Consumer Finance Analyst • Tested Zip across 30+ purchases
⚡ The Bottom Line
Zip is the most flexible BNPL for shopping anywhere. The virtual card feature is genuinely useful. High approval rates make it great for bad credit. But it doesn't build credit, and the $7 late fee (while not the highest) adds up. Best for people who want BNPL at stores that don't accept other services.
What Happened to Quadpay? The Zip Rebrand
If you're searching for "Quadpay," it's now called Zip. Here's the story:
- 2016: Quadpay founded in New York
- 2020: Australian company Zip Co acquires Quadpay
- 2020: Quadpay rebrands to Zip in the US
- Today: Same service, same app, new name
Your old Quadpay account? It transferred to Zip automatically. Same login, same payment history, same limits.
Zip Virtual Card: Shop at ANY Store
This is Zip's killer feature. While Afterpay and others only work at partner stores, Zip's virtual card works everywhere.
How the Virtual Card Works
- Open the Zip app
- Tap "Get a virtual card" or "Shop anywhere"
- Enter your purchase amount
- Get instant approval
- Receive a one-time Visa card number
- Use it at ANY online checkout
💡 Where You Can Use Zip Virtual Card
- ✅ Amazon — Even though Amazon uses Affirm, Zip virtual card works
- ✅ Walmart — Full site works
- ✅ Small businesses — Any Shopify store, Etsy, etc.
- ✅ International stores — Works for US shoppers
- ✅ Subscription services — Use for first payment (not recurring)
Limitation: Virtual cards are one-time use. You can't save them for recurring payments or use the same number twice.
How Zip Pay in 4 Works
| Payment | When Due | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | At checkout | 25% |
| 2nd | 2 weeks | 25% |
| 3rd | 4 weeks | 25% |
| 4th | 6 weeks | 25% |
Interest: Always 0% APR — Zip never charges interest.
Zip for Bad Credit: High Approval Rates
Zip is known for approving users that other BNPL apps reject. Here's why:
- Soft credit check only — Won't hurt your score
- Alternative data — Looks at bank account, not just credit score
- Start small — Lower initial limits, increases with history
- No minimum credit score — No published threshold
🎯 Strategy for Bad Credit Approval
- Start with a small purchase ($50-100)
- Link a debit card with active bank account
- Pay on time to build Zip history
- Limits increase over time
For more options, see: Best BNPL for Bad Credit
Zip Fees & Late Charges
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interest | $0 | Always 0% APR |
| Installment Fee | $0 - $1 | Some orders have small fee |
| Late Fee | $7 | Per missed payment |
| Annual Fee | $0 | Free to use |
Late Fee Comparison
| BNPL | Late Fee |
|---|---|
| Affirm | $0 |
| PayPal | $0 |
| Klarna | $7 |
| Zip | $7 |
| Afterpay | $10 |
Zip Stores & Partners
Zip has direct partnerships with retailers, PLUS the virtual card works anywhere:
Official Zip Partners
- Newegg
- B&H Photo
- Fanatics
- Dick's Sporting Goods
- GameStop
- Foot Locker
Virtual Card: Shop Anywhere
With the virtual card, you can also shop at:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Any online store
- Small businesses
- Etsy sellers
Zip vs Klarna vs Affirm
| Feature | Zip | Klarna | Affirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Shop Anywhere | Yes (virtual card) | Yes (virtual card) | Yes (Affirm card) |
| Late Fee | $7 | $7 | $0 |
| Bad Credit | Best | Good | Good |
| Max Limit | ~$1.5K | ~$10K | $25K |
| Builds Credit | No | No | Yes (free) |
Verdict
Zip Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Virtual card works anywhere
- High bad credit approval
- $7 late fee (mid-tier)
- 0% interest always
- Soft credit check
❌ Cons
- Doesn't build credit
- Lower limits (~$1.5K)
- $1 installment fee on some orders
- Fewer direct partners
- $7 late fee (not $0)
Zip FAQ
Quadpay rebranded to Zip in 2020 after being acquired by Zip Co. Same service, new name. Your account transferred automatically.
Yes! Zip's virtual card lets you shop at ANY online store—Amazon, Walmart, small businesses, anywhere that accepts Visa.
Yes. Zip has high approval rates for lower credit scores. They use soft checks and look at factors beyond just credit score. Start with small purchases to build history.
Final Verdict: 4.1/5 ⭐
Zip's virtual card is genuinely useful for shopping anywhere. High bad credit approval makes it accessible. But lower limits and lack of credit building hold it back. Best as a secondary BNPL for stores that don't accept Klarna or Affirm.