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Is Sezzle legit?
Sezzle is licensed as a lender, publishes their privacy policy and is active on social media. However, their BBB rating is average and they are not CLA certified.
Sezzle: Overview
How great would it be to buy something expensive online without having to pay the full purchase price upfront?
With Sezzle, you can complete your purchase, but commit only a fraction of the price at checkout. The rest of the outstanding balance is then paid over the next few weeks via installment payments.
So, does Sezzle affect your credit score? In Canada, using Sezzle won't hurt your credit score on its own. Sezzle only runs a soft credit check, and it doesn't report your payments to a credit bureau unless you join Sezzle Up, its free credit-building program. If you join, Sezzle reports your payment history to Equifax, so paying on time can help your credit and paying late can hurt it.
Before you add any new payment plan, it helps to know what can make your credit score drop and which factors hurt your credit the most.
Sezzle's buy now, pay later service makes larger purchases more accessible, and there's no interest to pay, either. Let's take a closer look at Sezzle to help you decide if it's a service you could benefit from.
Is Sezzle Right For You?
Sezzle can be a good fit if:
- You want to split a purchase without paying interest. Pay in 4 spreads the price over 6 weeks with 0% APR, and Pay in 2 splits it into 2 payments 2 weeks apart.
- You're worried about a hard credit check. Sezzle may only run a soft credit check, so signing up and paying with Sezzle won't lower your score.
- You'd like to build credit while you shop. Sezzle Up is free and reports your on-time payments to Equifax, which can help you build a credit history.
What Is Sezzle?
Sezzle is a fintech company that serves shoppers in both Canada and the US. It offers a buy now, pay later payment option that lets you pay for purchases in installments instead of one lump sum upfront.
Sezzle's plans are interest-free, and more merchants keep adding it at checkout. As of April 2026, Sezzle had 1.9 million all-time user sign-ups in Canada1.
What Sezzle Offers
Sezzle offers 2 interest-free payment plans at partner stores, plus a Pay in Full option. The plans you see at checkout depend on the store, and not every plan is available in every province.
Pay In 4
Sezzle's main payment plan splits your purchase into 4 equal payments over 6 weeks. You pay 25% at checkout, then 25% every 2 weeks.
| Payments | 4 equal payments |
| Due At Checkout | 25% |
| Payment Schedule | 25% every 2 weeks |
| Term | 6 weeks |
| Interest | 0% APR |
Pay In 2
With Pay in 2, you pay 50% when you buy and the other 50% 2 weeks later.
| Payments | 2 equal payments |
| Due At Checkout | 50% |
| Payment Schedule | 50% 2 weeks later |
| Term | 2 weeks |
| Interest | 0% APR |
Pay In Full
With Pay in Full, also called Pay in 1, you pay 100% of the price at checkout. It's for times you don't need to split the cost but still want the perks of paying with Sezzle. Each Pay in Full order builds your Sezzle spending history, and eligible orders can earn up to 2% back in Sezzle Spend, depending on the store. Pay in Full orders aren't reported to Equifax, even if you're in Sezzle Up.
| Payments | 1 payment |
| Due At Checkout | 100% |
| Interest | None |
| Rewards | Up to 2% back in Sezzle Spend on eligible orders |
Using Sezzle In Stores With The Virtual Card
In April 2026, Sezzle launched a virtual card in Canada. You can add it to Apple Pay or Google Wallet and use it to pay with Sezzle at participating stores, both online and in person. You can't use the virtual card to get cash.
There's no interest charged on any of these plans. The total cost of credit under Sezzle's Canadian user agreement is $0.
Features
- Soft Credit Check Only: Sezzle may run a soft credit check, which doesn't affect your credit score.
- Sezzle Up: A free program that reports your payments to Equifax so you can build credit.
- Reschedule A Payment: Push a payment back by up to 2 weeks for a fee of up to $5 (no fee in Quebec).
- Spending Power That Grows: Your spending power is set for each order at checkout and can go up as you build a history of on-time payments.
How Fast Your Order Goes Through
Sezzle decides on your plan right at checkout, and they pay the store in full when you place your order. That means your order is processed like any other purchase, and you pay Sezzle back on your schedule.
How Does Sezzle Work In Canada?
Sezzle works by paying the store for you and letting you pay Sezzle back in smaller, interest-free installments. When shopping online with participating merchants, you'll have the option to pay with Sezzle at checkout. Sezzle will show up as a payment option similar to PayPal or a credit card.
If this is your first purchase through Sezzle, you'll be asked to create an account. Sezzle may run a soft credit check before giving you a decision.
Then, you'll choose your payment plan, make the first payment at checkout and complete your order. The rest of your payments come out automatically on the dates in your payment schedule.
The number of payments and the time you have to make them depend on the plan you choose. Not every plan is available in every province.
Does Sezzle Affect Your Credit Score?
No, a regular Sezzle account won't affect your credit score. Sezzle doesn't do hard credit checks, and it doesn't report your payments to the credit bureaus unless you join Sezzle Up.
