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It’s no secret that online shopping is gaining popularity, and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon. The National Retail Federation predicted that non-store and online sales will grow by 10% to 12% in 2023, reaching between $1.41 trillion and $1.43 trillion.
As retailers try to monetize the e-commerce trend and consumers join in, the option of delayed payment on purchases is gaining ground. A prominent player in this space is Australian fintech company Afterpay, which has thousands of online retailers like Wayfair, Shein, Sephora, and many more partnering with its “buy now, pay later” platform, just like Klarna.
Afterpay is a huge success story, but what exactly is it, and how does it work? What stores accept Afterpay, and is it a wise shopping option in a nation grappling with consumer debt?
Stores that accept Afterpay
Afterpay has gained immense popularity, with thousands of stores utilizing its platform. From major brands like Gap and Sephora to countless small businesses, Afterpay has a presence across various retail sectors. In addition to these, there are many other popular stores that accept Afterpay:
- Adidas
- Alfa Western Wear
- Anthropologie
- American Eagle
- Aerie
- Alex and Ani
- Aveda
- Arait
- Asos
- Bed, Bath & Beyond
- Belk
- Brooks Running
- Birkenstock
- Billabong
- Bombas
- Bobbi Brown
- Clinique
- Corkcicle
- Calvin Klein
- Carter’s
- Carhartt
- Chico’s
- ChicMe
- Chairish
- CVS
- Crocs
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Dillard’s
- DSW
- Dockers
- Dr. Martens
- Dyson
- Darn Tough
- E.l.f. Cosmetics
- Eco-Strip
- Glossier
- Gymboree
- Gilt
- Fabletics
- Foot Locker
- Finish Line
- Free People
- Fila
- Francesca’s
- Forever 21
- Farm to Needle
- Home Depot
- Hotels.com
- Hoka One One
- Healthish
- Ikea
- Igloo
- Itzy Ritzy
- J.Crew
- Kerastase
- Kiehl’s
- Lamps.com
- Levi’s
- Lula’s Garden
- Lulus
- Lululemon
- Little Dog Paper Company
- Micheal Kors
- Marc Jacobs
- MAC Cosmetics
- Marmot
- Nars
- New Balance
- Nike
- Nordstrom
- Nasty Gal
- Olay
- Old Navy
- PacSun
- PetSmart
- Pier 1
- Puma
- Pandora
- Ruggable
- Redbubble
- Running Warehouse
- Roses Only
- Rothy’s
- Recess Ready
- Ralph Lauren
- Ray Ban
- Revolve
- Reebok
- Rite Aid
- Ruby & Grace
- Shein
- Sephora
- Supergoop
- Skechers
- Sanuk
- Sunglass Hut
- Shutterfly
- Sixth & Twelfth
- Steve Madden
- Salty Threads
- ThredUp
- Tory Burch
- Tillys
- The Container Store
- The Children’s Place
- The Beach People
- The RealReal
- Brite Lite Neon
- Ulta Beauty
- Urban Outfitters
- Uncommon Goods
- Ugg
- Urban Decay
- Vici
- Vera Bradley
- Wayfair
- White House Black Market
- Your Tea
- Yankee Candle
- Zappos
About Afterpay
Afterpay is a buy now, pay later service launched in 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Its popularity grew quickly, and the company has since expanded its services to other countries, including the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and the U.K., where it is known as Clearpay.
The company has over 1,300 employees and is in the process of further expansion. Afterpay’s innovative payment model has proven to be a hit among consumers, allowing them to purchase items they need or want without paying for them upfront.
In 2022, Afterpay was acquired by Block, but the service continues to operate independently and is expanding to more stores. This makes it easier for people to shop and pay in a way that works for them.
How Afterpay works
Afterpay is a digital payment platform and app that offers a “Buy Now Pay Later” (BNPL) option for purchases. This allows users to buy something they desire without having to pay the full amount upfront. Instead, they can pay it off later over a set period of time. The platform does not charge interest on the payments or add any other user fees, except for late fees, which are capped at 25% of the order value.
When making a purchase through Afterpay, shoppers are required to pay 25% of the purchase cost upfront and then pay the remaining balance in four equal installments over the next six weeks. This payment structure makes it easier for users to manage their finances without worrying about incurring interest charges or hidden fees.
Does Afterpay have spending limits?
Spending limits begin at $600 and can grow over time as you establish a record of regular payments.
Does Afterpay affect your credit score?
When you sign up for Afterpay, you may be subject to a soft credit check. This is a routine process that many companies use to verify a customer’s identity and financial history. However, it’s important to note that this check won’t impact your credit score since it’s not a hard inquiry.
It’s worth mentioning that if Afterpay encounters any issues during the soft credit check that raise concerns, they may decline your application. This could happen if, for example, there are inconsistencies in your personal information or if you have a history of financial problems.
