How do i pay in store with afterpay

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“Buy now, pay later” is a type of payment plan that has become more popular over the past few years, especially as more people shopped online during the pandemic.

Known as BNPL for short, these plans divide your payment into a series of smaller, equal installments, usually with no interest and minimal fees.

Plans can be used online and in stores, depending on the app. Some retailers will even offer multiple plans to choose from during checkout.

Here are six BNPL apps you can use at major retailers, plus alternatives to consider.

1. Afterpay: Best for first-time BNPL users

Unlike other BNPL providers that offer multiple repayment options, Afterpay has a no-nonsense, pay-in-four plan that’s easy to understand for first-time users.

It also has key features that can help prevent new users from overextending themselves. For example, Afterpay pauses your account after one missed payment, and it won’t send you to collections if you default on the loan, which can hurt your credit score.

Where it’s offered: Afterpay partners with major retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy and Nordstrom.

How to get approved: Afterpay bases approval on whether there are sufficient funds on your debit or credit card, how long you’ve been using Afterpay, the purchase price and whether you have other outstanding loans with Afterpay.

Payment schedule: Afterpay uses the pay-in-four model. Your purchase will be divided into four equal payments, with the first due at checkout and the remaining three payments due two weeks apart.

Interest and late fee: Afterpay doesn't charge interest. It charges a late fee of up to $8 if a payment isn’t received within 10 days of the due date.

2. Affirm: Best for large purchases

Affirm operates as a more traditional loan product. It offers longer terms and negotiates the interest rate with each retailer. If you’re looking to fund a larger purchase, like a mattress or computer, an Affirm loan may have more affordable payments spread out over a longer period.

Where it’s offered: Affirm partners with thousands of retailers in the U.S., including Amazon, Walmart, Nike and Best Buy.

How to get approved: Affirm may perform a soft credit check, which doesn’t hurt your credit. It will also consider prior payment history with Affirm, how long you’ve had an Affirm account, any Affirm loans you may have outstanding, your credit utilization, your current debts and income, and any bankruptcies.

Payment schedule: Affirm offers three-, six- and 12-month repayment plans. Longer plans up to 60 months could be available depending on the purchase. Affirm also offers a no-interest, pay-in-four option.

Interest and late fee: Interest rates on Affirm loans range from 0% to 30%. It doesn’t charge a late fee for missed payments.

3. Klarna: Best for earning rewards

Klarna offers three payment plans, including the pay-in-four model, its Pay in 30 model and a monthly financing option. After downloading the mobile app, users can join Klarna’s free rewards program with access to exclusive deals. The program awards 1 point per dollar spent, and points can be turned into rewards to be used at certain stores.

Where it’s offered: Klarna is available at retailers like Macy’s, Etsy, Foot Locker and Sephora. You can also generate a single-use Klarna virtual card, which can be used online at any U.S. retailer, including those that don't partner with Klarna.

How to get approved: Klarna will conduct a soft credit pull. Approval decisions are based on available funds in your bank account, your history with Klarna and the purchase amount.

Payment schedule: Klarna’s Pay in 4 splits a purchase into four equal installments to be paid every two weeks, with the first due at checkout. The Pay in 30 gives shoppers 30 days after the item has shipped to pay for a purchase. Klarna also has a monthly financing option with terms up to two years.

Interest and late fees: Pay in 4 and Pay in 30 are interest-free. Klarna will charge a late fee up to $7 for missed payments for the Pay in 4. For monthly financing, Klarna will charge 0% to 24.99% interest.

4. Zip: Best for wide availability

Zip, formerly known as Quadpay, is available anywhere Visa is accepted. After downloading the mobile app, you can pay with your debit or credit card or generate a virtual Zip card that can be used in stores.

Where it’s offered: Zip is available at many retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon and Walmart.

How to get approved: Zip doesn't publicly share how it approves customers. It will likely depend on whether there are sufficient funds available on your debit or credit card, your history with Zip and the purchase price. It will conduct a soft credit pull.

Payment schedule: Zip uses the pay-in-four model. A purchase will be split into four equal installments to be paid every two weeks, with the first due at checkout.

Interest and late fee: Zip charges a $1 convenience fee for each payment, which is essentially interest. This means your total purchase will cost an extra $4. Late fees can be $5, $7 or $10, depending on your state.

5. PayPal Pay in 4: Best for peace of mind

PayPal offers a BNPL payment plan to users who have a PayPal account and are in good standing. Along with the name recognition that may put new BNPL users at ease, the company extends its PayPal Purchase Protection to its BNPL plan. That means if you don't receive your item or it’s different from the description, you may qualify for reimbursement from PayPal.

Where it’s offered: PayPal’s Pay in 4 plan isn't available for in-store use. It can be used online or through PayPal’s mobile app at retailers like Dillard’s, Target and Home Depot.

How to get approved: PayPal conducts a soft credit check. Approval is based on your application, your account history with PayPal and information provided by the credit bureaus.

Payment schedule: PayPal Pay in 4 divides your purchase into four equal installments due two weeks apart, with the first payment due at checkout. PayPal also offers a monthly payment plan with six-, 12- or 24-month terms for larger purchases.

Interest and late fee: PayPal doesn't charge interest or late fees with its Pay in 4. Its monthly payment plan may charge up to 29.99% APR.

6. Sezzle: Best for socially conscious shoppers

If you want your BNPL dollars to go further, Sezzle might be a good option for you. Sezzle is a certified B Corporation, a designation that requires the lender to pass a rigorous assessment and show a demonstrated commitment to social and environmental issues. This feature is unique among BNPL lenders.

Where it’s offered: Shoppers can use Sezzle online and in stores at thousands of retailers, including Target.

How to get approved: Sezzle may conduct a soft credit check, which will not affect your credit score. It will also consider any prior history with Sezzle when determining your spending limit.

Payment schedule: Sezzle offers a pay-in-four payment plan. Your purchase will be divided into four equal installments due two weeks apart, with the first payment due at checkout.

Interest and late fee: Sezzle doesn't charge interest or late fees. But if you miss a payment, it will deactivate your account, and you won’t be able to make future purchases with Sezzle. To reactivate your account, you’ll need to pay a $10 fee.

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