That changes if you join Sezzle Up. Once you're enrolled, Sezzle reports your payment history, both good and bad, to Equifax.
Does Sezzle Do A Credit Check?
Sezzle may run a soft credit check when you sign up or place an order. A soft check lets Sezzle see your credit file without leaving a mark that lenders can see, so it has no impact on your credit score. Sezzle's Canadian user agreement says it doesn't do hard checks or hard pulls.
Sezzle Up To Build Credit
If you want to use Sezzle to build or repair your credit score, you'll need to enrol in Sezzle Up. It's free, and it lets Sezzle report your payment history to Equifax. Sezzle Up does not report to TransUnion in Canada. More than 60,000 Canadians were using Sezzle Up as of April 20261.
To enrol, follow these steps:
Sezzle reviews your account at the end of each month and sends your balance and payment status to Equifax. To see how each month was reported, log into your account, go to the Benefits section and choose "Sezzle Up."
What Happens If You Miss A Sezzle Payment?
If a payment fails, Sezzle will try it again later. If it's still unpaid more than 2 days after the due date, Sezzle can deactivate your account until you catch up, and you may be charged a $10 reactivation fee.
Warning: Late Payments Show Up With Sezzle Up
If you're in Sezzle Up, any payment that's 30 or more days overdue is reported to Equifax as late. It's reported again each month it stays unpaid. For example, a payment that fails on January 10 and is still unpaid at the end of February is first reported in February.
Sezzle must report both positive and negative results once you join, and it can't delete negative reports, even if you close your account later.
How To Stop Sezzle Up Reporting
There's no switch to turn off Sezzle Up on its own. To stop the reporting, you need to pay off any orders you still owe and close your Sezzle account.
Can I Return Something If I Purchased It Using Sezzle?
Yes, you can return an item you bought with Sezzle. To get a refund, contact the merchant directly. The merchant sends the refund to Sezzle, your payment plan is updated, and Sezzle emails you about the changes.
How Refunds Are Applied
A refund first cancels any payments you still owe on that order. If there's money left over, it goes back to a card on file. Refunds can't be sent to a bank account or a prepaid card.
For Pay in 4 and Pay in 2 orders, a refund can take up to 10 business days to fully process.
You'll still need to keep up with your payments until the merchant processes your refund and Sezzle receives the funds. Missing a payment while you wait can still lead to fees.
Do My Payments Go To Sezzle Or The Merchant?
Your payments go to Sezzle. Sezzle pays the merchant for your order, so it can be processed right away. Then, you pay Sezzle back in installments.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Using Sezzle
There are several reasons you might choose Sezzle's buy now, pay later option when shopping, and a few drawbacks to consider as well:
Benefits
- Spread out the purchase price: Instead of paying a large amount upfront, you can keep more money in your pocket and pay the full price over a few weeks.
- Interest-free: You don't pay any interest on Sezzle's payment plans.
- Reschedule payments: If you can't make a payment on its due date, you can push it back by up to 2 weeks for a fee of up to $5 (no fee in Quebec).
- No effect on credit score: Sezzle only does a soft credit check, so your credit scores won't be affected.
- Free credit building: Sezzle Up lets your on-time payments be reported to Equifax at no cost.
Drawbacks
- Down payment required: With Pay in 4, you'll need to pay 25% of the price at checkout.
- Doesn't help build credit on its own: Unless you enrol in Sezzle Up, your payments aren't reported, so they won't help your credit.
- Late payments can hurt with Sezzle Up: Once you join, payments 30 or more days late are reported to Equifax.
- Short repayment window: Pay in 4 has to be paid off in 6 weeks, so the payments can be large on a tight budget.
Where Is Sezzle Accepted In Canada?
You can pay with Sezzle at participating online stores and, with the virtual card, at some stores in person. Here are some Canadian retailers that accept Sezzle:
| Store | What They Sell | How To Pay With Sezzle |
|---|---|---|
| SoftMoc | Shoes | In store with the virtual card |
| JD Sports Canada | Athletic shoes and clothing | In store with the virtual card |
| Quarks | Shoes | In store with the virtual card |
| Kit & Ace | Clothing | In store with the virtual card |
| QE Home | Home decor and bedding | In store with the virtual card |
| Mastermind Toys | Toys and games | In store with the virtual card |
| West Coast Kids | Baby and kids' gear | In store with the virtual card |
| FortNine | Motorcycle gear | Online checkout |
To see every store near you, check the store directory in the Sezzle app or on Sezzle's website.
Sezzle Fees
Sezzle doesn't charge interest, but there are other fees you may pay in certain situations. None of these fees apply to Quebec residents.
| Fee | Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Interest | $0 | Never charged |
| Reactivation Fee | $10 | A payment isn't made within the grace period after its due date |
| Reschedule Fee | Up to $5 | You move a payment up to 2 weeks later |
Are There Any Financing Charges?
No. Sezzle's Canadian user agreement says the cost of credit is always $0, and the annual percentage rate is 0%.
