Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) providers are fundamentally altering the local digital payments sector as consumer preference shifts away from traditional credit.
The UAE is experiencing rapid growth in this space, supported by a formalised regulatory environment.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) introduced a regulatory framework for the sector to address the increasing demand for short-term credit products.
This framework requires providers to operate either as Restricted License Finance Companies or as official agents of licensed banks.
This regulatory clarity has allowed platforms to secure funding rounds and forge strategic partnerships locally.
From consumer retail to B2B lending, here are the top BNPL UAE platforms operating across the country.
Tabby
Tabby processes high volumes of digital payments in the UAE, claiming over 25 million total users and an annualised transaction volume exceeding US$17 billion.
The platform allows users to split purchases into four interest-free payments or extend terms up to 12 months.
The company recently strengthened its regulatory footing by securing a Stored Value Facilities license from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).
This approval allows Tabby to hold customer funds and expand beyond short-term credit into broader money management tools.
It has also partnered with payment orchestration platforms Yuno and Checkout.com to embed its instalment options deeper into merchant ecosystems.
Tamara
Tamara structures its domestic offering around Sharia-compliant financial products that do not charge interest or late fees.
Users can choose to pay in full or split their payments into four instalments. The platform also offers a smart membership program with cashback rewards and buyer protection.
The company recently expanded its reach locally by integrating with Amazon Payment Services. This opened its split payment options to a broader range of merchants.
This move aligns with a wider consumer preference for transparent payment models, particularly for higher-value purchases.
Cashew
While many platforms focus on everyday retail, Cashew has carved out a niche through bank partnerships to facilitate higher-value financing.
The fintech recently strengthened its collaboration with Mashreq to develop an embedded lending framework.
This system enables digital financing for essential and high-value purchases.
Through this partnership, customers can access loans of up to AED 150,000 with repayment tenures stretching up to 48 months.
This approach allows Cashew to offer substantial credit options directly at the point of sale across sectors like healthcare, home improvement, and education.
Comfi
Comfi addresses the unique cash flow challenges of small and medium businesses by bringing the split-payment model directly into the B2B space.
The UAE-headquartered platform provides immediate capital to SME suppliers by converting outstanding invoices into cash within 24 hours. Buyers are then offered flexible payment terms of 30, 60, or 90 days.
The company recently secured US$65 million in equity and debt to scale its embedded finance offering.
Having already supported over 1,000 SMEs, Comfi allows suppliers to close their receivables book instantly while facilitating larger order volumes from clients.
The expansion of both consumer and B2B platforms highlights the normalisation of alternative credit across the UAE.
Postpay
Postpay has maintained a steady presence in the local market since its launch in 2019.
The platform partners with thousands of domestic retailers, allowing online shoppers to split their payments into three interest-free instalments.
It has attracted institutional backing to accelerate its growth and capture a wider segment of the UAE retail sector.
| Provider | Target Segment | Instalment Terms | Interest & Fees | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tabby | Consumer | 4 payments; some products up to 12 months | Interest-free for standard Pay in 4; longer plans may include fees | UAE SVF license holder |
| Tamara | Consumer | Pay in full or 4 payments | Zero interest and no late fees | Sharia-compliant |
| Cashew | Consumer (high-value purchases) | Up to 48 months | Rates set by partner banks/financiers | Financing up to AED 150,000 |
| Comfi | B2B | 30, 60, or 90 days; some instalment options | Tailored B2B financing terms | Upfront supplier payment, typically within 1–3 business days |
| Postpay | Consumer | 3 payments | Interest-free | Broad UAE retail merchant network |
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News UAE, based on image by freepik and frantic via Magnific
