How to Create an App Like Tabby: Complete Cost Breakdown & Top Alternatives

Why are more shoppers in the UAE choosing BNPL apps like Tabby instead of credit cards?

Because BNPL apps are easy to use, quick to set up, and focused on customer needs. They offer a smooth shopping experience that traditional banks can’t match.

Tabby is a leading BNPL app in the UAE, with over 3 million users, more than 800 retail partners, and $185 million raised in funding.

With apps like Tabby, users can split their payments into interest-free installments making big purchases more manageable without extra costs.

While customers get the benefit of flexible payments, Tabby earns money through merchant fees, smart deals, and a well-planned business model.

If you’re a startup founder, a fintech lover, or an entrepreneur looking for the next big thing, now is the perfect time to build your own BNPL app.

As a top app development company in Dubai, we’re here to help you create a powerful BNPL app from scratch.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process how these apps work, how they earn money, the challenges in development, and the best BNPL alternatives in the market today.

What is the Tabby App?

Tabby is a “Buy Now, Pay Later” app that helps people shop from their favorite brands and pay in smaller parts without any extra charges or interest.

Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or home essentials, Tabby allows users to split their payments into four parts or delay their first payment by 14 days.

Launched in 2019, Tabby has teamed up with big names like IKEA, SHEIN, and Adidas, making shopping flexible and stress-free across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider MENA region.

Here’s a closer look at how Tabby is growing fast:

• User Base: More than 15 million people have signed up to use Tabby.
• Merchant Partners: Over 40,000 stores and online sellers are connected with Tabby.
• Sales Volume: It handles over $10 billion in yearly transaction volume.
• Funding: Tabby has raised $604 million in total funding, including $160 million in Series E, putting its value at $3.3 billion.
• App Activity: The app is used by 14 million active shoppers, sending 3.5 million clicks every month to online stores.
• Valuation: Its valuation has doubled to $3.3 billion after its latest funding round.
• Market Growth: Tabby is rapidly growing in the MENA region as BNPL becomes more popular.
• IPO Plans: Tabby may soon go public, with early steps being taken for an IPO.
• Investors: Major backers include Blue Pool Capital, Hassana Investment Co., STV, and Wellington Management.
• Services Offered: Besides BNPL, Tabby also provides digital wallets, payment options, smart cards, and tools to help users manage their spending.

How Does Tabby Work?

Apps like Tabby let people shop now and pay later in smaller, interest-free payments—making it easier to manage spending.

Tabby works smoothly for both online and physical stores, offering clear benefits to customers and businesses alike.

Here’s a breakdown of how it helps both sides:

For Shoppers (Customers)

If you’ve never used a Buy Now, Pay Later app before, no stress it’s simple and beginner-friendly. Here’s how you can use Tabby:

Pick Tabby at Checkout

When shopping from Tabby’s partner brands (like IKEA, SHEIN, or Adidas), just select “Pay with Tabby” as your payment method at checkout online or in-store.

Choose How to Pay

You’ll get two easy payment options:

• Split your total into 4 equal, interest-free payments
• Or pay the full amount after 14 days also interest-free

Quick Approval

Tabby will do a soft check using basic info to confirm your details. No credit card or long process needed. You’ll know in seconds if you’re approved.

Pay in Easy Steps

Once approved, Tabby pays the store for you. You’ll pay Tabby back based on the plan you selected using your debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or even bank transfer.

Stay Notified

Tabby sends reminders by email or SMS before every due date. Payments are auto-charged, so you stay on track without any hassle.

For Retailers (Merchants)

Add Tabby to Your Store

Businesses can easily add Tabby to their website or in-store checkout system.

It works with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and others.

Give Shoppers More Flexibility

Letting customers pay later makes shopping easier. It leads to more sales, bigger orders, and fewer returns helping your business grow.

Get Paid Right Away

Even though your customers pay over time, Tabby sends you the full amount instantly (after a small service fee).

No Payment Risk

If a customer misses a payment, Tabby takes care of it. You get your money, and Tabby handles the rest.

How to Build an App Like Tabby – Step by Step

Tabby has quickly become a top choice for shoppers in the Middle East.

Creating a similar app takes more than just writing code you need strong knowledge of finance, user habits, and managing payment risks.

But with the right plan, tools, and tech team, building your own Tabby-style app for the UAE market is possible.

Here’s a clear step-by-step process to get started:

1. Start with Market Research

Before building a BNPL app like Tabby, you need to fully understand your audience and market.

Doing proper research helps shape your product features, user experience, security needs, and even how you promote your app.

