NEW YORK — Buy now, pay later provider Affirm has partnered with fintech firm Esusu to pilot a new option allowing some renters to split monthly rent payments into two installments, PYMNTS reported, citing CNBC.
The program offers 0% interest and no late fees, though the companies have not yet announced a broader rollout date.
The pilot is intended to give renters greater flexibility in managing housing costs, one of their largest monthly expenses.
“A flexible option for managing one of their largest monthly expenses,” an Affirm spokesperson told CNBC.
The partnership expands Esusu’s growing suite of rent-focused financial tools, complementing its recently launched Esusu Pay product, PYMNTS reported.
Esusu’s platform uses rental payment data to help renters build credit and strengthen financial stability, according to PYMNTS. The company works with property owners, operators, and financial institutions, covering roughly five million housing units, reaching about 12 million people, and processing approximately $100 billion in annual gross lease volume.
Following a $50-million Series C funding round in December, Esusu said it plans to scale Esusu Pay as part of its broader growth strategy.
Property operator BLDG Partners, which collaborates with Esusu, said the payment option provides residents with added flexibility.
“Esusu Pay gives our residents meaningful flexibility by allowing them to split rent into manageable installments,” said Karen Esparza, senior vice president of asset management at BLDG Partners. “It reduces financial strain and supports real stability.”
PYMNTS also noted that Esusu recently partnered with Zillow to launch CreditClimb, a tool that enables renters to build credit through rent payments, while Affirm reported a 30% increase in merchant count to 419,000 in its most recent quarter, reflecting continued demand for 0% installment options.