How Afterpay works
Afterpay splits each purchase into four payments every two weeks, taken from your linked card, so it's paid off in six weeks. There's no interest or account fee, but late fees apply if you miss a payment. It's built for everyday purchases such as clothes, beauty and homewares, online and in store.
How humm works
humm splits smaller purchases into weekly or fortnightly payments, like other BNPL services. It also offers longer plans, over months or years, for bigger purchases such as furniture, solar panels, home improvements or medical and dental bills at businesses that accept it. Longer plans usually come with an establishment fee and a monthly fee, and larger amounts need more information about your income and finances.
Signing up
Both need you to be 18 or over and live in Australia, with a mobile number, email address and a card or bank account to repay from. humm also asks about your employment or other income, and won't lend to someone who's bankrupt. Since BNPL became regulated credit, both check your circumstances, and may check your credit report, before setting a limit.
Side by side
- Purchase size: Afterpay suits smaller everyday purchases. humm covers those and much bigger ones.
- Repayment term: six weeks with Afterpay. From a few weeks up to several years with humm, depending on the plan.
- Fees: Afterpay charges only late fees. humm's longer plans add establishment and monthly fees.
- Where you can use them: Afterpay is widely accepted with fashion and beauty retailers. humm is more common with furniture, home improvement, solar and health providers.
Pros and cons
- Both are interest free, so a short plan paid on time costs nothing extra.
- humm's long plans let you spread a big cost without interest.
- Fees on a long humm plan can add up to more than the interest on a low rate card or personal loan.
- Missed payments bring late fees with both, and can show on your credit report.
Which suits you
For small purchases, both can cost nothing if you pay on time. For a big purchase over months or years, add up the fees on a longer humm plan and compare them with a low rate credit card or personal loan.
BNPL is regulated credit
Since 10 June 2025, buy now pay later providers need an Australian credit licence. They must check that a plan suits you before approving it, offer help if you're in hardship, and belong to AFCA, the free complaints service. Your BNPL accounts and repayments can also appear on your credit report.