Buy Now Pay Later – PayFlex vs. PayJustNow: 5 Key Differences in Fees, Terms & Conditions

A Detailed Comparison of South Africa’s Leading Buy Now, Pay Later Services

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services have become increasingly popular in South Africa, offering shoppers flexible payment options. Two of the most widely used platforms are PayFlex and PayJustNow, both allowing customers to split purchases into multiple interest-free installments. However, despite their similarities, they differ in fees, terms, and conditions.

If you’re wondering which BNPL service best suits your shopping needs, this article compares PayFlex vs PayJustNow, highlighting five key differences in their fee structures, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements.

1. Number of Installments & Payment Structure

The primary difference between PayFlex and PayJustNow is their instalment structure:

• PayFlex: Divides payments into four equal interest-free instalments over six weeks.
• PayJustNow: Splits payments into three equal interest-free instalments over three months.

Payment Breakdown Example

If you buy an item worth R2,399, here’s how payments would be structured:

Key Takeaway

If you prefer smaller payments over a shorter period, PayFlex is the better option. If you prefer a longer repayment period, PayJustNow is more suitable.

2. Late Payment Fees & Penalties

While both services charge penalties for missed payments, the fees and policies differ:

• PayFlex: Charges R95 per missed payment, applied weekly up to three times.
• PayJustNow: Charges R145 per missed payment, with a maximum penalty of 25% of the total purchase price.

Key Takeaway

Missing a PayJustNow payment can be more costly than missing a PayFlex payment due to the higher penalty and cumulative late fees.

3. Interest & Account Fees

Both PayFlex and PayJustNow are completely interest-free as long as payments are made on time. Additionally, neither platform charges:

• Monthly account fees
• Sign-up fees

Key Takeaway

Both services allow users to pay in instalments without incurring interest or account fees, making them cost-effective options for shoppers.

4. Eligibility & Approval Process

To qualify for either service, you must:

✔️ Be 18 years or older
✔️ Have a valid South African ID
✔️ Own a South African debit or credit card

No credit checks are required for either service, making them accessible to a broad range of consumers.

Both platforms provide instant approval, meaning customers can shop immediately after signing up.

Key Takeaway

Both services are equally easy to access, making them a great choice for shoppers without a credit history.

5. Where Can You Use PayFlex & PayJustNow?

Although both services are widely accepted in South Africa, they partner with different retailers.

PayFlex Partner Stores

• Takealot
• Superbalist
• Cotton On
• Cape Union Mart
• Exclusive Books

PayJustNow Partner Stores

• Superbalist
• Edgars
• The North Face
• Totalsports
• Cape Union Mart

For a full list of stores, visit payflex.co.za or payjustnow.com.

Key Takeaway

If you frequently shop at a specific store, check which BNPL service they support before signing up.

Which BNPL Service is Right for You?

The best BNPL service depends on your shopping habits and financial preferences:

✔️ Choose PayFlex if you prefer smaller, more frequent payments over six weeks.
✔️ Choose PayJustNow if you need a longer repayment period of three months.

Final Thoughts

Both PayFlex and PayJustNow provide South African shoppers with convenient, interest-free instalment plans. Before choosing a BNPL service, consider:

🔹 The store’s accepted payment options
🔹 Your financial ability to make timely payments
🔹 The penalties for missed payments

By managing payments responsibly, PayFlex vs PayJustNow both offer safe and flexible payment solutions for South African shoppers.

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