Let’s be honest… we’ve all had that moment.
The shoes are in your cart, the phone’s on sale, or your flight ticket is just ₹2,000 more than your current balance. You sigh, thinking, “Bas next salary ke baad khareed loonga.”
But what if you didn’t have to wait?
That’s where BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) steps in. It’s the modern-day upgrade of the “baad mein de dena” concept except this time, it’s digital, interest-free (for short periods), and backed by fintech innovation.
In this Paisaseekho 2025 guide, we’ll unpack the best BNPL apps in India, how they work, what to watch out for, and how to use them responsibly, so your short-term freedom doesn’t turn into long-term debt.
What Is BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)?
BNPL, or Buy Now, Pay Later, is a short-term credit service that lets you purchase something today and pay for it later, usually in interest-free EMIs spread over a few weeks or months.
Think of it as a mini-credit card without the card.
When you make a purchase, the BNPL app pays the merchant instantly, and you pay the BNPL provider back later, either in one shot (after 30 days) or via instalments.
Why BNPL Apps Are Growing Fast in India
According to RBI and industry estimates, over 100 million Indians have now used BNPL services. With rising youth income, e-commerce adoption, and digital lending platforms, BNPL has become the preferred credit option for Gen Z and young professionals.
Here’s why:
✅ Zero-cost EMIs: Pay later without extra fees (if paid on time).
✅ Instant approval: No long loan application or paperwork.
✅ Credit for the unbanked: Even those without credit cards can access it.
✅ Convenient repayment: Flexible schedules via UPI or auto-debit.
✅ Integration everywhere: Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, MakeMyTrip, BNPL options are now everywhere.
💡 BNPL gives you liquidity and flexibility, but only if used wisely.
Top 5 BNPL Apps in India (2025)
Here’s a carefully curated list of India’s best and most trusted BNPL providers in 2025, compared by features, interest-free period, usage limits, and safety.
🥇 1. LazyPay – The All-Rounder for Everyday Payments
Best for: Small-ticket daily expenses (food, bills, online shopping).
LazyPay, owned by PayU, is one of India’s most popular BNPL apps. It offers a “pay later” line up to ₹1 lakh, with a 15–30-day interest-free window.
Key Features:
- Instant approval based on PAN and mobile verification.
- Interest-free period up to 15–30 days.
- EMI options for 3–12 months on large purchases.
- Works across 250+ online platforms (Swiggy, Zomato, Flipkart, MakeMyTrip).
Why Users Love It:
LazyPay’s checkout integration makes it effortless, you just tap “Pay with LazyPay,” and it’s done. The repayment reminders are gentle, and the app’s credit limit adjusts as you build a repayment history.
Credit Limit: ₹500 – ₹1,00,000
Interest: 0% (for short term); 15–24% p.a. for EMIs.
Repayment: UPI, NetBanking, Auto-debit.
🔍 Pro Tip: Pay full dues before your bill date, late fees start after 3 days.
🥈 2. Amazon Pay Later – Best for Online Shoppers
Best for: Regular Amazon users.
Amazon Pay Later is perfect for anyone who shops frequently on Amazon and wants one-click credit without a card.
Key Features:
- Credit limit up to ₹60,000 (instant digital approval).
- Pay full amount next month or convert to EMI up to 12 months.
- 100% paperless KYC.
- Interest-free up to 30 days.
Why Users Love It:
It feels native, no third-party app needed. Plus, repayments happen automatically through your linked UPI or bank account.
Credit Limit: ₹1,500 – ₹60,000
Interest: 0% (within 30 days), 15–22% for EMIs.
Eligibility: PAN + Aadhaar + Amazon account with good purchase history.
💡 Pro Tip: Enable auto-debit to maintain a perfect repayment score, Amazon reports repayment data to credit bureaus like Experian and CIBIL.
🥉 3. Simpl – Best for Seamless, One-Tap Checkouts
Best for: Quick and small-value online payments.
Simpl’s charm lies in its speed. It allows “one-tap payments” across 20,000+ merchants including Swiggy, Blinkit, BigBasket, and Zomato, and bills you twice a month.