Begin by checking out other BNPL apps in the UAE. Focus on these key points:

• How people use BNPL: Are they using it to buy clothes, gadgets, or groceries?
• Why they like it: Is it because of zero interest, quick approvals, or how easy the app is to use?
• What worries them: Are they afraid of hidden fees, bad credit scores, or unsafe payment systems?

Look into what competitors like Tamara, Klarna, Afterpay, and Apple Pay Later are offering.

Study what they do well and where they fall short. This can help you find market gaps you can fill.

Also, don’t skip real user reviews on the App Store, Google Play, and even Glassdoor they give honest insights into customer pain points and expectations.

Bonus read: Check out our recent blog, where we have explained the step-by-step process of developing an app like Tamara.

2. Know the Legal Rules

Since BNPL apps like Tabby deal with money, it’s important to follow all legal and financial regulations from the start.

Every country has different laws, and following the rules helps your app stay legal and earn users’ trust.

If your target market is the UAE, you need to follow the UAE Central Bank’s rules for digital lending and payments.

One of the first things to check is whether your app model is allowed, especially if you plan to charge any kind of interest.

You’ll also need to make sure your app follows certain safety and privacy rules.
For example:

• If you accept card payments, your app must meet PCI-DSS standards to protect user payment info.
• You must also set up KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks to confirm user identities and stop fraud.
  

It’s a smart idea to work with custom app developers who understand fintech regulations early in the project before any coding begins.

3. Set Your Business Model

Having a clear business model is a must. This is how your BNPL app like Tabby will earn money and offer value to users and partners.

Start by choosing who your main audience is: regular shoppers, businesses, or both.

• B2B Model: You work with retailers to help them increase sales. You provide tools that boost conversion rates and charge a fee on each sale made through your app.
• B2C Model: You focus on shoppers by offering flexible payments, cashback, and special offers. You earn through affiliate deals, in-app ads, or premium features.
• Hybrid Model: You serve both users and retailers. Shoppers get an easy BNPL experience, while businesses get tools and data to grow. You make money from both sides.

You can also partner with banks or financial companies to add features for apps like instant credit scoring, loan options, or co-branded cards for more revenue streams.

4. Choose the Right Tech Stack

Picking the right technology is a key step when building a BNPL app like Tabby.

Your tech stack will impact app speed, security, how easy it is to scale, and how quickly you can add new features later on.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the tools and technologies you can use to build a Tabby-like app:

Component	Technologies	Purpose
Frontend	Flutter, React Native, Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android)	To build a smooth, user-friendly mobile app interface
Backend	Node.js, Django, Spring Boot	Handles the core app logic, APIs, and payment-related processes
APIs	RESTful APIs, GraphQL	Allows frontend and backend to communicate clearly and efficiently
Database	PostgreSQL, MongoDB	Stores user accounts, transactions, and payment details
Cloud Hosting	AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure	Provides secure and flexible cloud infrastructure to host your app
Orchestration	Kubernetes	Manages and scales app containers across cloud servers
CI/CD	GitHub Actions, Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD	Automates testing and deployment for faster and smoother app updates

 

5. Focus on Simple & Smart UI/UX

For BNPL apps like Tabby, user experience plays a huge role in your success.

People expect a clean, easy-to-use, and trustworthy app from the very first screen.
A great design builds trust, increases sales, and keeps users coming back.

Your app should never feel confusing or stressful—users need to feel confident and in control throughout the journey.

That’s what top apps like Tabby and Klarna do—and your app should offer the same smooth experience.

Here are must-have features to include in a BNPL app for the UAE market:

Feature	Purpose
Biometric Login	Fast and secure access using fingerprint or Face ID
Real-Time Credit Limits	Shows users how much they can spend instantly
Order Tracking	Lets users see delivery updates within the app
Payment Reminders	Sends alerts before due dates to avoid missed payments
Transaction History	Gives a clear view of past payments, purchases, and dues
One-Click Checkout	Makes buying easier with saved payment details
In-App Chat Support	Offers real-time help for a better customer experience
Installment Breakdown	Clearly shows payment dates and amounts in a simple layout
Secure Payment Integration	Keeps all payments safe within the app
Dark Mode & Custom Themes	Allows users to personalize the app for comfort and style

 

6. Build a Secure MVP First

Once your research, legal setup, and design are in place, it’s time to start development.

Don’t try to launch a full-featured app right away. Begin with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) a simple version of your app with only the most important features.

This lets you launch faster, test your idea in the real world, and improve based on real user feedback.

In fact, 70% of startups that skip MVP testing end up failing because they scale too early.

For BNPL apps like Tabby, using an agile development method works best.

