel likely won't be eligible for perks in a given loyalty program. If your elite status is important, it's advisable to book directly with major chain hotels and most car rentals. However, if you're booking independently owned hotels or elite status isn't a concern, the Capital One travel portal may be a better option.

Finally, remember that Venture X cardholders enjoy $300 in annual credits for bookings made via Capital One Travel. Unlike the $300 credit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve , this only applies to purchases made through the portal. As a result, even if you'd rather book flights, hotels or car rentals directly with travel providers, you should still spend at least $300 on your Venture X through Capital One travel each year.

Related: 7 tips to help keep an airline from losing your luggage

Bottom line

Capital One has made significant advancements in the travel space, including improved transfer partners, the introduction of a premium card and the opening of its flagship lounge in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

The Capital One travel portal offers a user-friendly interface. With its detailed pricing and fare class information, you might consider especially using it for flight bookings. Additional features like CFAR coverage, price drop protection, rapid rebooking and price freeze add value for cardholders.

You can also earn bonus rewards for many Capital One Travel purchases across most of the issuer's card portfolio, making it a great option as you plan upcoming trips.

Additional reporting by Stella Shon.

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Should I Use Zip Buy Now, Pay Later for Travel Expenses?

A Los Angeles native, Jennifer is a freelance personal finance writer and editor whose goal is to help readers get excited about improving their financial health. She loves using credit card rewards points toward airfare, and recently took a round-trip flight to Southeast Asia entirely on points. Her work has been featured by Forbes, HuffPost, MSN Money and Business Insider.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.

She is based in Miami.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

"Buy now, pay later" services are a way of financing in-person or online retail shopping. Now, many BNPL companies, including the Zip (formerly Quadpay) buy now, pay later app, offer pay-in-four plans to secure travel bookings, like airfare and hotel accommodations.

If you have unexpected travel come up, you might consider Zip BNPL for travel expenses at checkout. Here’s what to know.

How using Zip for travel expenses works

Zip BNPL offers a pay-in-four installment option. To make travel-related purchases on Zip, follow these steps:

Launch Zip and search your travel needs. Open Zip’s buy now, pay later app and search for a travel provider that Zip partners with. Travel providers that support Zip include Hilton , TripAdvisor, Hotwire, JetBlue Airways , Booking.com, American Airlines and Lyft.

Choose "Pay with Zip." Once you’ve added your travel expenses to your Zip cart, select “Pay with Zip” to request an installment plan.

Confirm your order details. If you're granted spending power with Zip, you'll see the order summary, order total, finance charge and total cost. You’ll also see how much is due today, and the amount due for each remaining installment. Verify everything looks correct. You can also select your preferred payment method during this step. Select “Agree and continue.”

Make your first installment payment. Zip automatically fills in your payment details based on your saved payment method. Confirm the details are up to date — including your card’s expiration date and CVV — then, complete the order.

» Learn more: Zip buy now, pay later review

When using Zip for travel expenses might be useful

Paying for travel with Zip can offer a couple of benefits, instead of paying for your travel arrangements in full and upfront.

If you don’t have strong credit or a credit history, Zip can be a straightforward option for acquiring financing for your travel costs. Although it’s short-term financing, it whittles large expenses into bite-sized installments you might otherwise not have access to.

Zip’s BNPL service might be preferred over other buy now, pay later apps because of its payment date flexibility. If you can’t make your installment on the due date, you can change the payment date for free. This feature is available for free once per month. Subsequent payment date changes in the same month incur a $2 fee. It’s a useful perk for travelers needing more flexibility with their BNPL payment due dates that other services might not offer.

Why Zip pay later might not be ideal for travel purchases

There are circumstances when making Zip travel now, pay later purchases is a fair — if not practical — way to pay for travel in smaller bursts. But there are also downsides to financing travel costs with Zip pay later.

1. Upfront installment fee

Zip doesn’t directly charge interest on its four-payment installment plan. Technically, it’s 0% interest. What’s easy to overlook, however, is that it imposes a finance charge, which Zip calls its “installment fee.”

This fee is automatically divided into four and added to each installment payment on your plan. It ranges from $0 to $7.50 per order. How much you’ll pay depends on the order’s purchase price and the Zip product chosen. Although it seems like a relatively small sum for the convenience of avoiding a lump-sum expense, it adds up.

