Zilch, the fintech payments innovator of the world’s first ad-subsidised payments network (ASPN), releases data today showing the full impact of a record Black Friday that saw its sales more than double compared to the previous year.

Black Friday bargains drove a 116% year-on-year growth in sales, with 93% year-on-year growth following on Cyber Monday. The figures underline the power of Zilch’s network to connect its 4 million users to great deals.

Travel spending was the surprise standout category on a day best known for delivering deals on consumer goods, as Zilch users spent more than ever on securing getaways with flights and spa breaks proving the most popular subcategories.

The fastest-growing payment method was the recently-launched ‘Pay over 3 months’ option, providing a more flexible way to spread the cost for bigger-ticket purchases.

• Product categories showing the fastest growth compared to Black Friday 2023 were electronics (+140%), travel (+127%) and health and beauty (+125%) 
• Retailers’ advertising spend with Zilch increased 135% over Black Friday week this year compared to 2023
• The peak trading minute for brands was 12:02 on Black Friday

eBay was among the retailers benefiting from the Black Friday surge. 

Rebecca Mangaroo, EPN Partnerships Lead, United Kingdom, eBay, said: “eBay has been working with Zilch for over three years and we are over the moon with the volume and quality of sales generated. As a key affiliate, Zilch is dedicated to providing customers a unique and invaluable service to help spread out their purchases without accruing any interest or late fees - helping everyone to shop worry free. Most impressive is the performance during this peak period compared to last year: we saw an incredible year-on-year increase in GMV of 118%. Truly impressive.”

Andreas Andreou, Chief Revenue Officer at Zilch, said: “On Black Friday, Zilch delivered a 116% year-on-year increase in commerce for our retail partners, while saving customers millions in future late fees and interest payments. Accelerated by our product innovation and continued record ad-spend on our Ad-Subsidised Payments Network.”