What A Sezzle Plan Costs
Because Sezzle doesn't charge interest, you only repay the price of your purchase, as long as you make your payments on time.
| Purchase | Pay In 4 | Pay In 2 | Interest | Total You Repay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100.00 | 4 payments of $25.00 | 2 payments of $50.00 | $0.00 | $100.00 |
| $400.00 | 4 payments of $100.00 | 2 payments of $200.00 | $0.00 | $400.00 |
| $800.00 | 4 payments of $200.00 | 2 payments of $400.00 | $0.00 | $800.00 |
These numbers are for illustrative purposes only. Actual numbers may vary.
Is Sezzle Licensed?
Sezzle Canada Corp. offers Sezzle to Canadians and holds licences in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan. Their plans always have 0% APR, so they sit well under the 32% APR level at which Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba require a high-cost credit licence.
In Quebec, Sezzle's terms treat your plan as a delegation of payment rather than a credit agreement, and the reschedule and reactivation fees don't apply.
What Customers Say About Sezzle
Sezzle has a 4.1 Trustpilot score from more than 16,000 reviews, and most reviewers give them 5 stars. Their team replies to almost every negative review, usually within 48 hours. While their BBB rating is a B because of unresolved complaints, you can reach their support team 24/7 by message in the app.
From 16,683 customer reviews.
Sezzle, Inc. is not BBB accredited.
Founded in Minneapolis in 2016.
Who Can Use Sezzle?
Qualifying for Sezzle is fairly easy. To use it in Canada, you need to:
- Live in Canada
- Be the age of majority in your province or territory (18 or 19, depending on where you live)
- Have a Canadian phone number that can receive texts
- Be able to verify your email address
- Have a debit card, credit card or bank account to pay with (prepaid cards aren't accepted)
How To Sign Up For Sezzle
There are a handful of ways to sign up for Sezzle.
Online. Go to the Sezzle website and create an account using your mobile phone number and payment method (debit or credit card, or bank account).
Mobile app. You can also download the Sezzle app from Google Play or the App Store.
At checkout. You can choose Sezzle as your payment method on the checkout page of any online retailer that has partnered with Sezzle. Then, you'll create an account by entering your contact information and payment method.
Sezzle Vs. Afterpay Vs. Affirm In Canada
Comparing Sezzle, Afterpay and Affirm on loan amount, interest rate, term, availability, funding time, funding method, repayment options, eligibility and required documents, as listed by each lender.
| Feature | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan amount | Depends on the store | Depends on the store | Depends on the store |
| Interest rate | 0% APR | 0% | 0% - 31.99% |
| Term | 0-6 weeks | 6 weeks | 2 weeks + |
| Available in | All provinces | All provinces | All provinces |
| Funding time | At checkout | At checkout | At checkout |
| Funding method | Sezzle pays the store in full when you place your order | Afterpay pays the store for you | Affirm pays the store for your purchase |
| Repayment |
|
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| Eligibility |
|
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| Requirements & documents |
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Figures are as listed by each lender and can change. Check the lender's site before you apply.
Bottom Line
Sezzle can be a useful way to split up a purchase without paying interest or getting a hard credit check. Using it won't affect your credit score unless you join Sezzle Up, and then it can help or hurt depending on whether you pay on time. If you need more time to pay than 6 weeks, you can compare installment loans that spread payments over months or years.
Before You Borrow, Try These
A Cash Advance App
A cash advance app can lend you a smaller amount against your next paycheque, often with no interest and no credit check. Most start you off with a few hundred dollars and take the advance back automatically on payday, so they work best when you only need to cover a small gap.
| Lender | Product | Interest Rate | Amount | Fees | Availability | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Cash advance line of credit | 0% | Up to $750 | No mandatory feesOptional fee for express delivery |
| Apply |
| | Credit building line of credit | 0% | Up to $250 | FreeOptional $11.99/month membership fee with added perks |
| Apply |
| | Cash advance | 0% | Up to $500**Eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions apply. | Starting at $2/monthCover bundle subscription; KOHO account required |
| Sign up |
| | Loan | 28.9%About 29.9% APR with the $1 access fee. May drop as you unlock bigger loans | $100 – $2,500On-time payments unlock higher amounts | One-time $1 access feeOptional Spark Plus: $9.99 bi-weekly |
|
Check Out Your City Services
211.ca is a free, confidential directory of community and government services across Canada that you can search by postal code. It can point you to emergency help with rent, utilities and other urgent bills that you don't have to pay back.
Sezzle Canada FAQs
Is Sezzle available in Canada?
Does Sezzle do a hard credit check?
Which credit bureau does Sezzle report to in Canada?
Will Sezzle hurt my credit if I miss a payment?
Will being declined by Sezzle hurt my credit?
Can I close my Sezzle account?
Is Sezzle safe?
Can you pay off Sezzle earlier without penalty?
Can I increase my Sezzle credit limit?
Is Sezzle Up worth it?
Sources
- Sezzle, "Sezzle Canada Launches Virtual Card, Expanding Buy Now, Pay Later Capabilities," GlobeNewswire, April 14, 2026.
