Payl8r review 2024: What is it and how does it work?

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With more than 1,000 retailers available through Payl8r, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to your online shopping spree. What’s more, you’ll be able to choose how to split your payments up and can benefit from the provider’s no-interest options.

How does Payl8r work?

If you browse in one of the shops that Payl8r is partnered with and you decide to make a purchase, you’ll simply need to head to the checkout and then select Payl8r as your method of payment. You can then choose the deposit (more on this later) and how you want to pay Payl8r back.

Payl8r has three payment options to choose from:

Option 1. This option means that you have up to 90 days in which to pay Payl8r back and you won’t be charged any interest. Payments are split into 3.
Option 2. Choosing this option will allow you to divide the cost of your shopping over 3, 6, 9, 12 or 18 monthly payments. But interest will be added after the first 3 months.
Option 3. This will allow you to spread the cost of your shopping over up to 2 years. Exactly how many payments your total will be split into depends in your individual credit profile.

You’ll be able to go to your Payl8r account, see all the purchases you’ve made and also find out when each payment is due.

What happens if I make a late payment?

Payl8r is one of the more unforgiving pay later providers if you miss a payment. It’s okay to do it once, provided that you can cover that instalment within the next 28 days. If not, extra charges may be applied as detailed in your credit agreement.

You’ll be charged £5 if Payl8r attempts to take a payment and it fails, and £15 if you miss a scheduled payment. You will also be charged interest on the amount owing until you pay it.

Will Payl8r affect my credit score?

Using a buy now pay later service can affect your credit score. As part of the application process Payl8r will run a credit check on you. This can have a negative impact on your credit score, although it’s usually temporary. You will be charged £2 for the credit check, but this is refunded if you’re approved.

It’s sensible to use Payl8r’s eligibility checker first to see how likely you are to be approved, without affecting your credit score.

If you are approved for a Payl8r account, using the service responsibly may improve your credit score, but missing payments could have the opposite effect.

Features of shopping with Payl8r

Interest-free options. Choosing to pay the full amount within 90 days will mean you won’t ever have to pay a penny more than your shopping total, as long as you pay on time.
Change payment dates. If you need to move the date of your payment to fit in with your payday, then no problem.
Repay early. If you want to clear your payments earlier than planned, you can and it won’t cost you anything extra to do so.

Automatic repay. You’ll be able to set up automatic payments from your bank account to your Payl8r account each month.
Security for details. Payl8r guards and protects your information using banking security measures and encryptions.
Payment reminders. Payl8r will give you a heads up text to your phone to help you avoid missing payments.

Warning: Late repayments can cause you serious money problems. For help, contact the government’s free money advice website, MoneyHelper.

How much does Payl8r cost to use?

Payl8r doesn’t charge any monthly or annual fees for its services but you will need to pay a deposit after Payl8r accepts your application. This deposit is usually 10% of your total purchase amount but the exact amount will be shown on your summary. You’ll also need to pay a £4.95 application fee. You’ll only end up paying more than your shopping total if you choose payment option 2 and accept the interest rate that will be added. Or if you make late payments.

Is Payl8r safe to use?

In terms of account security, yes. Payl8r uses banking security measures and encryptions to keep your personal details protected. This means you’ll be safe to shop using Payl8r.

If you’re a UK citizen, have a UK bank account with either a credit or debit card linked to it and access to online banking, you can apply for one of Payl8r’s payment options through one of its many retail partners. Once you submit your application after selecting Payl8r as the payment option, you should get an automated response in under a minute. Some shoppers may need to submit additional information (such as bank records) if required, which can take longer.

Keep in mind that unlike spending on a credit card, purchases made through a BNPL service (with the exception of Monzo Flex) are not covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means you won’t have as much protection if something goes wrong with your purchase.”

– Rachel Wait, financial journalist

Pros and cons of Payl8r

Interest-free options. Payl8r does offer interest-free options.
No early repayment charges. If you choose the interest-free option, you can repay early without any extra cost.
Use for retail, travel and beauty. Pay for items later across various sectors.
No hidden fees. You will never be surprised with nasty fees. The only time you may pay more than the item itself is if you miss a payment.
Range of payment plans. Various options available to suit your budget and purchase.

Limited partnered retailers. Payl8r is only partnered with limited retailers, making it harder to shop around and pay for goods later.
Late payment fees. Late payment fees can apply if you miss a payment and don’t make it up within 28 days.
Can affect your credit score. If you miss payments, this could negatively affect your credit score.
Application fee. You’ll need to pay a £4.95 fee when you apply.

How can I contact Payl8r?

Payl8er can be contacted by phone at 0161 425 6363 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5.30pm), or via emailing the support team at admin@payl8r.com.

Customer reviews

Payl8r is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with a score of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 2,900 reviews (updated May 2024). Customers praise the Payl8r service but some did have issues with customer services.

The verdict

We love Payl8r’s clear and stylish website design explaining the different payment plans on offer. It’s available across numerous sectors and payment dates can be shifted to fit in with your budget. However, the late fees, charges for payment reminders and the impact the service can have on your credit score mean users should be very wary before signing up.