Break your project into smaller tasks or “sprints” (usually 1–2 weeks). After each sprint, test the features with early users or your QA team.

This approach helps you make better decisions based on real usage—not guesses.

Make sure your code is clean, secure, and built in a way that allows you to add or change features later without starting over.

By focusing on a strong and secure MVP first, you reduce risks, save money, and build a solid base for future growth.

7. Test Thoroughly Before Launch

Before launching your BNPL app, testing is a must. This step ensures your app like Tabby is safe, stable, and ready to handle real users.

Think of it as your final quality check before you go live.

Skipping or rushing testing can lead to bugs, security issues, or app crashes all of which hurt your brand and push users away.

In fact, 53% of users stop using an app if it crashes or doesn’t work smoothly. (Source: Think with Google)

That’s why you need to test carefully because your app’s success and reputation depend on it.

Here are the main types of testing you should run:

Testing Type	Purpose
Unit Testing	Checks if each function or feature works correctly on its own
Integration Testing	Makes sure different parts of the app (like payments and user profiles) work together smoothly
UAT (User Testing)	Tests the app with real users to see if it’s easy to use and works as expected
Performance Testing	Measures how the app handles heavy usage like big sales or traffic spikes
Penetration Testing	Finds security flaws by simulating real-world hacks (done by ethical hackers)

 

8. Launch Your App to the Market

To help your BNPL app gain attention fast both from users and retailers you’ll need a smart launch and marketing plan.

A solid go-to-market strategy helps your app stand out and connect with the right people.

Start by using social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to reach younger, mobile-first users who are already familiar with fintech tools.

Team up with fintech and lifestyle influencers to grow trust and tap into loyal audiences who value their recommendations.

You can also introduce a referral program, where users earn rewards for inviting their friends to try the app this boosts downloads through word of mouth.

To keep users engaged, offer first-time order discounts, loyalty points, and exclusive in-app deals from your partner stores.

Adding fun, gamified rewards will increase app usage and build long-term loyalty.

Also Read: “Top 10 Apps Like Snapchat – Best Snapchat Alternatives in 2026”

9. Scale and Improve Your App

Launching your BNPL app is just the beginning. Long-term success comes from growing smart, improving performance, and updating regularly.

To stay ahead of competitors like Tabby, you need to keep tracking how your app performs and find ways to make it better.

Focus on data to guide your next steps. Monitor key metrics like:

• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) – How much it costs to get a new user
• Average Order Value (AOV) – The typical spend per user
• Installment Completion Rate – How many users finish their payments
• Default Rate – How often users miss payments
  

Today, many app development teams use AI and machine learning to make BNPL apps smarter especially for credit scoring.

AI tools study user behavior, spending patterns, and past payments to predict risk more accurately.

With this tech, you can spot late payments before they happen up to 90–95% accuracy and take action early using automated alerts or reminders.

Finally, keep improving your BNPL app regularly. Timely updates and optimization help you stay relevant and trusted in the UAE market.

Check This Out: Explore our curated list of 15 apps like Kik that offer secure messaging, unique features, and vibrant communities.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like Tabby?

Buy Now, Pay Later apps have changed how people shop and pay, especially in the UAE.

They offer flexible, interest-free payments and have opened new doors for startups, retailers, and fintech businesses.

But how much does it really cost to build an app like Tabby in the UAE?

On average, the development cost ranges between AED 180,000 to AED 700,000, based on how complex your app is, what features you include, and how fast you want it launched.

Here’s a general cost breakdown:

App Complexity	Estimated Cost (AED)	Timeline
Basic MVP	AED 180,000 – 280,000	4 – 6 months
Mid-Level App	AED 300,000 – 500,000	6 – 8 months
Advanced App	AED 550,000 – 700,000+	8 – 10+ months

 

Note: Don’t forget ongoing expenses like app updates, server hosting, and support. These usually cost AED 90,000 – 150,000 per year.

How Does Tabby Make Money?

If you’ve ever seen a “Buy Now, Pay Later” option at checkout especially in the UAE you’ve probably seen Tabby in action.

At first, it might seem confusing. How do apps that let you pay later with zero interest make money?

Let’s break it down in a simple way no financial background needed.

Revenue Stream	What It Means	Why It Works
Merchant Fees	Tabby takes a small commission (around 4%–8%) from each sale made through the app.	Stores are happy to pay because Tabby helps increase their sales and customers.
Late Fees	If users miss a payment, they’re charged a small penalty.	This helps recover costs and motivates users to pay on time.
Interchange Fees	Tabby earns small fees from card networks when users pay with the Tabby Card.	It adds an extra income stream while giving users more ways to pay.
Data Services	Tabby can offer customer insights or reports to partner stores.	These insights help businesses improve marketing and grow sales.

