You can get afterpay without having credit. You can get afterpay even if you owe $7k on your maxed-out credit cards. Bank of America doesn't have a shiny button turning those $200 dollar pants into '4 payments of $50' on a website.

It's like asking 'hows flavored vape juice different from cigarettes'. Both bad, but they appeal to different markets and one takes advantage in a more sinister manner. No doubt there are people that can use it in a healthy manner, but overall it's a net negative. Credit cards can be just as predatory in my view though.

Just easier. I use credit cards, but also have a Klarna account. If the shop uses Klarna, I will often use that because it is to well integrated, and then pay off Klarna with my CC, which in turn is paid a month later. Essentially I don't pay for something for over 2 months.