Key Features:
- Unified bill every 15 days.
- Credit line up to ₹30,000.
- 0% interest if paid on time.
- Super-fast refunds and transaction tracking.
Why Users Love It:
There’s no “loan” feeling, just convenience. You buy now, settle twice a month. It’s ideal for salaried users managing weekly budgets.
Credit Limit: ₹500 – ₹30,000
Interest: 0% (timely payments), ₹250 late fee if delayed.
🔍 Pro Tip: Simpl boosts your internal credit score, consistent repayments can increase your limit significantly within months.
🏅 4. ZestMoney – Best for Big Purchases & EMI Flexibility
Best for: Electronics, travel, and lifestyle purchases.
ZestMoney was among India’s first BNPL pioneers. It offers EMIs without a credit card across 10,000+ online and offline partners like Flipkart, MakeMyTrip, Croma, and Reliance Digital.
Key Features:
- Loan limits up to ₹2 lakh.
- Tenures from 3–18 months.
- No credit card or CIBIL score required.
- Zero prepayment penalty.
Why Users Love It:
ZestMoney bridges the gap for users without traditional credit access. It’s especially useful for aspirational purchases like laptops or furniture.
Credit Limit: ₹5,000 – ₹2,00,000
Interest: 0–24% p.a. depending on merchant offers.
💡 Pro Tip: Partner merchants often run “zero-cost EMI” campaigns with ZestMoney, check before checkout.
🧾 5. Paytm Postpaid – Best for Bill Payments and Recharges
Best for: Utility bills, recharges, and small shopping.
Paytm Postpaid offers a smooth experience integrated into the Paytm app, making it ideal for everyday transactions.
Key Features:
- Credit limit up to ₹60,000.
- Interest-free period: 30 days.
- Split payments into EMIs up to 6 months.
- Works for mobile recharge, gas bills, and e-commerce.
Why Users Love It:
No extra app, no friction. Just activate Paytm Postpaid within the app and start transacting.
Credit Limit: ₹500 – ₹60,000
Interest: 0% (30 days); EMI interest varies by tenure.
Repayment: Auto-debit or UPI before the 7th of every month.
🔍 Pro Tip: Repaying on time helps you qualify for higher Paytm credit cards later.
Comparison Table: Top BNPL Apps in India (2025 Snapshot)
| App | Credit Limit | Interest-Free Period | Max Tenure (EMI) | Best For |
| LazyPay | ₹1,00,000 | 15–30 days | 12 months | Everyday payments |
| Amazon Pay Later | ₹60,000 | 30 days | 12 months | Online shopping |
| Simpl | ₹30,000 | 15 days | N/A | Small bills & recharges |
| ZestMoney | ₹2,00,000 | Varies by partner | 18 months | Big purchases |
| Paytm Postpaid | ₹60,000 | 30 days | 6 months | Bill payments |
How BNPL Apps Work (Step-by-Step)
- Download the BNPL app or activate it within an existing platform (like Amazon or Paytm).
- Complete digital KYC: Usually PAN + Aadhaar + selfie.
- Get instant credit approval: The app assigns you a credit limit.
- Shop online or offline: Select BNPL as your payment option at checkout.
- Repay later: Either in full (by the due date) or convert into EMIs.
The entire process takes less than 5 minutes for most users.
Eligibility Criteria for BNPL Apps
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | 21–55 years |
| Income Source | Salaried or self-employed |
| Documents | PAN, Aadhaar, bank details |
| Credit Score | 650+ preferred (but not mandatory) |
| Mobile Number | Linked to Aadhaar for eKYC |
Even first-time borrowers (without a credit card or CIBIL score) can qualify, BNPL apps often use AI-based underwriting models that look at your transaction history instead of just your credit score.
Benefits of BNPL Apps
✅ Instant access to short-term credit.
✅ Zero paperwork or collateral.
✅ Interest-free for short periods.
✅ Ideal for students and first-jobbers.
