Shop Now, Pay Later (SNPL) is not a novel concept in the world of consumer finance. Variants of deferred payments and installment-based purchasing have existed for decades. What has changed today is the ease of use, speed, and accessibility brought by fintech and digital commerce. Today, modern pay-later solutions are app-driven and integrated directly into the shopping experience, allowing uses shop first and pay later without friction.
In the UAE, platforms like Tabby have taken this approach to the next level. Through its apps and integrations with e-commerce platforms, it made pay-later payments a key part of online shopping. The reasons for its rapid adoption are instant approvals and minimal effort at checkout. Consumers no longer have to deal with traditional financing options. They simply select tabby at checkout and pay over time.
Since 2019, Tabby has served 20M shoppers and 40K sellers, generating $14B+ in annual sales. Its cloud infrastructure processes millions of daily requests and scales effortlessly during peak periods.
Inspired by Tabby's success, if you also plan on building a Shop Now, Pay Later App Like Tabby, here's everything you need to get started.
Before we jump into designing and developing your app, it's crucial to understand the core foundations that make a Shop Now, Pay Later solution successful. By identifying what drives user adoption, merchant engagement, and smooth transactions from the start, we ensure your clone app is strategically built to stand out, meet today's market demands, and stay adaptable as the industry evolves.
Tabby is a BNPL fintech solution built around the key concept of delivering a frictionless, user-first payment experience to customers while simultaneously providing merchants with tools to increase sales and retain customers.
Its expansion is driven by intelligent product design, deep market understanding, and adaptable technology.
Key Factors Behind Its Success:
| User Experience | Instant approvals, simple onboarding, and flexible installment options make shopping effortless. |
| Merchant-Centric Tools | Analytics dashboards, risk management, and easy integration with e-commerce platforms drive adoption by businesses. |
| Market Timing & Demand | Rising e-commerce penetration and consumer preference for deferred payments created the perfect environment. |
| Technological Scalability | Cloud infrastructure ensures millions of transactions are processed reliably, even during peak periods. |
| Trust & Security | Strong compliance, encryption, and secure payment handling build consumer and merchant confidence. |
| Smart Monetization | Revenue through merchant fees, partnerships, and transaction-based commissions ensures sustainability. |
When we approach designing an app similar to Tabby, we don't simply aim to replicate the reference app's existing features. Instead, we base our foundation on a strategy that encourages adoption, boosts merchant revenue, and adapts to changing market trends. From your app's UX, merchant value, technological scalability, and monetization potential, we make everything perfectly aligned with your target market of both merchants and customers.
By aligning your app with these pillars from day one, we ensure it not only meets today's market demands but also positions it to outpace competitors.
| Strategic Pillar | Focus Area | Agency Approach |
| Core Capabilities | Build a solid foundation that ensures reliability and usability | User onboarding, flexible installment options, merchant dashboards, transaction history, secure payment processing |
| Competitive Benchmarking | Implement proven features that customers expect | Instant approvals, automated notifications, and fraud detection, smooth e-commerce integrations |
| Market Differentiation | Stand out in underserved markets and niches | Multi-currency support, AI-based credit scoring, loyalty programs, and region-specific payment options |
| Monetization and Revenue Design | Build profitability into the app from day one | Merchant transaction fees, subscription models, installment commissions, and affiliate partnerships |
Tabby's business model is a perfect example of how consumer convenience and merchant profitability can come together to create a fintech app that balances the needs of both parties. That's the key principle on which Tabby's whole business model is based. It connects shoppers who need flexible payment options with merchants looking to boost their sales, all through its app-driven experience. Let's understand how:
This makes it easy for consumers to manage payments and encourages high conversion rates and order values.
By perfectly combining intuitive user experience, merchant benefits, and revenue generation, Tabby shows a business model that is both widely adoptable and financially rewarding, serving as a blueprint for aspiring BNPL startups.
Creating a successful SNPL app is not just about enabling deferred payments but designing a balanced ecosystem where users, merchants, and the platform all derive value. To achieve this, the product is typically built around three core focus the following core areas:
The user panel is where the app comes alive. It's what customers use every day, so it needs to be simple, fast, and reliable. A good user panel makes payments easy, builds trust, and keeps people coming back.
