The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) industry has seen remarkable growth over the past few years. By 2025, it is projected that 6% of the global population will use BNPL services, up from 5% in 2022. This payment method is particularly popular in the United States, where over one-third of small businesses have adopted BNPL as a payment option, meeting consumer demands for flexible, interest-free installment plans.
In this article, we explore the leading BNPL companies in 2025, their market positions, growth strategies, and how they shape the future of payments.
What is Driving BNPL Growth?
Several factors have contributed to the rapid adoption of BNPL services worldwide:
- Consumer Demand for Flexibility: BNPL services allow customers to spread out payments without incurring high-interest fees, making big-ticket items more accessible.
- eCommerce Expansion: With global eCommerce sales projected to exceed $7.9 trillion by 2027, BNPL is now a standard offering on most online platforms.
- Younger Consumer Appeal: Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize convenience and flexibility, are the largest demographic using BNPL services.
- Technology Advancements: Seamless integration with eCommerce platforms and AI-powered user experiences have enhanced BNPL accessibility.
Top BNPL Companies
1. Mastercard Inc.
- Market Cap: $340 billion
- Overview: Mastercard continues to dominate the BNPL space with its robust infrastructure and strategic partnerships with major retailers and eCommerce platforms.
- Key Statistics: Mastercard’s BNPL user base in the U.S. has surged to 80 million in 2025, up from 45.1 million in 2022.
- Growth Strategy: The company’s integration with digital wallets and emphasis on financial literacy campaigns for responsible usage have solidified its top position.
2. PayPal Holdings Inc.
- Market Cap: $82 billion
- Overview: PayPal remains a strong contender, leveraging its vast ecosystem of over 220 million active users worldwide.
- Key Features: PayPal’s "Pay in 4" service continues to attract both consumers and merchants by offering interest-free installments for purchases under $1,500.
- Expansion Plans: The company has expanded its services into emerging markets in Asia and Africa, where digital payments are experiencing exponential growth.
3. Block Inc. (formerly Square Inc.)
- Market Cap: $42 billion
- Overview: Block owns Cash App, a favorite among younger consumers in the U.S., with over 50 million active users.
- Innovations: In 2025, Block launched AI-driven tools to provide personalized repayment options, reducing late payments and enhancing user satisfaction.
4. Klarna
- Market Cap: $9 billion
- Overview: Sweden’s Klarna is one of Europe’s most recognized BNPL brands, with significant presence in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.
- Unique Offerings: Klarna’s "Pay Now" and "Pay Later" options have been enhanced with loyalty programs, encouraging repeat usage.
- Sustainability Push: Klarna has introduced features to offset the carbon footprint of purchases, resonating with eco-conscious consumers.
5. Affirm Holdings Inc.
- Market Cap: $6 billion
- Overview: Affirm’s focus on high-value transactions, particularly in travel and home improvement, has set it apart.
- Partnerships: Affirm collaborates with brands like Peloton and Expedia, providing tailored BNPL solutions for high-ticket purchases.
6. Monzo
- Market Cap: $5 billion
- Overview: Monzo, a U.K.-based challenger bank, has integrated BNPL with its broader financial services, allowing users to manage all payments in one place.
- Growth Metrics: With 120,000 new users added monthly, Monzo has emerged as a major player in the BNPL market.
7. Grab Holdings Ltd.
- Market Cap: $12 billion
- Overview: Southeast Asia’s Grab combines ride-hailing, food delivery, and BNPL in its super-app, driving engagement across verticals.
- Localized Approach: Grab tailors its BNPL solutions to local market conditions, such as installment plans for smaller transactions in cash-reliant economies.
8. Zip Co. Ltd.
- Market Cap: $310 million
- Overview: Based in Australia, Zip has maintained its market share through innovative partnerships with local retailers.
- Strategic Shifts: In 2025, Zip introduced a subscription-based BNPL model, offering unlimited transactions for a flat monthly fee.
9. Afterpay (Acquired by Block Inc.)
- Market Cap: Integrated within Block’s $42 billion valuation
- Overview: Afterpay continues to thrive under Block’s ownership, with an emphasis on fashion and beauty retail partnerships.
- Key Success: Afterpay Day, a shopping festival, has become a significant driver of sales for participating merchants.
10. Openpay Group Ltd.
- Market Cap: $35 million
- Overview: Openpay specializes in niche markets such as healthcare and education, offering longer repayment terms for services like medical treatments and tuition.
- Future Outlook: Its focus on non-retail sectors makes Openpay a unique player in the BNPL landscape.
Emerging Trends in the BNPL Industry
- Regulatory Scrutiny
As BNPL adoption grows, governments worldwide are introducing regulations to protect consumers from over-indebtedness. Leading companies are enhancing transparency with upfront disclosures and AI tools that assess creditworthiness. - Integration with Digital Wallets
BNPL is increasingly being integrated into digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, making it even more convenient for consumers to choose installment plans at checkout. - Sustainability Initiatives
Companies like Klarna are pioneering sustainability features, including carbon offset options and eco-friendly payment incentives. - AI-Powered Personalization
Advanced AI tools are helping BNPL providers customize repayment plans, send timely reminders, and offer tailored product recommendations.
Why BNPL Matters for Businesses
Offering BNPL options has become essential for retailers aiming to:
- Increase Conversion Rates: BNPL reduces cart abandonment by providing customers with flexible payment options.
- Attract Younger Consumers: Millennials and Gen Z shoppers are more likely to purchase from retailers offering BNPL.
- Boost Average Order Value (AOV): Consumers often spend more when given the option to pay in installments.
Pro Tips for eCommerce Businesses
- Leverage BNPL Integration Tools: Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make it easy to add BNPL options such as Klarna or Afterpay.
- Highlight BNPL Options: Clearly display BNPL availability on product pages and at checkout to increase conversions.
- Educate Customers: Provide clear, concise information about BNPL terms to build trust and transparency.
The BNPL industry is expected to surpass $1 trillion in global transaction volume, reshaping consumer spending habits and influencing the broader financial ecosystem. As these companies continue to innovate, businesses and consumers alike will benefit from the flexibility, convenience, and accessibility that BNPL offers.