What Is Pay in 2 and how does it work?

Pay in 2¹ is a payment option that allows buyers to split the cost of a single purchase into two equal payments. As buy now, pay later² (BNPL) options continue to grow in popularity, Pay in 2 offers a straightforward way to manage the timing of a purchase without paying the full amount upfront.

In 2025, 91.5 million Americans used buy now, pay later services, nearly double the number from just a few years earlier. As more people look for flexible ways to pay, BNPL options are being used not only for larger purchases, but also for one-time or unexpected expenses. That’s where Pay in 2 comes in.

So what is Pay in 2, exactly? How does Pay in 2 work, and how is it different from other BNPL options? This guide breaks down the Pay in 2 meaning, explains how Pay in 2 works with Zip, and outlines when it may—or may not—make sense to use.

One of the simplest forms of short-term financing, Pay in 2¹ splits the cost of a transaction into two equal payments. The first payment is made at the time of purchase, and the second payment is scheduled two weeks later. Any applicable fees are disclosed during checkout before you complete your purchase.

Here’s what the Pay in 2 meaning looks like in practice:

Your total at checkout is $140

You choose Pay in 2

$70 is charged at the time of purchase, plus any applicable disclosed fee

The remaining $70 is charged automatically two weeks later

Each Pay in 2 transaction is reviewed individually and is subject to approval. The exact fee amount, if applicable, depends on the purchase and will be shown before you finalize your transaction.

Compared to longer BNPL plans, Pay in 2 is designed to be easy to understand and quick to repay. There are only two payments, both are equal, and the repayment timeline is clearly defined from the start. Pay in 2 is generally best suited for one-time or unexpected purchases, such as a larger grocery trip, an unforeseen expense, or a single replacement item you weren’t planning for.

With Zip, using Pay in 2 takes just a few steps once you’ve set up your account. You can use Pay in 2 in-store, online, or through the Zip mobile app.

In-store

1. Open the Zip app and authorize the purchase amount.

2. Use your physical Zip card or digital wallet at checkout.* 

3. Your saved payment method is charged for the first payment at the time of purchase, and the second payment is scheduled two weeks later.

Online

When shopping online with Zip:

1. Select Zip at checkout or use the Zip Chrome extension where available.

2. Confirm your purchase amount and choose Pay in 2.*

3. Your first payment is charged at checkout, and the second payment is scheduled automatically two weeks later.

The Zip app

You can also shop directly through the Zip app:

1. Add items to your cart from selected merchants.

2. Select Pay in 2 at checkout.*

3. The first payment is charged immediately, with the second payment charged two weeks later.

*Subject to credit approval

Pay in 2 vs. paying in full

Paying in full upfront means you don’t need to track future payments or repayment dates. If you have the funds available and prefer not to split the cost, paying in full may be the simplest option.

Pay in 2, on the other hand, offers short-term flexibility by dividing a single purchase into two equal payments on a fixed schedule.

Pay in 2 vs. credit cards

Credit cards allow balances to carry over month to month and may involve ongoing interest accrual if balances aren’t paid in full. Pay in 2 is different because each purchase is structured as a separate, short-term payment plan with a defined repayment schedule.

Pay in 2 vs. other BNPL plans

Other BNPL options, such as Pay in 4 or Pay in 8, spread payments across a longer period. These options may be useful for larger purchases, but they require tracking more payments over time.

Pay in 2 stands out for its simplicity:

Only two payments

A short repayment timeline

The balance is paid off quickly

Pay in 2 may make sense when:

You’re managing a one-time or unexpected expense

You prefer to split a purchase into two equal payments

You’re confident you can cover both payments on schedule

Pay in 2 may not be the right fit for situations where you may have difficulty making the second payment.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice.

Is Pay in 2 the same as buy now, pay later?

Pay in 2 is a type of buy now, pay later plan. It splits a purchase into two equal payments, with the second payment scheduled two weeks after the first.

Can I use Pay in 2 for any purchase?

Eligibility depends on the retailer and the individual transaction. Certain merchant, product, goods, and service restrictions may apply.

Sources

Zip. What is BNPL?

Zip. Does using buy now, pay later affect your credit score?

Sezzle. What is Pay in 2 and how does it work?

Zip. Differences between Pay in 2, Pay in 4, and Pay in 8

Affirm. Affirm expands payment offerings

Empower. The BNPL Boom in 2025

Axios. FICO to incorporate BNPL loans into credit scores

Capital One. Buy now, pay later statistics

¹ For a $1,100 purchase, you'd make two $553.75 payments with first payment today and the second payment in two weeks for a 35.70% annual percentage rate and a total of payments of $1,107.50. A $7.50 origination fee is charged at commencement and prepaid as a finance charge when you make your initial payment today. The actual origination fees vary and can range from $0.50 to $13.50 depending on the purchase price. The actual amount of the fee for your purchase will be reflected at checkout. Estimation of origination payment and annual percentage rate excludes potential tax and shipping costs. Financing through Zip issued by WebBank. All loans are subject to credit approval.

² Eligibility criteria apply. Zip can only be used for U.S. purchases. Certain merchant, product, goods, and service restrictions apply. Loans through Zip Pay Anywhere and Zip Web Checkout (including any “powered by Zip” loans) are originated by WebBank.