The core capabilities include:
KYC Onboarding: A quick and easy process that lets users get started in minutes while staying compliant with regulations.
Credit Assessment & Limit Assignment: Once onboarded, users are evaluated in real time to determine their eligibility and assign a dynamic credit limit. This gives them instant clarity on their spending capacity.
Checkout & Pay Later Selection: At the point of purchase, users can smoothly choose the pay later option and select a repayment plan that fits their needs.
Payment Scheduling & Repayment Options: Flexible installment plans, auto-debit setup, and early repayment options give users full control over their payment schedule.
Dashboard & Transaction History: A centralized and easy-to-navigate interface that provides a clear view of the following:
Notifications & Reminders: Timely alerts for upcoming payments, successful transactions, and special offers help users stay informed and avoid missed dues.
Support & Dispute Resolution: Built-in support ensures users can quickly resolve transaction issues, request refunds, or raise disputes, reinforcing trust in the platform.
The merchant panel is the backbone of the platform from a business perspective. It empowers sellers to manage sales. This is where they monitor performance from and control risk, all while smoothly offering Buy Now, Pay Later to customers. Here are the core capabilities our SNPL platform supports to build a robust merchant panel:
Dashboard & Analytics: Provide merchants with real-time insights into sales, repayment trends, and customer behaviour to optimize their operations.
Order & Payment Management: Track orders, manage BNPL transactions, and reconcile payments efficiently.
Integration & API Support: Easily connect the SNPL platform with e-commerce stores and payment gateways through robust APIs.
Risk & Fraud Management: Monitor and mitigate potential risks using automated fraud detection and transaction verification tools.
Merchant Notifications: Receive alerts for successful payments, missed dues, and other important transaction events.
Promotions & Offers: Create flexible promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs to drive engagement and repeat purchases.
The admin panel provides full oversight and control of the entire SNPL ecosystem. It serves as the command center where platform owners can monitor activity, manage users, and most importantly, maintain regulatory standards.
We include the following capabilities in our admin panel during designing and development:
User & Merchant Management: Approve accounts, monitor activities, and manage access for both customers and merchants.
Transaction Oversight: Track all transactions, installment plans, and repayments in real time.
Analytics & Reporting: Generate insights on platform performance, revenue, user engagement, and merchant activity.
Fraud & Risk Control: Detect suspicious activity, prevent defaults, and enforce platform-wide security policies.
Notifications & Alerts: Stay informed with automated alerts for system events, payment delays, or compliance issues.
Content & Offer Management: Manage promotional campaigns, notifications, and platform-wide announcements.
Even though Tabby has become a leading BNPL platform in the UAE, many users and merchants don't fully benefit from its services. New residents, small businesses, and certain types of purchases often face restrictions or friction. With smarter BNPL design, we can address these challenges, making payments easier, capturing the underserved market, and building trust and loyalty. Here is how:
| Area | Tabby | Underserved Need | Opportunity with Your App |
| Credit approvals | Quick but opaque, users don't understand why they are rejected | Many users with good profiles still get declined | Offer better predictive eligibility and dynamic limits |
| User onboarding | Standard KYC, focused on UAE residents with established credit | Expatriates and newcomers struggle to get started | Alternative data scoring, fast and intuitive onboarding |
| Merchant integration | Works for larger e-commerce platforms | Small merchants and niche verticals are underserved | Flexible fees, easy API, and modular integration |
| Repayment and fees | Clear for most users, but some hidden costs or confusing schedules | Users are sometimes surprised by fees, and there is limited repayment flexibility | Transparent fees, simulations, & flexible installments |
| Technical reliability | Generally robust | Occasional checkout errors and declined transactions | Real-time processing for better performance |
| Product Coverage | E-commerce focused | Healthcare, education, travel, and offline merchants are not supported | Modular platform supporting multiple sectors |
| Support | Standard in-app support | Slow dispute resolution or unclear guidance | Proactive support, in-app chat, notifications, and dispute resolution |
Building a BNPL app that captures the underserved market requires more than just basic deferred payment options. To truly stand out, your app needs intelligent features that make it appear user-centric and merchant-friendly at the same time. Here is how we can support that idea by enabling the following:
AI-powered credit scoring evaluates both past and alternative data, like spending habits & transaction history, to make instant and fair credit decisions. This helps more users get approved safely, even those missed by standard credit models. The system can continuously learn from user behaviour and adapt credit limits in real time. This creates a smoother experience for both new and returning customers.
