Can You Add a Credit Card to Affirm?

Affirm operates as a “buy now, pay later” service, enabling consumers to finance purchases through installment loans. This allows individuals to split the cost of items into more manageable payments over a set period.

Direct Answer: Credit Cards and Affirm

Generally, you cannot use a credit card to pay off most Affirm installment loans. Affirm’s business model provides an alternative to traditional credit, aiming to prevent consumers from accumulating new debt to pay off existing debt and mitigating the risk of transferring balances to higher-interest credit cards.

While credit cards are typically not accepted for ongoing loan repayments, they may be accepted for down payments when initiating a purchase or for payments on “Pay in 4” biweekly plans. Using a credit card for such payments could be classified as a cash advance by your card issuer, potentially incurring additional fees and immediate interest charges.

Approved Payment Methods for Affirm Loans

Affirm primarily accepts direct bank account transfers and debit card payments for loan repayments. These methods are preferred because they draw funds directly from your available balance, aligning with Affirm’s goal of responsible lending. You can link a checking account by providing your bank’s routing number and your account number. This process establishes a direct connection for secure electronic fund transfers.

Alternatively, you can use a debit card to make payments. This typically involves entering the card number, expiration date, and the card verification value (CVV). Prepaid cards are also an option for monthly payments, though they are generally not accepted for down payments. Affirm also supports payments from an Affirm Money™ account and through Apple Pay when using a debit card within the Affirm app.

Managing Your Affirm Payments

Once you have established an approved payment method, managing your Affirm loan payments is a straightforward process. You can access your account and manage payments either through the Affirm mobile application or by visiting affirm.com on a web browser. The platform is designed for user-friendly navigation to your loan details.

To make a payment, locate the “Manage” section within your account and select the specific purchase or loan you wish to pay. You will then find an option labeled “Make a payment,” where you can choose the payment amount, specify the payment date, and select your linked payment method. After reviewing the details, confirm the payment. Affirm also offers the convenience of setting up AutoPay, which automatically debits your scheduled payments from your chosen method on the due date, helping to ensure timely payments. Payments typically require 3 to 5 business days to process and reflect in your account, depending on your financial institution.