Understanding how Affirm works with different payment methods is important, especially for people who prefer using credit cards. Many shoppers are asking, “Can you pay Affirm with a credit card?” The answer depends on the type of Affirm payment plan you’re using. This article explains the details clearly so anyone can understand what’s allowed and what’s not.
What Is Affirm and How It Works?
Affirm is a “buy now, pay later” service. It lets people split big purchases into smaller payments. These can be paid back over time sometimes in four payments, sometimes over several months. The good part is that they often do not charge late fees or hidden costs. However, interest rates may apply depending on your plan and credit profile.
Affirm offers three main options:
- Pay in 4 – Four payments made every two weeks.
- Monthly Financing – Loans for 3, 6, or 12 months, and sometimes longer.
- Shop Pay Installments – Available when checking out with Shopify stores.
These plans give people flexibility. But the payment methods allowed for each type can be different.
When You Can Use a Credit Card with Affirm?
So, can you pay Affirm with a credit card? Yes, but only in certain cases. For example, Affirm accepts credit cards for their Pay in 4 plan. This is the plan where you make four biweekly payments. This is popular for small purchases.
Another situation is the Shop Pay Installments option. If you are using Affirm through Shopify’s Shop Pay, then credit cards are accepted for all payments. This is helpful if you earn rewards or cash back from your credit card.
Affirm also allows a credit card for the initial down payment. Some purchases require a small first payment at checkout. You can use a credit card for that. But once that’s done, the rest of the payments might have to come from a debit card or bank account.
When You Cannot Use a Credit Card with Affirm?
Now, let’s talk about when you can’t. For example, the Monthly Financing plans usually do not let you use a credit card. These longer-term payment plans are made with direct transfers from a debit card or bank account.
Also, Affirm no longer accepts Chase credit cards for new payments or even to be added as payment methods. This rule went into effect on August 19, 2024.
Here’s a simple table to explain:
| Affirm Payment Option | Can You Use a Credit Card? |
| Pay in 4 | Yes |
| Monthly Financing | No |
| Shop Pay Installments | Yes |
| Down Payment (if required) | Yes |
| Chase Credit Cards | Not Accepted |
Why There Are Limitations?
The question comes up again: can you pay Affirm with a credit card? It’s allowed in some ways, but not for everything. There are reasons for this. One is to limit risk. When you pay a loan with another loan (like a credit card), you could get into debt faster.
Affirm tries to promote responsible spending. If people use credit cards for large loans, they may not pay them back easily. That’s why Affirm prefers debit cards or bank accounts for the larger monthly plans.
What Are the Risks of Using a Credit Card?
If you can use your credit card, should you? This depends on how you manage credit. When you pay Affirm with a credit card, you might get charged interest twice. First, you may have interest from Affirm, depending on your plan. Then, your credit card may also charge you interest if you don’t pay it in full.
Also, some people use credit cards because they offer rewards like points or cash back. That can be a benefit, but only if you’re sure you can pay your card bill fully every month. If not, the interest adds up fast.
Shop Pay and Affirm Together
A popular option where people ask, “Can you pay Affirm with a credit card?” is with Shop Pay Installments. This system is used on stores that use Shopify. Here, Affirm processes the payment plan, and Shop Pay takes the payment.
In this case, credit cards are fully accepted. That’s helpful for customers who are looking to use their cards for convenience or rewards. You don’t need to worry about limitations in this method.
Changes in 2024: No Chase Cards
Affirm made a change in 2024 that affected many users. They stopped accepting Chase credit cards. This applies to both new payments and adding the card to your account.
If you already had a Chase card saved, it may have stopped working. This decision was likely based on rules between Affirm and Chase. So, even though you might be able to use a card, the type of card also matters.
Debt Management and Smart Spending
Just because the answer to “can you pay Affirm with a credit card” is yes in some cases, that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. Using a credit card for BNPL (buy now, pay later) can cause debt to stack up if you’re not careful.
Here’s an example:
| Purchase | Payment Plan | Used Credit Card? | Interest from Affirm | Interest from Card | Total Extra Cost |
| $500 | 3-month plan | Yes | $30 | $40 | $70 |
In this case, the person paid $70 more than the price. This happens when you don’t pay the card off each month.
Tips to Use Affirm with a Credit Card Safely
If you want to use a credit card, here are some ways to stay safe:
- Only use it for Pay in 4 or Shop Pay Installments.
- Always pay off your credit card balance in full.
- Avoid large loans if you plan to use a credit card.
- Know your interest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pay Affirm with a credit card every time?
No. You can only use credit cards for Pay in 4, Shop Pay Installments, and some down payments. Not for monthly loans.
Does Affirm accept American Express?
It depends on the plan. For Pay in 4 and Shop Pay, some Amex cards are accepted.
What happens if I try using a Chase credit card?
Chase credit cards are no longer accepted by Affirm as of August 2024.
Can I change my payment method later?
Yes, you can update your method in the Affirm app, but only to accepted cards or bank accounts.
Is it smart to use a credit card with Affirm?
Only if you pay it off monthly. Otherwise, you may get charged more in interest.
Conclusion
So, can you pay Affirm with a credit card? The answer is yes—but only in specific cases. You can use it for Pay in 4 plans, Shop Pay Installments, and some down payments. However, monthly financing usually requires a bank account or debit card. And don’t forget that Chase credit cards are no longer allowed.
The choice to use a credit card depends on how well you manage money. If you can pay off the balance on time, it might work in your favor. But if not, you might end up owing more. It’s best to read the terms, plan ahead, and make sure you’re spending wisely.
Also, Read Can You Overdraft a Credit Card?
