

Zilch is a mobile banking app that uses Visa. It offers Buy Now Pay Later and has become one of the most popular finance apps in the UK.
You'll get £5 free cash credited instantly to your Zilch Rewards balance just for signing up using a referral link. No purchase required, no deposit needed - just sign up and verify your identity. Easy peasy.
If you decide to use Zilch beyond the free £5, it is great if you are looking to spreading costs interest-free or grabbing cashback at retailers. The app is slick and easy to use. Check out the full review further down for all the details.
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Completed the offer? Awesome! Here's our full review on why Zilch could work well for you going forward.
Zilch is a UK-based buy now, pay later (BNPL) app that lets you spread the cost of purchases over 6 weeks, interest-free. Founded in 2018 and launched to consumers in 2020, Zilch has grown to over 5 million customers and is one of the UK's fastest-growing fintech companies. Unlike traditional BNPL providers, Zilch gives you a virtual Visa card you can use almost anywhere - online or in-store.

Yes, Zilch is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They obtained their consumer credit licence in April 2020 through the FCA's Regulatory Sandbox programme, and secured an additional payment services licence in December 2025.
Zilch uses Open Banking and soft credit checks to assess affordability, meaning applying won't affect your credit score. They were also the first BNPL provider to report payment data to all major UK credit bureaus (Experian and TransUnion), so responsible use can actually help build your credit history.
Note: Zilch is not a bank, so deposits are not protected by the FSCS. However, for a spending app where you're not storing savings, this isn't a concern.
Zilch is ideal for anyone who wants to spread costs interest-free without the hassle of traditional credit.
It's particularly good for: - People who want to budget larger purchases over 6 weeks - Cashback hunters - Zilch offers 2-5% cashback at many retailers - Those building credit history through responsible BNPL use - Anyone who wants a flexible payment card for online and in-store purchases
It might not be for you if: - You prefer not to use buy now, pay later services - You want a traditional bank account with savings features
Get cashback credited to your Zilch Rewards balance instantly when you shop at participating retailers. Rewards range from 2-5% depending on the store.
Choose to pay in full with no fees, or spread the cost over 6 weeks. The 'Pay Now' option is completely free and still earns cashback.
Unlike other BNPL apps limited to specific stores, Zilch's virtual Visa works almost anywhere - add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments.
Zilch reports all payments to Experian and TransUnion, helping you build a positive credit history through responsible use of interest-free credit.
The app shows your upcoming payments clearly, helping you stay on top of what you owe and when it's due.
Zilch has carved out a solid niche in the crowded BNPL space by offering something genuinely useful - a Visa card that works everywhere, not just at partner stores. With over 5 million customers and strong app ratings (4.9 on App Store, 4.8 on Google Play), they've clearly struck a chord with UK consumers.
The ability to earn cashback while using interest-free credit is a nice bonus, and the credit-building feature sets Zilch apart from competitors like Klarna. Just remember to use the 'Pay Now' option to avoid fees, and only spend what you can afford to pay back. Used responsibly, Zilch is a handy addition to your financial toolkit.