Can I Use Zip In-Store Anywhere? Here’s How

Zip, formerly known as Quadpay, is a “buy now, pay later” financial service. It allows consumers to divide the total cost of purchases into smaller installments over a set period. This service provides budgeting flexibility by spreading out payment obligations rather than requiring the full amount upfront.

Understanding In-Store Payments with Zip

Using Zip for in-store purchases involves generating a virtual card or integrating with mobile wallets. The Zip mobile application generates a temporary, single-use virtual card number for each transaction. This virtual card functions like a regular payment card and can be integrated with digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless transactions.

The Zip app must be installed on a smartphone. Users create a “purchase request” by entering the exact amount they plan to spend, which loads funds onto this virtual card. If a merchant’s system does not support digital wallets, the app displays the virtual card details for manual entry.

Identifying Stores That Accept Zip

Zip is accepted in-store at any location that accepts mobile wallet or standard debit/credit card payments, as it uses existing payment terminal infrastructure through its generated virtual cards rather than relying on specific “Zip partner stores.” Consumers can use Zip at various retailers, including department stores, grocery stores, and electronics outlets.

The key indicator for acceptance is the presence of mobile payment logos, such as the NFC symbol, or standard card network logos at checkout. Zip’s in-store functionality allows for wider use wherever a virtual Visa card via a mobile wallet or manual entry is processed, even if a retailer is not a direct Zip partner.

Completing Your In-Store Purchase with Zip

To complete an in-store purchase with Zip, begin within the Zip mobile application. While in the store, open the app and select the “Pay In-Store” option. Create a purchase request by entering the total amount you intend to spend, which prompts the app to generate virtual card details for payment.

After generating the virtual card, you can add it to your mobile wallet. At checkout, select the mobile wallet payment option, usually by tapping your smartphone to the terminal. If the merchant’s system does not support tap-to-pay, the virtual card details displayed in the Zip app can be manually entered. The transaction is confirmed, and the first payment, along with any associated fees, is due at the time of purchase, with remaining installments scheduled automatically.