✅ Builds your credit history if used responsibly.
Risks & Drawbacks of BNPL
Before you go all-in, here’s the fine print:
❌ High late fees: Even small delays can cost ₹250–₹600.
❌ Credit score impact: Missed payments are reported to credit bureaus.
❌ Impulse spending: Easy credit can tempt overspending.
❌ Limited merchant use: Not all offline stores accept BNPL yet.
⚠️ BNPL is best used for managing cash flow, not funding lifestyle inflation.
How to Use BNPL Smartly
- Use BNPL only for essentials or emergencies.
- Set repayment reminders.
- Avoid overlapping multiple BNPL loans.
- Keep utilisation under 50% of your limit.
- Pay before the due date to maintain a strong CIBIL score.
💡 Treat BNPL like a “mini credit card”, the same discipline applies.
RBI’s Take on BNPL (2025 Update)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened norms on digital lending. Key highlights:
- NBFCs must partner with regulated banks for BNPL operations.
- Apps must disclose all fees and charges upfront.
- No unauthorised credit disbursal into wallets.
- Credit bureau reporting is mandatory for transparency.
This means the ecosystem is now more secure, transparent, and borrower-friendly than ever before.
Real Example: How Arjun Used BNPL Smartly
Arjun, a 27-year-old graphic designer in Pune, activated LazyPay for small purchases, groceries, bills, and Swiggy orders.
He made ₹7,500 worth of payments monthly, cleared dues before the due date every time, and within six months:
- His limit grew to ₹75,000.
- His CIBIL score improved by 28 points.
- He qualified for a low-interest personal loan through the same app.
The key? Discipline and timely repayments.
Final Thoughts
BNPL apps have revolutionised short-term credit for young Indians, making it simpler, faster, and more inclusive than ever before.
Used wisely, they’re a fantastic way to manage cash flow, build credit history, and enjoy financial flexibility.
Used carelessly, they can drag you into unnecessary debt.
So before you hit “Buy Now, Pay Later,” ask yourself one question:
👉 Can I comfortably pay it back next month?
If the answer is yes, swipe away, guilt-free.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1) Which is the best BNPL app in India in 2025?
LazyPay, Amazon Pay Later, Simpl, ZestMoney, and Paytm Postpaid are India’s best BNPL apps for 2025. They offer reliable limits, seamless checkout experiences, and RBI-regulated operations. Choose based on your spending habits and repayment comfort.
2) Is Buy Now, Pay Later interest-free?
Yes, BNPL services usually offer 0% interest for 15–30 days. If you convert purchases into EMIs, interest (typically 15–24% p.a.) may apply depending on tenure and merchant offers.
3) Does BNPL affect your credit score?
Yes. BNPL providers report your payment behaviour to credit bureaus. Paying on time improves your score; defaults or late payments can hurt it, just like credit cards.
4) Is BNPL better than a credit card?
BNPL is easier to access and great for small purchases or beginners without a credit history. Credit cards, however, offer higher limits, wider acceptance, and rewards programs. Use BNPL as a stepping stone to responsible credit card usage.
5) Can students use BNPL apps?
Yes, some apps like Simpl and LazyPay allow students to apply if they have consistent bank activity and KYC documents. However, limits are smaller (₹500–₹5,000).
6) What happens if I don’t pay my BNPL bill?
Late payments trigger penalty fees and are reported to credit bureaus like CIBIL and Experian, lowering your credit score. Repeated defaults can block your access to future credit.
7) How can I increase my BNPL limit?
Repay consistently, keep your utilisation low, and link your bank account for verification. Apps like LazyPay and Simpl automatically raise limits after 3–6 months of responsible use.
8) Are BNPL apps safe to use?
Yes, major BNPL apps in India are backed by RBI-registered NBFCs or banks (like PayU, ICICI Bank, and Capital Float). Always download from official app stores and check for RBI disclosures before linking your bank details.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. BNPL offerings, credit limits, and interest rates vary by provider and may change as per RBI regulations. Always read the fine print before using any BNPL service.