These cards let users shop anywhere Mastercard or Visa is accepted, not just in the app's online stores. They connect to the BNPL system for real-time tracking, instant approvals, and flexible installment management. Users get more freedom and convenience, while merchants see higher engagement and wider adoption.
With the UAE's international shopper base, multi-currency support is a must-have. Our app lets users pay in AED, USD, or other currencies, with real-time conversions handled transparently and confusion eliminated at checkout. This makes cross-border shopping easier and smoother for all users.
The app easily connects with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, so merchants can enable BNPL quickly without custom work. Ready-made plugins and APIs make checkout simple and provide dashboards to track sales and payments, and customer activity. This helps merchants improve their offerings and grow the app’s reach.
Building a BNPL app that actually works for users and merchants takes more than just coding features. It starts with understanding the market, knowing what users actually need, and designing an experience that feels effortless.
From figuring out the business model to making sure every transaction is secure, each step is about solving real problems and making the app something people will trust and use.
Here's how we take an idea and turn it into a fully functional, reliable BNPL platform.
We start by understanding the UAE BNPL market, analyzing user needs, competitors, and opportunities. This helps identify gaps, define target users, and set realistic goals for your app.
Next, we establish how your app will generate revenue. This can include:
Even a technically perfect BNPL app can fail if users aren't guided properly or don't know what to do next. Our UX and UI team, with deep experience in fintech solutions, focuses on understanding where users get confused, frustrated, or drop off.
We design every screen and flow to be intuitive, smooth, and visually clear, making complex financial interactions feel simple. From onboarding to checkout to repayment management, we ensure your app performs reliably while delivering an enjoyable experience. The result is a product that not only works but delights users and encourages repeat engagement.
The technology stack is critical for a BNPL app. The right stack keeps the app responsive and handles high transaction volumes. It also affects whether you can add more features. We carefully select technologies based on real-world experience building fintech and BNPL apps. We focus on systems that handle typical fintech operations smoothly. Here is our typical stack and what it can enable in your app:
| Layer | Technologies | What It Supports |
| Frontend | React Native, Flutter | Responsive mobile apps on iOS and Android |
| Backend | Node.js, Django | Handles transactions, user actions, and business logic reliably |
| Database | PostgreSQL, MongoDB | Stores user accounts, transactions, and app data safely |
| Cloud | AWS, Google Cloud | Reliable payments, installments, and refund smoothly |
| Payment & API | Stripe, Razorpay | Processes payments, installments, and refunds smoothly |
| Security & Compliance | KYC/AML, Data encryption | Protects user data and meets regulatory requirements |
Seamless payment processing is key. We integrate with platforms like Stripe and Razorpay to handle transactions, installments, and refunds smoothly.
We ensure your app is fully compliant with regulations and keeps user data safe through:
Before going live, we rigorously test the app for performance, reliability, and usability. Once ready, we launch it with full monitoring and support to ensure a smooth start for both users and merchants.
