What Buy Now, Pay Later Apps Work With Amazon?

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services have gained considerable traction as a flexible payment solution in online retail. These services allow consumers to acquire goods or services immediately while deferring the full payment over a specified period, typically through a series of interest-free installments. This payment model offers an alternative to traditional credit cards by spreading the cost of purchases, making larger expenses more manageable for household budgets. The popularity of BNPL has grown significantly, reflecting a consumer preference for transparent, structured repayment plans for their online shopping.

BNPL Services Compatible with Amazon

When considering Buy Now, Pay Later options for Amazon purchases, it is helpful to categorize them into two main types: those directly integrated with Amazon’s checkout process and those usable through third-party virtual card providers.

Directly Integrated Options

Amazon directly partners with Affirm, allowing customers to select this BNPL service as a payment method at checkout. For eligible purchases, typically over $50, Affirm provides options for biweekly or monthly payments, with Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) ranging from 0% to 30%, depending on creditworthiness and the specific plan chosen. Amazon also offers its own “Monthly Payments” option for specific products, which allows the cost to be spread over several months, often without interest, though this is limited to certain eligible items.

Third-Party Virtual Card Providers

Many other BNPL services, such as Klarna, Afterpay, Zip, and PayPal Pay in 4, do not integrate directly into Amazon’s checkout process. Instead, these providers enable Amazon purchases through the generation of a one-time virtual card. This virtual card functions like a temporary debit or credit card, carrying details such as a card number, expiration date, and security code. Users generate this virtual card within the BNPL provider’s app for the specific purchase amount, and then enter these details into Amazon’s standard credit/debit card payment fields. This method allows consumers to leverage their preferred BNPL service even when it is not a direct partner at Amazon’s checkout.

Setting Up Your BNPL Account

Establishing a Buy Now, Pay Later account involves an application process with the chosen provider. Users generally provide personal details, including their name, address, phone number, and sometimes income information. This information allows the BNPL service to verify identity and assess eligibility for credit. Many BNPL providers conduct a soft credit check, which does not negatively impact a credit score, to determine their purchase power or spending limit. For larger purchases or longer repayment terms, some providers might perform a hard credit check. After approval, users link a bank account or debit card to their BNPL account for automatic installment payments. It is important to review the payment schedule, which commonly involves four equal installments over six weeks, and understand any terms, such as potential late fees for missed payments.

Completing an Amazon Purchase with BNPL

Once a BNPL account is established, using it for an Amazon purchase depends on whether the service is directly integrated or requires a virtual card. For directly integrated options, such as Affirm, the process begins at the Amazon checkout page. Customers select Affirm as their payment method. They are then typically redirected to Affirm’s platform to review and confirm the payment plan before finalizing the purchase. For third-party BNPL providers like Klarna, Afterpay, Zip, or PayPal Pay in 4, generate a virtual card within their application. Enter the total Amazon purchase amount, including shipping and taxes, into the BNPL app to create this one-time card. The BNPL app then provides a virtual card number, expiration date, and security code. Enter these details into Amazon’s credit or debit card payment fields. Do not save these one-time virtual card details as a default payment method on Amazon, as they are for single use and expire quickly.