For example, let’s say you’re a member of your best friend’s wedding party and planning a trip across the country to celebrate their special event. You don’t have the cash to pay for everything upfront, so you use Zip pay later for your wedding attire, gift, plane ticket and hotel room. Each of these transactions incur an installment fee. Assuming a $7.50 fee for each expense and an order total of $1,000 for the four transactions, you would pay $30 in fees or a 3% finance charge.

2. No monthly repayment term option

Zip doesn’t offer a monthly payment plan, unlike its competitors. Any Zip travel pay later installments must be made by the due dates within a six-week period.

Americans expect to spend $3,594, on average, toward a summer vacation this year, according to a NerdWallet survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults. With a $7.50 installment fee added to that sum, each installment would cost $900 per payment.

Based on Zip’s pay-in-four option, you would need to make this $900 payment every two weeks which can be restrictive for some people. If you miss a payment, you’ll be hit with a $7 late fee and Zip will automatically pause your account until you are caught up, meaning you won't get approved for additional orders.

Conversely, alternative financing options offer a longer repayment term that can make monthly payments more palatable. And though BNPL can be a convenient and low-cost payment option, you’re still taking on debt, and it’s rarely a good idea to go into debt for a nonessential purchase.

» Learn more: BNPL vs. credit cards: What's the difference?

3. Getting a refund takes time

When making a traditional credit card purchase toward travel, credit card refund timelines vary based on your card issuer’s process. You’ll typically receive a travel refund back to your original payment method within a few days.

With Zip, processing a refund requires the merchant’s approval. Once it receives the funds back from the merchant, it can take up to an additional 13 days for Zip to process the refund. This processing time might not be ideal for people who need their refund faster.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Is using Zip pay later right for you?

Zip can be a practical option to get urgent travel on the books, without having to pay for the expense before your trip. If you have an irregular financial situation and need leeway with your payment date, it might be worth looking into Zip.

However, it may not be worth it if you're planning a more costly vacation, as all payments must be complete within six weeks. And many of its competitors, such as Affirm and PayPal , offer a similar payment plan without an installment fee.

If you choose to use Zip for BNPL, be sure you go in with a strategy and know what you can afford.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

The 5 best buy-now, pay-later apps for 2023

If you’re an avid online shopper, you’ve probably come across the phrase “buy-now, pay-later,” (BNPL) at checkout. For many consumers, this is their opportunity to make affording larger purchases a lot more manageable.  

According to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), between 2019 and 2021, the number of BNPL loans originated in the U.S. by the top five lenders grew by 970 percent. Consumers seem to favor the option to spread payments out over a few weeks or months—and unlike traditional credit cards, many BNPL platforms are interest and fee-free. 

But there has to be a catch, right? Well, not BNPL platforms have the same requirements, rates, and fees. Before you agree to make a purchase using BNPL, you should be aware of how it works and how it could impact your finances. 

To help make your decision a little easier, the Fortune Recommends TM editorial team reviewed a few of the most popular BNPL platforms. We weighed annual percentage rates (APRs), late fees, loan terms, mobile app ratings, and more to help you decide if buying now, and paying later is worth it. ( Read our full methodology here .)

_______________

Our top 5 picks*

• Sezzle : : 0%–29.99% APR
• Zip : 0% APR
• Klarna : 0% APR
• Afterpay : 0% APR
• Paypal : 0%–29.99% APR

*This section last updated March 24, 2023 

The 5 best ‘buy-now, pay-later’ platforms of 2023

Here’s our rundown of the top 5 BNPL apps and services, including the key figures you should know before you use one. (Note: eligibility requirements, fees, and other numbers in our list below are up to date as of March 24, 2023, and are subject to change.)

1. Sezzle  

About: Sezzle was first launched in 2016 and offers BNPL services to more than 40,000 merchants, offering both in-store and online payment options for customers hoping to boost their purchasing power. 

APR: 0%–29.99%

Loan terms: 3 months–48 months .

If you fail to make a scheduled payment, you may be charged a reactivation fee of up to $15 should that payment be late by more than two days.  

Customer support

Our verdict.

