Found the perfect chess set but would rather spread the cost? At Sterling Chess you can play now and pay later. We offer both Afterpay and Zip at checkout, so you can bring home a premium set today and pay for it in easy, manageable instalments. No waiting, no lay-by, just your set delivered now with the cost split over time.
Play now, pay later works across our entire range. Whether you are investing in a handcrafted chess set, a timber chess board, a set of chess pieces or accessories like clocks and storage cases, you can choose Afterpay or Zip at the checkout.
Pay with Afterpay
Afterpay lets you buy your chess set now and pay for it in 4 interest-free instalments over 6 weeks. You pay the first instalment at checkout, then the remaining three every two weeks. There is nothing extra to pay when you pay on time, and your set ships straight away.

How Afterpay works
- Add your items to cart. Shop the Sterling Chess range and add your chosen set, board, pieces or accessories to your cart.
- Select Afterpay at checkout. Choose Afterpay as your payment method. New customers set up an account in minutes; returning customers simply log in.
- Pay 25% today. Your first instalment is paid at checkout, and the balance is split into three more equal payments.
- Pay the rest over 6 weeks. The remaining instalments are automatically deducted every two weeks. Pay on time and it stays completely interest-free.
Afterpay is interest-free, though late fees apply if a payment is missed. Approval is subject to Afterpay's eligibility criteria. For full details, visit the Afterpay website.
Pay with Zip
Zip gives you even more flexibility. With Zip Pay you get a reusable line of credit and choose how you repay, weekly, fortnightly or monthly, to suit your budget. It is interest-free, with a small monthly account fee that is waived whenever you clear your balance by the end of the month. For larger purchases, Zip Money offers longer interest-free periods, subject to approval.

How Zip works
- Add your items to cart. Fill your cart with your favourite chess sets, boards, pieces or accessories.
- Select Zip at checkout. Choose Zip as your payment method. First-time users apply in minutes; existing customers just log in to approve.
- Take your set home now. Your order ships straight away while you pay Zip back over time.
- Repay on your terms. Set your repayments weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Pay your balance off in full by month end and pay no account fee.
Zip Pay is interest-free on balances repaid on time; a monthly account fee and late fees may apply, and approval is subject to Zip's credit criteria. For full details, visit the Zip website.
Why Play Now, Pay Later?
- Get your set sooner. No saving up and no lay-by. Your chess set is delivered now and you pay for it over time.
- Spread the cost. Break a premium purchase into smaller, budget-friendly payments that are easier to manage.
- Interest-free when you pay on time. Both Afterpay and Zip are interest-free when you keep up with your repayments.
- Shop the full range. Use Afterpay or Zip on any product, from entry-level sets to luxury showpieces and collector boards.
- Free shipping Australia wide. Every order ships free, no matter which payment method you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Afterpay or Zip on any product?
Yes. Play now, pay later applies across the entire Sterling Chess catalogue, including chess sets, boards, pieces, clocks, cases and other accessories. Just choose Afterpay or Zip when you reach the checkout.
Is there any interest to pay?
Both Afterpay and Zip are interest-free when you make your repayments on time. Afterpay may charge a late fee for missed payments, and Zip applies a small monthly account fee that is waived when you pay your balance in full each month. Always review each provider's terms so you know what to expect.
Do I need to be approved?
Yes. Both services run a quick approval process when you sign up, and approval is subject to their eligibility and credit criteria. Setting up an account takes only a few minutes at checkout.
How much can I spend?
Your spending limit is set by Afterpay or Zip based on your account, not by Sterling Chess. New customers usually start with a lower limit that can grow over time with a good repayment history.
What if I need to return my order?
Returns work exactly as they do for any order. Our 100 day free returns policy still applies, and once a return is processed it flows back through Afterpay or Zip to adjust your payment plan. See our returns and shipping information for details.
Ready to Play Now and Pay Later?
Find a chess set you will treasure and pay for it your way. Choose Afterpay or Zip at checkout and enjoy your new set today, with free shipping Australia wide and our 100 day returns guarantee behind every order.
Have a question about paying with Afterpay or Zip? Call our team on (03) 7037 0931, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, or reach out via our Contact Us page. We are always happy to help.
Afterpay and Zip are independent third-party providers. Payment plans are offered and approved by Afterpay and Zip, not Sterling Chess, and are subject to their terms, conditions, eligibility and credit criteria. Please review each provider's terms in full before purchasing.