If paying for an iPhone in one transaction doesn't suit your budget, you may be able to spread the cost through checkout.
"Buy now, pay later" isn't one single thing. Four payments over six weeks and a revolving credit account are very different commitments, even though both get called BNPL.
At Smartest Phone Deals, our website checkout offers Payflex, ZeroPay, Happy Pay, Mobicred and the RCS Store Card. Availability and approval are decided by the relevant provider at checkout. These instalment options are for website orders, which are delivered — payment-on-collection purchases are arranged separately through WhatsApp appointments.
Quick Answer
Payflex, ZeroPay and Happy Pay split your purchase into a small number of scheduled payments over a few weeks. Mobicred and RCS are revolving credit accounts with monthly repayments, where interest and fees can apply.
None of these are guaranteed for every order. Approval, schedule and cost depend on the offer shown to you at checkout and your agreement with that provider.
How Do the Five Payment Options Compare?
| Provider | How the payments are structured | Main point to check |
|---|---|---|
| Payflex Pay in 4 | Four payments, starting upfront, over six weeks | Can you comfortably meet the fortnightly dates? |
| ZeroPay | Three payments: one immediately, then the next two on subsequent paydays | Does that schedule fit your income? |
| Happy Pay | Payments across your next two paycheques; standard offer advertises no deposit | Confirm the actual schedule and amounts at checkout |
| Mobicred | Revolving credit with monthly repayment | Check the interest, fees and total repayment cost |
| RCS Store Card | Store-card credit with applicable repayment options | Check your account terms, fees and whether an interest-free period applies |
These are general provider descriptions, not a promise that every plan or limit will be available for every order. The offer and agreement shown to you at checkout is what actually applies to your purchase.
How Does Payflex Work?
With Payflex Pay in 4, the first instalment is paid upfront. The other three are scheduled every two weeks, completing the purchase over six weeks. Payflex describes the plan as interest-free and fee-free when payments are made as required; charges can apply if payments are late.
This is a short repayment window. It may suit you if your budget can comfortably cover four payments over the next six weeks. Compare the actual due dates with your paydays and other debit orders. Payflex offers other plans elsewhere, so check which Payflex option is actually presented at Smartest Phone Deals checkout.
How Does ZeroPay Work?
ZeroPay describes its plan as three payments: the first when you buy, the second on payday, and the third on the following payday. It advertises zero standard interest and fees under its stated terms.
The practical question is whether you have enough available for the first payment today, and enough room in your next two pay packets for the rest. Confirm the exact dates and terms before accepting.
How Does Happy Pay Work?
Happy Pay says shoppers can spread a purchase over their next two paycheques and advertises a no-deposit, interest-free option when paid on time. The actual offer and payment schedule should be checked during application.
This may suit you if you'd rather avoid a payment at the moment of purchase. But two later payments can be larger than the individual instalments in a four-part plan, so look at the rand amount due on each date, not only the phrase "no deposit."
Is Mobicred Different From the Short Instalment Plans?
Yes. Mobicred is a revolving credit facility: you have an approved limit, make monthly payments, and repaid amounts can become available to spend again. Interest and applicable fees can make the total paid higher than the phone's listed cash price.
A monthly repayment may look easier than settling the purchase over a few weeks, but compare the full cost. What interest rate is in your agreement? Are there account or initiation fees? What will you repay in total on the displayed schedule? If you already carry a Mobicred balance, consider how a new purchase affects it.
Can I Use an RCS Store Card?
An existing RCS Store Card may be available at checkout, subject to acceptance and sufficient available credit. RCS advertises repayment choices and an up-to-55-day interest-free benefit subject to conditions; depending on your account and assessment, charges may include interest and other account costs.
Check your own RCS agreement, whether the interest-free benefit applies to this transaction, and what happens if you carry a balance. Not every RCS transaction is interest-free.
Which Payment Option Is Best for an iPhone?
Work backwards from what you can repay, rather than forwards from the phone you want:
- Check the full purchase price, including our R100 nationwide delivery fee.
- Write down each payment date and rand amount offered at checkout.
- Compare the total repayable amount with the cash price, especially for credit accounts.
- Read the missed-payment terms.
- Choose a phone within a comfortable budget, even if a provider approves a higher limit.
Approval is never guaranteed. Payflex, ZeroPay and Happy Pay focus on a small number of scheduled payments, while Mobicred and RCS are credit facilities whose full costs deserve careful comparison.
If you'd rather inspect a handset before paying, contact us on WhatsApp about a separate appointment-only payment-on-collection purchase. Website instalment options do not apply to that route.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Our Verdict
There is no single best provider for everyone. A short instalment plan may work well if its due dates align with your budget. A credit account may offer more time, but you need to understand the interest, fees and total cost before agreeing.
Check the offer shown for your specific iPhone at checkout, then choose the option you can repay comfortably. See our full payment options and warranty and returns policy before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use buy now, pay later when collecting an iPhone?
No. These options are for website delivery orders. Payment on collection is arranged separately via a WhatsApp appointment.
Is every option interest-free?
No. Mobicred and RCS are credit facilities where interest and fees may apply, and missed-payment charges or other terms may apply to the shorter plans too. Always check the terms shown at checkout.
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
Payflex Pay in 4 and ZeroPay both start with an upfront payment. Happy Pay advertises a no-deposit standard offer, but you should confirm the actual schedule shown at your checkout.
Can I pay over several months?
Mobicred and RCS may offer longer repayment arrangements according to your approved agreement. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly amount.
Will my website order be available for collection?
No. Website orders are delivered, with our flat R100 nationwide delivery charge.
Ready to shop? Browse our current iPhones and choose the payment option that works for your budget at checkout.