Good for those who want to build credit. Sezzle not only offers the longest repayment option on our list, but it also offers a unique perk that most BNPL platforms do not: the ability to have your payment history reported to the credit bureaus. When you upgrade from a standard Sezzle account to “Sezzle Up,” your payment history will be reported to all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. At the end of each month, the platform will review the overall standing of your account, including your outstanding balance and payment status. That month-end standing is then reported to the credit bureaus. Sezzle has an average rating of 4.75 across both app stores and had one of the highest customer service scores on our list. 

About: Zip was founded in Australia in 2013, and provides BNPL services to consumers, merchants, and businesses across the globe. The platform currently offers interest-free credit across a directory of more than 18,500 merchants. 

Loan terms: 4 installments over 6 weeks 

If your installment payment is late, you may incur an initial late fee of $7.

Customer support representatives can be reached via phone every day of the week between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST, as well as via live chat Monday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to  11:00 p.m. EST, and via email. 

Good for those who want to pay off their purchase sooner, rather than later. Zip ranked highly on our list for its interest-free model and for having one of the lowest late fees on our list. The app also boasts an average mobile app rating of 4.4 on Google Play and the App Store. Using Zip has zero impact on your credit score and you can use the service almost anywhere Visa is accepted. This platform did have the shortest repayment timeline out of all of the platforms we reviewed. When using this service, customers will split their purchase up into four installments over the course of six weeks. For customers who are looking to finance a larger purchase, this could put a strain on their budget.

3. Klarna  

About: Klarna was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2005 and now serves 150 million consumers across the globe, across more than 500,000 merchants in 45 countries. 

Loan terms: 4 interest-free payments, paid automatically every 2 weeks

The lesser of $7 or up to 25% of your total purchase amount may be charged if any scheduled payment remains unpaid after 10 days.

Klarna representatives can be reached 24/7 via phone or chat. 

Good for those who want to finance a larger purchase. Klarna made our list for its 24/7 customer service options, wide range of repayment options, and its credit limit (or lack thereof). Klarna offers 4 different payment options: Pay in 4, Pay in 30 days, Pay over time, and Pay now. For the sake of our methodology, we weighed Klarna’s most popular payment product: the Pay in 4 option. This route allows users to split payments up into 4 interest-free payments that will be paid once every two weeks.

Another perk: When you use Klarna, there is no predefined spending limit. Instead, a new automated approval decision will be made each time you use the service that will tell you what your credit limit is. Consumers who are managing their credit responsibly may see an increase in their purchasing power over time, which could make it easier to cover larger purchases. Klarna’s app, which has an average mobile app rating of 4.6, also offers a rewards club that will allow you to earn points on your purchases, a place to store loyalty cards from your favorite stores, price drop notifications, and more. 

4. Afterpay  

About: Afterpay was founded in Australia in 2014 and currently serves millions of customers and businesses around the globe. The platform currently offers BNPL services to more than 15,000 merchants. 

Loan terms: 6 months, 12 months, or in 4 interest-free payments

Afterpay charges an initial $10 late fee if a payment is not processed on or before the due date, and a further $7 if the payment remains unpaid 7 days after the due date. For each order below $40, a maximum of one $10 late fee may be applied per order. For each order of $40 or above, the total of the late fees that may be applied are capped at 25% of the original order value or $68, whichever is less. 

Afterpay representatives are available to answer any questions you have via email or in-app chat live chat which is available 24/7, although response times may vary. 

Good for those who want to shop on their phones. Afterpay snagged a spot on our list for its interest-free payment model and for having a competitive mobile app rating. With this platform, you can shop your favorite retailers directly from the app, receive curated round-ups, and keep up with the latest deals. What’s more—you can earn rewards when you shop using Afterpay. The platform does charge late fees for missed payments, although it’s capped at $10 or 25% of the original order value. 

5. Paypal  

About: Paypal is a notable name in the mobile payment app space, and its services have expanded to include BNPL services across $325 million merchants worldwide. 

Loan terms: 4 interest-free payments made bi-weekly or 6, 12, or 24 monthly payments 

PayPal does not charge any late fees.

Paypal representatives can be contacted in-app via the message center or by calling the customer service line between 6:00 a.m. PT and  6:00 p.m. PT Monday through Sunday. 