The cost of building a BNPL app depends on what you want your app to do, how many users and merchants you plan to serve, the integrations you need, and whether you include advanced features like AI-based credit scoring. Here are the key factors that typically affect the cost of a BNPL app:
| App Type | Features | Estimated Cost |
| Basic MVP |
| 31,000 AED |
| Feature-Rich App |
| 55,000 AED |
| Advanced BNPL App with AI |
| 110,000 AED |
| Expense Type | Typical Monthly Cost | Notes |
| Cloud Hosting | 3,750 AED - 18,750 AED | Depends on traffic and storage requirements |
| Maintenance & Updates | 7,500 AED | Depends on traffic and storage requirements |
| Customer Support | 11,250 AED+ | Live support for users and merchants |
In BNPL apps, legal and compliance requirements are critical because you are dealing with user credit, payments, and sensitive data. In markets like the UAE, regulations around consumer finance, data privacy, and anti-fraud measures are strict, and failing to comply can put your business at serious risk. That's why we handle the following key areas to make sure your app operates safely and legally:
A BNPL app only generates revenue if it's designed to support monetization from the ground up. When we build your app, we make sure it can handle the following revenue streams:
Merchant Commission: We integrate the system so that every checkout automatically calculates and tracks commissions for merchants, making settlement and reporting simple and accurate.
Late Payment Fees: Your app can automatically detect overdue installments, apply configurable fees, and notify users - all handled in real time without manual intervention.
Subscription Plans: We build modules for premium features, letting you offer tiered subscriptions for merchants or users, with easy in-app upgrades and automated billing.
Affiliate Revenue: The app can include integrations for partner platforms, track user activity, and manage affiliate commissions efficiently, so partnerships generate revenue without extra effort.
The BNPL space is changing fast. If you build your app with future trends in mind, it can adapt and grow without major changes. Here's what to consider during development:
AI Lending: Add systems that use AI to evaluate credit and suggest personalized repayment plans. This helps your app make smarter decisions automatically.
Embedded Finance: Design your app so users can access BNPL directly inside other apps or e-commerce platforms, making payments smoother.
B2B BNPL: Build features that let businesses pay in installments, not just consumers. This opens new markets and revenue streams.
We have developed some solid BNPL clones based on big players like Tabby, Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm, all tailored for the UAE market. Each platform has its own unique features, and we have combined the best of them to deliver smooth experiences for both shoppers and merchants. Here's a quick overview of what each platform brings to the table and who it's designed for.
| Platform | Unique Feature | Solutions Available | Target Audience | Key Offerings |
| Tabby | Instant approvals, smooth UAE e-commerce integration | White label, Clone, Custom, MVP | UAE consumers, local consumers, and online shoppers | BNPL for e-commerce in the UAE, instant approval, merchant integrations, flexible payment plans |
| Klarna | Strong global brand with growing presence in the UAE | White label, clone, Custom, MVP | International consumers in the UAE, local retailers | BNPL for both online and in-store purchases, 4 interest-free payments, loyalty rewards |
| Afterpay | Popular among millennials, simple and clear terms | White label, Clone, Custom, MVP | Young adults' e-commerce platforms in the UAE | Pay in 4 installments, easy-to-use mobile app, integration with UAE e-commerce platforms |
| Affirm | No late fees or hidden charges, transparency | Custom, MVP | International consumers in the UAE, local retailers | Flexible monthly payments, no late fees, interest-free options |
The demand for BNPL apps is skyrocketing as more customers seek the flexibility to shop now and pay later, while merchants are exploring new ways to increase sales and boost customer loyalty. The ability to offer smooth payment solutions has become a key factor in driving success for both sides.
If you have a fresh idea in the BNPL space, our clone development services can help you bring it to life quickly and cost-effectively. With our expertise, you can launch your product faster, without burning through your budget or investing massive resources in development, testing, and scaling.
Reach out to our expert consultants today and get a free strategy session to start building your Shop Now, Pay Later app like Tabby, the right way, from day one.
A Shop Now, Pay Later app is a digital financial service that lets customers buy products immediately and pay later. Usually, the popular models are based on four interest-free payments, bi-weekly payments, or monthly installments. The leading apps in this space are Lazypay and Tabby.
Tabby primarily makes money by charging fees in each sale rather than charging interest to users. 90% if its revenue is driven through commissions. They also generate revenue through late fees, advertising, and payment extension fees. In essence, they act as a marketing and payment partner for merchants and take a fee for enabling, facilitating, and driving sales on their platforms.