Challenges in Building an App Like Tabby

Building an app like Tabby comes with some real challenges that you simply can’t ignore.

Since you’re developing a regulated fintech app for the UAE market, your solution must be secure, scalable, fast, and fully compliant with the country’s financial regulations.

You’ll also need to protect sensitive data, stay updated with changing laws, and make sure the app performs well even during high usage times.

These challenges may seem complex but with the help of our expert mobile app development company in the UAE, they can be solved efficiently and effectively.

Securing User Data & Preventing Fraud

In fintech, strong data protection isn’t optional it’s the foundation of trust and success.

When offering buy now, pay later services in the UAE without credit cards, you’re handling highly sensitive information like user IDs, payment details, and purchase history.

That’s why your app must be built with top-level security features from day one to keep cyber threats away.

It’s also important to include a smart fraud detection system that can catch fake accounts, identity theft, or merchants trying to misuse the platform.

A secure app not only protects your users it protects your brand.

Bonus read: Curious about the future of online shopping in Saudi Arabia? Check out our full guide on eCommerce trends in Saudi Arabia for 2026.

Building a Smart Credit Scoring System

A key feature of any Buy Now, Pay Later app like Tabby is making quick credit decisions in real-time.

But how do you check if someone is trustworthy to lend to without doing slow and complex bank checks? That’s where the real challenge begins.

You’ll need to either connect with the Al Etihad Credit Bureau in the UAE or create your own AI-based credit scoring system.

The hardest part is finding the right balance approve users quickly while also keeping the risk of missed payments low. This step is critical for the success and safety of your BNPL app.

Integrating with Payment Gateways

Buy Now, Pay Later apps in the UAE only work well if they connect easily with the stores where customers shop.

You’ll need strong APIs or plugins for popular platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, plus custom setups for bigger retailers.

Your app also must support UAE-approved payment gateways like Checkout.com, Telr, PayTabs, and Network International to handle payments securely and smoothly.

Designing for Different User Roles

Apps like Tabby are different from regular consumer apps because they serve several types of users: shoppers, merchants, and internal staff.

Each group needs its own unique interface, features, and way of using the app.

Creating a smooth experience for all these users in one app is a big challenge that calls for careful UX and UI planning.

Supporting Both Arabic and English Users

Since your app targets the UAE, it’s important to support both Arabic and English languages.

But it’s more than just translating words. Arabic reads from right to left, so your app’s design, fonts, and navigation need special care.

Users should feel comfortable and natural using the app in either language.

Mistakes in translation or design can quickly cause users to lose trust especially in finance apps where clear communication is key.

Also Read: “20 Apps Like TikTok – Top TikTok Alternatives for 2026”

Building Trust and Brand Reputation

Trust is the most important thing in fintech.

People rely on your app to keep their financial information safe and expect smooth, secure payments.

Since buy-now-pay-later services are still new in many places, including the UAE, earning trust and building a strong brand takes time and effort.

Without a good reputation, it’s hard to get users and merchants to choose your app over well-known names like Tabby.

Going Beyond Basic Features

With many BNPL apps available, just copying standard features won’t help you stand out.

To make your app different, add extra benefits like personalized payment options, reward programs, or budgeting tools.

These features need extra work, including learning what customers want and keeping up with the latest market trends.

8 Top Alternatives to Tabby in the UAE (2026)

While Tabby is a popular choice for buy now, pay later services in the UAE, there are other great options worth checking out.

Apps like Tamara, Postpay, and Cashew offer similar features, and depending on your needs, one of them might be an even better fit.

If you’re exploring building something similar, understanding the app development cost like Tamara app can help you plan better. Let’s take a closer look at these alternatives and see why they could be right for you.

1. Tamara

Tamara is a popular buy now, pay later app from Saudi Arabia that has grown across the Gulf region, including the UAE.

As a top alternative to Tabby, it gives users an easy way to shop now and pay later without extra fees.

Features	Best For
Pay in 30 days or split into 3 payments	Strong regional presence in the GCC
No interest or hidden fees	Clear and simple payment plans
Works with brands like SHEIN, Namshi, and Faces	Fast approval and user-friendly app design

 

2. Postpay

Postpay is a local Buy Now, Pay Later app made especially for shoppers in the UAE.

It lets you split your purchases into 3 or 4 interest-free payments, whether you shop online or in physical stores.