Good for those who want a greater selection of merchants to choose from. Paypal’s “Pay in 4” and “Pay Monthly” BNPL plans took the final spot on our list for having the greatest selection of merchants to choose from. In addition to its wide network of partnerships, Paypal offers flexible loan terms, zero late fees, and purchase protection feature which will reimburse you if the item you ordered doesn’t arrive or doesn’t match the original description. The BNPL option offers two plans, one for purchases between $30–$1,500 and a monthly financing plan for purchases between $199–$10,000. Users can enroll in autopay under both plans. 

What to know about buy-now, pay-later platforms  

Buy-now, pay-later platforms can make it easier to afford purchases that are just outside your budget by breaking down the lump sum cost into smaller, easier to manage installments. These installment loans may come with interest and fees that vary from platform to platform. Typically, merchants will partner with a buy-now, pay-later platform and offer this as a payment method at checkout. 

Should you choose to go this route, you’ll be directed to that platform’s site where you’ll need to create an account and provide personal identifying information (PII) such as your Social Security number (SSN), date of birth, contact information, and more. In many cases, the platform will use this information to perform a soft credit check (which doesn’t impact your credit score) to determine whether or not to approve you for a line of credit and determine your credit limit, APR, and more. 

How to choose a buy-now, pay-later service 

If you’re considering using a buy-now, pay-later platform to finance a purchase or multiple, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider: 

• The merchant network: Depending on the purchase you plan to make, you’ll want to make sure that the buy-now, pay-later service you’re using works with the retailer you’re buying from. These platforms typically have a directory on their website that you can browse through to see which retailers they’re partnered with or the retailer may also list buy-now, pay-later as an option at checkout. 
• Interest rate and fees: The interest rate you’re offered will depend on several factors unique to your personal finances, credit history, and more. However, many platforms will offer a range for the interest rate they may charge and how much you could incur in late fees if you miss a payment. Read the fine print to determine if the splurge is worth the potential fees you could owe down the line. 
• Loan terms: The terms for your loan will vary widely across platforms. When you’re thinking about the purchase you want to finance, you should also be mindful of your desired repayment timeline. While some platforms break down your payments across several months, others offer maximum loan terms of just a few weeks, which may be harder to manage depending on your financial situation. 

Frequently asked questions

Do buy-now, pay-later apps hurt your credit score.

Buy-now, pay-later apps don’t generally report payment information to the credit bureaus, although there are apps that do. However, this does not mean late payments won’t incur hefty fees or be sent to collections if you do not adhere to the terms of your loan. And, it also means that a positive payment history will not help you build credit over time, in most cases. 

Can I get approved to us a buy-now, pay-later app if I have bad credit?

Approval will be determined by the lender you’re choosing. Some buy-now, pay-later platforms may extend you a line of credit even if you have a lower credit score, but this may come at the cost of a higher APR or a lower credit limit. 

What are the disadvantages of buy-now, pay-later?

Some downsides of buy-now, pay-later services include late fees, the temptation to overspend, and potentially steep interest rates. 

Our methodology  

The Fortune Recommends TM team compared 7 of the most popular buy-now, pay-later apps and services to help you find the best platform for your borrowing needs. To come up with our final list, we ranked the best apps and exchanges on the following categories and weighted each category as set forth in the percentages below:

• Maximum annual percentage rate (APR) (25%): Platforms that did not charge any interest or charged low interest rates scored higher than platforms with higher interest rates. 
• Maximum late fee (20%): Many buy-now, pay-later platforms charge a fee for late or missed payments. We ranked platforms that had lower or no late fees at all higher on our list. 
• 0–1,000: 1 point
• 1,001–5,000: 2 points
• 5,001–10,000: 3 points
• 10,000-15,000: 4 points 
• 15,000+: 5 points
• Maximum loan term (20%): We favored platforms that offered longer loan terms, providing consumers with a longer repayment timeline.   
• Mobile app rating (10%): We calculated the average mobile application rating for each platform using ratings from the App Store and Google Play and rewarded platforms that had a higher mobile app rating. 
• Customer service options (5%): Top picks offer customers three ways to get in contact: chat support, by phone, or even email. Among the three options, we gave phone support the most weight.

We think that the best platforms offer financing for purchases from a large number of merchants, low or zero APRs, longer loan terms, a high mobile app rating, and various customer service options. The requirements, fees, and merchants partnered with these platforms may change and financing terms, limits, and APRs are dependent on your individual credit profile, income, and more.  

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EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.