Atome

Overview

Atome brings installment payments to online checkout and participating physical stores, where shoppers can scan a QR code at the cashier. That makes it useful across shopping channels, but its reach depends on whether a retailer accepts it. Consumers can use the app to create an account, make purchases in three payments and track upcoming payments.

Shoppers earn one Atome+ point for every S$2 spent. Points can be redeemed for rewards or used in in-app prize games, a modest extra rather than a substitute for comparing payment terms. Atome says it is licensed as a Major Payment Institution under Singapore’s Payment Services Act 2019; the BNPL Code is administered by the Singapore Fintech Association.

Key features

Payment schedules and costs

Pay-in-3 divides a purchase into three payments, with the first due at checkout and the remaining payments monthly. Atome describes this plan as interest-free, which makes it the straightforward option for shoppers who can meet the schedule. Pay-in-6 starts one day after purchase, with subsequent payments every 30 days. Longer plans may carry a processing fee shown in the app at transaction time; plans beyond three months can incur a one-time fee of up to 3% of the purchase value, inclusive of GST. Spreading payments further may help with cash flow, but the added fee should be weighed against that benefit.

Merchant integration

The developer portal documents integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Prestashop, OpenCart, EasyStore, Wix and Salesforce, as well as API integration for online transactions and Atome Cashier on POS for offline sales. Atome also says it supports major e-commerce platforms and payment gateways and can help merchants integrate online or in physical stores. A merchant dashboard is available. The range of integration paths gives merchants options, though the best fit depends on their existing checkout setup.

Late payments and support

If an automatic deduction fails on its due date, Atome suspends the account and applies a S$15 or S$30 administrative fee per late payment, depending on the order amount. That consequence makes reliable payment timing important; Atome is a poor fit for shoppers who may struggle to keep funds available on schedule. Support business hours are Monday to Friday, 09:30–18:30, and the service is closed on weekends and public holidays.

Pricing

Atome’s consumer Pay-in-3 plan is free, billed in three monthly payments, with the first due at purchase and 0% interest at participating Atome merchants. The price is attractive for shoppers who can repay within this schedule, but it is not a universal checkout option because participation is required.

Longer payment plans have custom pricing. They are billed monthly, and a processing fee may apply; plans beyond three months can carry a one-time fee of up to 3% of the purchase value, inclusive of GST. The fee is shown in the app at transaction time. Choose a longer schedule only after checking that charge and the repayment dates.

For merchants, Atome offers integrations and support for online and physical-store setups, but pricing is on request. That makes it worth discussing for businesses that want installment checkout, while requiring a quote before costs can be compared.

Platforms

Atome supports Android, iOS and web, with an API for merchant integration. Its checkout approach is omnichannel, covering online transactions and participating in-store purchases. Consumer regions are Singapore and Malaysia.

Who it's for

Atome suits shoppers who want to spread an eligible purchase over three monthly payments and can reliably meet each due date. Its in-store QR checkout and app-based schedule make it particularly relevant to mobile-first shoppers in Singapore and Malaysia. It is less suitable for people who need flexible repayment without a clear due-date commitment, or for shoppers who expect to use it at retailers that do not participate.

For merchants, it is a candidate for businesses seeking to offer installment payments online, in store or both, especially those using a supported commerce platform. Businesses should confirm integration fit and obtain custom pricing before committing.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Pay-in-3 is interest-free, with a clear three-payment monthly schedule at participating merchants.
• Pro: Online integrations, API support and in-store QR/POS options serve merchants selling through different channels.
• Pro: Atome+ points add a rewards option, earning one point per S$2 spent.
• Con: A missed automatic deduction suspends the account and triggers a S$15 or S$30 fee per late payment.
• Con: Longer plans may incur a processing fee, including a one-time fee of up to 3% for plans beyond three months.
• Con: Consumer checkout is limited to participating retailers, and merchant pricing requires a request.

Alternatives

Consider Scalapay if you prefer a three-installment option or want to compare a four-installment plan; its listed plans charge free, with no interest to the customer on Pay in 3 and a customer fee that may apply on Pay in 4. Zilch is another freemium option, with a free Standard plan offering up to 5% rewards in-app only and a £4.99 card fee; its Extra plan costs 2.99 GBP per month.

Tabby may suit shoppers who want four interest-free payments with no fees, or a longer plan of up to 12 months where any fees are shown at checkout. Afterpay offers Pay in 4 over six weeks, with the first payment upfront and eligibility required; its Pay monthly option is listed as a 6–12 month plan. Choose Klarna if a paid membership is relevant: its listed Core and Plus memberships cost 4.99 USD and 9.99 USD per month respectively.

Sunbit is a point-of-sale financing alternative with loans from $50 to $20,000 over 3–72 months at 0–35.99% APR, subject to approval and state restrictions. Aplazo and Oney are also alternatives to compare.

Browse the Buy Now, Pay Later Platforms directory for more options.

Verdict

Atome is a sensible choice for shoppers in Singapore and Malaysia who can repay on time and want a no-interest three-payment option at participating retailers, as well as merchants seeking online and in-store installment checkout. Its main advantage is the combination of consumer app payments and merchant integration routes; the reason to look elsewhere is the cost and account suspension risk when repayment slips, along with fees on longer plans.