Can You Return Items Purchased With Affirm?

Items purchased using Affirm can generally be returned, but the process primarily depends on the individual merchant’s return policies. Affirm serves as a financing provider, not the seller of goods, so the retailer determines the conditions for returns. Understanding the merchant’s specific rules is the initial step in navigating any return process for an Affirm-financed purchase.

Merchant Return Policies and Procedures

The return process begins by understanding the merchant’s specific return policy. These policies typically outline details such as the timeframe within which a return is accepted, often ranging from 14 to 90 days, and the required condition of the item. Many retailers require items to be unworn, unused, with original tags attached, and in their original packaging to qualify for a refund. Some items, like perishable goods or personalized products, may be excluded from returns.

Before initiating a return, gather all necessary information related to the purchase. This typically includes the original order number, proof of purchase such as a receipt or invoice, and specific details about the item being returned. Having this information readily available helps streamline the return process with the merchant. Merchants are generally required to prominently display their return and exchange policies, often on their website or near checkout areas.

Most merchants offer several common methods to initiate a return. Consumers can typically use an online return portal on the merchant’s website, which guides them through the steps of generating a return label. Alternatively, items may be returned in-store, or customers might need to contact the merchant’s customer service directly to arrange a return. Once the merchant receives the returned item, they inspect it to ensure it meets their return criteria before processing a refund. The merchant then notifies Affirm about the refund, which is a necessary step before any adjustments are made to the Affirm loan.

How Returns Affect Your Affirm Loan

Once a merchant processes a return and notifies Affirm, the refund amount is applied to the associated Affirm loan. Affirm typically receives this confirmation and begins processing the refund within 3 to 10 business days. The merchant’s processing time for the return itself can vary, potentially taking up to 21 days or longer before Affirm receives notification.

The way a refund impacts your Affirm loan depends on the refund amount relative to your outstanding balance. If the refund amount is less than the remaining loan balance, Affirm will deduct the refund from the principal balance. This can result in fewer future payments, a lower final payment, or both, effectively reducing the total amount owed. If the refund amount is equal to or greater than the outstanding balance, the loan may be canceled, and any overpayment will be issued directly back to the original payment method used for the Affirm loan.

Any interest that has already been paid on the Affirm loan is not refundable. Interest is considered the cost of borrowing funds, and payments are first applied to accrued interest before reducing the principal balance. If you have made payments or a down payment, Affirm issues a refund credit to the bank account or debit card used for those payments. You can track the status of your refund and view updated payment schedules by signing into your Affirm account. While waiting for a refund to process, continue making any scheduled payments to avoid potential late payment issues.

Resolving Return-Related Issues

If a return does not proceed smoothly with the merchant, consumers can resolve these issues. If a merchant refuses a valid return or delays processing a refund beyond their stated policy, escalate the issue directly with the merchant’s customer service. Retain all communication, such as emails or chat logs, and any proof of return, like shipping tracking numbers or return receipts.

If direct communication with the merchant does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, or if a confirmed refund is not reflected on the Affirm loan within the expected timeframe, contact Affirm directly. Affirm can investigate discrepancies between merchant refund notifications and loan adjustments. When contacting Affirm, provide all relevant details, including the order invoice, shipping details for the returned item, and any communication with the merchant.

Affirm also provides a formal dispute resolution process if the merchant remains uncooperative. A dispute can be opened through your Affirm account, often within 60 days of the purchase date. During the dispute period, which may take up to two billing cycles, payments on the loan may be paused, and late fees are not charged. Affirm will investigate the claim. If the dispute is resolved in the consumer’s favor, the confirmed refund will be applied to the loan; if resolved in the merchant’s favor, the original payment schedule will resume, and any paused payments will become due.