Key Features	Best For
Pay in 3 or 4 easy installments	Designed specifically for the UAE market
No interest or hidden charges	Smooth experience with quick approvals
Accepted by popular UAE stores like Sephora, Sharaf DG, and Level Shoes	Strong partnerships with local and regional brands

 

3. Klarna

Klarna is a well-known BNPL app that’s growing its presence in the UAE through partnerships with global online stores.

It’s a great choice for people who love shopping from international brands.

Key Features	Best For
Pay in 30 days or spread payments over 3–36 months	Trusted by users around the world
Clean app design with smart payment tracking	Perfect for international shopping delivered to the UAE
Works for fashion, tech, and lifestyle products	Comes with built-in tools for budgeting and spending

 

4. Spotii (Now Powered by Zip)

Spotii, originally launched in Dubai and now part of global BNPL leader Zip, continues to be a trusted option in the UAE.

It offers flexible payment plans and supports a wide range of merchants locally and internationally.

Key Features	Best For
Split payments into 4 equal installments	Strong UAE base with global backing
Zero interest and no hidden costs	Fast registration and instant approvals
Works with both local and global brands	Usable online and in-store across the UAE

 

5. Affirm

Affirm is a U.S.-based Buy Now, Pay Later app that’s gaining traction with UAE users who buy from global stores.

It offers flexible payment plans, especially for bigger purchases.

Key Features	Best For
Pay in monthly installments (up to 36 months)	Ideal for large international purchases
Interest rates depend on the store and user profile	Great for users needing long-term payment options
Clear pricing and no late fees	Shoppers who want full visibility on their payments

 

6. Shahry

Shahry is a UAE-based BNPL app made for users who don’t have a credit card or formal credit history.

It offers instant digital credit and flexible monthly payment options.

Key Features	Best For
Buy now, pay later with monthly installment plans	No paperwork or standard credit checks
Instant approval through a fully digital process	Ideal for young users or people without banking access
Focuses on phones, fashion, electronics, and more	Works for online and in-store shopping across key categories

 

7. Afterpay

Afterpay is a well-known global Buy Now, Pay Later app that’s becoming more popular in the UAE through its ties with major international shopping platforms.

Features	Best For
Split payments into 4 bi-weekly installments	Great for users shopping from global online marketplaces
No interest when paid on time	Well-known and trusted brand in the BNPL space
Strong buyer protection and safety features	Easily connects with top e-commerce websites worldwide

 

8. Cashew

Cashew is a UAE-based BNPL app and one of Tabby’s strong local competitors, offering flexible payment options for everyday shoppers.

Key Features	Best For
Pay in 3 to 12 monthly installments	Great for making big purchases more affordable
Zero interest on shorter plans	Access to local support and smooth user experience
Works with top brands like Jumbo, Lenskart, and Danube Home	Quick approvals and a user-friendly mobile app

 

Wrapping Up

Creating a top app like Tabby isn’t always simple it takes strong financial partnerships, full legal planning, and a clear understanding of how users think and behave.

But with the right plan and a trusted team by your side, you can launch a powerful BNPL app that builds customer trust and boosts business growth.

At MMC Global, we help both startups and large companies develop reliable, scalable fintech solutions from the ground up.

Well-known brands like Kia, Sauron, Matchbox, Khaity, Edenred, and Bayer already trust our work.

Working with our experienced fintech development company, MMC Global, gives you a strong advantage every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a Tabby account?

Download the Tabby app, click on “Sign Up,” and enter your mobile number. After verifying it with the SMS code, add your basic details and you’re ready to go! You can also sign up while checking out at any store that accepts Tabby.

What makes apps like Tabby successful?

Buy now, pay later apps like Tabby succeed because they offer easy, flexible shopping. People enjoy splitting payments without interest or extra charges. These apps are quick to use, approve users fast, and work with popular brands that shoppers already trust.

How to Build an App Like Tabby?

Building an app like Tabby takes good planning, the right tools, and a clear idea of how it should work.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to create an app like Tabby:

• Study the BNPL market
• Choose main features
• Select your technology stack
• Design a simple, user-friendly interface
• Build the frontend and backend
• Follow all legal rules
• Test the app carefully
• Market it and grow your user base

How does an app like Tabby make money?

Apps like Tabby earn mostly by taking a small commission from merchants on every sale. They can also make money from interest on longer payment plans and fees if users pay late.

How long does it take to build a BNPL app like Tabby?

If you build a basic app, it usually takes about 3 to 6 months to launch. But a full app with advanced features like AI credit scoring can take around 6 to 12 months to complete.

How much does it cost to create an app like Tabby?

Creating an app like Tabby usually costs between $30,000 and $150,000. The final price depends on how complex the app is, the timeline, and which app development company you work with.