Do Any Grocery Stores Accept Afterpay?

Afterpay is a financial service that allows consumers to purchase items immediately and pay for them over time through installment payments. This “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) model typically divides the total purchase amount into four interest-free installments, with the first payment often due at the time of purchase. Subsequent payments are then automatically deducted from a linked debit or credit card, usually every two weeks, over a period of six to eight weeks. The service provides a flexible payment option for managing various expenses without incurring interest, as long as payments are made on schedule.

Grocery Stores Accepting Afterpay

While Afterpay has expanded its reach across numerous retail sectors, direct integration with major grocery store chains for everyday grocery purchases remains limited. Most large supermarket companies do not directly accept Afterpay as a payment method at checkout.

However, alternative methods allow for grocery purchases using Afterpay. One common approach involves purchasing digital gift cards for specific grocery stores directly through the Afterpay app or website. These gift cards can then be redeemed at the respective grocery store for online or in-person orders. Some online grocery delivery services or regional grocers might also directly integrate with Afterpay, and the Afterpay app often lists participating food and beverage retailers.

Another method for in-store grocery purchases involves using the Afterpay Card. This digital card can be added to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, allowing consumers to “tap to pay” at checkout in physical stores that support these digital payment methods. This approach can be used at various retailers, including some grocery stores, even if they do not explicitly advertise direct Afterpay acceptance. Availability of this feature can vary, so check the Afterpay app for a list of supported stores in your area.

Using Afterpay for Grocery Purchases

Using Afterpay for grocery purchases involves a few steps, whether shopping online or in a physical store. Before making a purchase, you need to set up an Afterpay account and link a payment method, such as a debit or credit card, within the Afterpay application. This setup ensures your payment installments can be processed smoothly. The Afterpay app serves as the central hub for managing your account and finding eligible retailers.

For online grocery shopping, if a specific online grocer or delivery service partners directly with Afterpay, you can typically select Afterpay as a payment option during the checkout process. If direct integration is not available, you can use the Afterpay app to purchase digital gift cards for various grocery stores. These gift cards are delivered electronically and can be applied at the grocery store’s online checkout or when picking up an order.

For in-store grocery purchases, the Afterpay Card is commonly used through a digital wallet on your smartphone. Within the Afterpay app, navigate to the “In-Store” tab to set up your Afterpay Card and add it to your Apple Pay or Google Pay wallet. When you are ready to pay at the grocery store, open your phone’s digital wallet, select the Afterpay Card, and tap your device on the card reader at the checkout terminal.

Afterpay Purchase Limits and Eligible Items

Afterpay sets spending limits for users, which can vary based on individual account history and payment behavior. Initial spending limits may be lower but can gradually increase over time with consistent on-time payments and responsible use of the service. Factors influencing your available spending limit include your payment history, the duration of your Afterpay account, and the frequency of your orders.

Afterpay assesses each purchase in real time, and an order might be declined even if it appears to be within your estimated “available to spend” amount. While Afterpay does not impose a minimum purchase amount, individual retailers may have their own minimums for using the service. Maximum transaction and outstanding balance limits exist, though these amounts can fluctuate.

Certain items and categories may be excluded from Afterpay purchases, particularly within grocery stores. Alcohol, tobacco products, and prescription medications are commonly ineligible. While you can buy gift cards through the Afterpay app, purchasing gift cards directly from a grocery store using Afterpay might be restricted. Afterpay’s “no payment upfront” feature, which allows the first payment to be delayed, typically does not apply to purchases made at grocery or fuel merchants.