Once approved for Afterpay, using the service won’t affect your credit score. This is because Afterpay doesn’t report to credit reporting agencies. So, you can shop confidently knowing your credit score won’t be impacted.
However, if you miss a payment or don’t pay your balance on time, Afterpay will charge you a late fee and restrict your account until the balance is settled. But, even if this happens, your credit score won’t be affected, so you can still continue to use other credit facilities without any concerns.
How to use Afterpay
If you’re new to Afterpay, you’ll be pleased to know that getting started is simple and doesn’t require registration. All you need to do is visit a participating online retailer and select the items you want to purchase. When you’re ready to checkout, you’ll see the option to choose Afterpay as your payment method. At this point, you’ll be asked to enter your payment information to complete your purchase. Once your first order is approved, your Afterpay account will be automatically created.
After creating your Afterpay account, you can proceed to the Afterpay website or download the Afterpay app on your device. Here, you’ll be prompted to set up a password and enter your login credentials. Once you’ve completed this step, you can use your Afterpay account to purchase from any retailer that partners with the BNPL company.
Breaking up the cost of your purchases into smaller payments can be a game changer, depending on your situation. With Afterpay, you can enjoy this benefit and have more control over your budget. If you have questions or concerns about using Afterpay, their customer support team is always available to assist you.
What you need to be eligible
To be eligible to use Afterpay in the U.S., there are a few requirements that you must meet. These requirements include the following:
- You must reside within the U.S. This means that if you live in any of the U.S. territories, you won’t be eligible for Afterpay.
- You must be at least 18 years old and the authorized holder of a debit card, credit card, or checking account. Please note that savings accounts are not eligible for Afterpay.
- The card or account used for payments must be domestic.
- You must have a valid mobile phone number and email address. Afterpay will use these details to communicate with you throughout the payment process.
- You must have a valid mailing address. This is where Afterpay will send you your payment schedule and other important information related to your purchase.
- You must commit to paying 25% of the total purchase upfront. This initial payment is due at the time of purchase.
- You must commit to paying the remaining amount within four installments every two weeks after purchase. These installments will be automatically deducted from your chosen payment method.
Please note that you may be charged a late fee if you fail to make any of the scheduled payments. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have sufficient funds available in your account to make the payments on time.
The ideal and nonideal Afterpay user
For individuals grappling with a significant amount of consumer debt, it is important to exercise caution when using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services such as Afterpay. While such services can be beneficial, they can also create the impression that you have more funds available to spend than you do. This can lead to a situation where you cannot make timely payments, resulting in hefty late fees and damage to your credit score.
However, if you are only temporarily short on cash and are certain that you will receive the required funds in the near future, then Afterpay can be the ideal solution. This service allows you to make purchases and defer the bulk of the payment until a later date when you have more funds available. It is also a great option for individuals looking to reduce their reliance on credit cards and the high-interest rates that come with them.
By using Afterpay, you can enjoy the benefits of BNPL services without worrying about the associated interest charges. This makes it a secure and convenient option for individuals who want to stay on top of their finances and avoid the pitfalls of high-interest credit cards.
Where can Afterpay be used?
The Afterpay payment option is accepted by thousands of online stores, making it convenient for shoppers to use. If you’re looking for a specific store that accepts Afterpay, you can find the full list on its website. However, be warned that the list is quite extensive, as Afterpay partners with many retailers.
Can I use Afterpay on Amazon?
Currently, Afterpay is not available as a payment method on Amazon’s website. However, this wasn’t always the case—it was possible to use Afterpay to make purchases on Amazon in 2021.
It is unclear why Amazon has discontinued this payment option, but many other payment methods are still available for customers to use on the site.
Does Walmart take Afterpay?
Currently, Walmart does not have the option to accept payments through Afterpay. However, Walmart offers several other payment options, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards.
The bottom line
In today’s digital age, the e-commerce industry is growing at an unprecedented rate. With new online retailers entering the market daily, they compete for your hard-earned money. That’s why many of them have started accepting Afterpay, a popular payment option that has taken the world by storm. Afterpay is an easy-to-use, convenient, safe, and free option for shoppers who are looking for a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) tool that has no strings attached, except for timely payments.
Signing up for Afterpay is a breeze, and it takes only a few minutes to get started. Once you’re signed up, you can start shopping right away. Many online stores have integrated Afterpay into their payment options, and many more are expected to follow suit. Afterpay’s proactive social moves, such as raising more than $80,000 for LGTBQ+ organizations in June 2022, have earned it a positive reputation in the market.
Using Afterpay is a great way to avoid credit card debt. You can use a debit card to pay for your purchases, so you won’t accumulate credit card interest.
If you’re in a stable financial position and want more flexibility in your shopping life, you may want to consider trying Afterpay. There are plenty of participating online stores to choose from, and you can be sure that your payment information is always kept safe and secure.