Yes, BNPL is becoming more popular than credit cards because it offers clear, upfront payment plans and no hidden fees, making it easier for consumers to manage their spending. Unlike credit cards, BNPL services are instant, flexible, and often don't impact credit scores unless payments are missed.
For investors and innovators, this growing demand for simpler, more transparent payment options makes building a BNPL solution a smart business move. It's an opportunity to tap into a market that's moving away from traditional credit, creating high demand for user-friendly financial products.
The timeline for developing a BNPL clone depends on the features and customizations you need. Typically, a basic MVP can be built in 1 to 2 months, focusing on core features like user onboarding, payment options, and merchant integration. For a feature-rich clone with additional capabilities like AI-based credit scoring or multi-currency support, it could take 3 to 4 months.
To get an exact timeline and more details tailored to your BNPL clone, book a free consultation with our experts. Share your requirements, and we will provide a customized development plan to launch your app quickly and efficiently.
For a simple BNPL clone with core features like user onboarding, payment options, and merchant integration, the cost typically ranges from 31,000 AED to 55,000 AED.
If you are looking for a more advanced app with additional features such as AI-based credit scoring, fraud protection, and multi-currency support, the cost can range from 70,000 AED to 110,000 AED. For an accurate estimate, we recommend booking a free consultation with our experts. We will discuss your specific needs and provide a tailored cost breakdown based on your requirements.
We have a large tech stack capable of building a wide range of fintech apps, including BNPL apps, web and mobile solutions, and more. From basic apps with core features to advanced platforms with AI-based credit scoring, fraud detection, and multi-currency support, we can support every step of your development journey. For more details, book a free consultation and get a complete roadmap tailored to your app's needs!
We calculate creditworthiness by integrating credit-scoring APIs for traditional checks, using alternative data such as transaction history for users without credit scores, and implementing AI-driven credit scoring to assess spending behaviour. This ensures dynamic and accurate credit evaluations, improving user approvals and flexibility in your BNPL app.
For more details, book a free consultation!
Yes, to operate a BNPL app in the UAE, you will need a license. The UAE has specific financial regulations, including KYC/AML requirements, that must be followed when handling user credit and financial transactions. You will likely need to partner with licensed financial institutions to ensure compliance.
For detailed licensing guidance, book a free consultation, and we will help you understand the regulatory requirements for your BNPL app in the UAE!
BNPL apps carry risks, including credit risk (when users miss payments), regulatory risk (staying compliant with evolving laws), fraud risk, and users overcommitting financially. It's important to manage these risks with strong safeguards, fraud prevention, and clear policies.
For more tips on managing these risks, book a free consultation and let's discuss how to build a secure BNPL app!
To prevent fraud, we use a combination of KYC verification for user identity, AI-based fraud detection to monitor transactions in real-time, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security. We also integrate trusted fraud prevention services to ensure safe transactions.
For more on building a secure app, book a free consultation!
Yes, BNPL works great for small businesses. A strong example is Klarna, which initially focused on small merchants and helped them boost conversion rates and sales by offering flexible payment options.
In the UAE, many small businesses still don't offer BNPL. By integrating a custom BNPL solution, you can tap into this underserved market and grow your business.
To learn how BNPL can help your business, talk to our expert and get a complete strategy!
In the UAE, the most popular and widely adopted payment gateways are PayTabs, Stripe, Checkout.com, and Telr. These platforms are well-integrated with local banks and support multiple payment methods, making them ideal for both local and international transactions.
However, the choice of gateway should depend on the target market and the features you need. For example, if you are targeting international customers, Stripe and Checkout.com offer great cross-border support. For local businesses, PayTabs and Telr are highly effective and cost-efficient.
To understand the best gateway for your needs, let's schedule a free market consultation and help you select the right one for your app!
Scaling should be planned carefully, from infrastructure to market expansion. Whether you are planning to grow your merchant base, expand to new regions, or integrate advanced features, a clear roadmap is key. Our experts can help you prepare a detailed plan tailored to your needs.
With experience helping thousands of entrepreneurs in fintech scale their apps without unnecessary costs, we're here to guide you through every step. Book your free consultation with us today!
