What Can I Use Afterpay On? Stores and Eligible Items

Afterpay functions as a “buy now, pay later” service, enabling consumers to make purchases immediately and then pay for them through a series of installments. This financial tool typically divides the total purchase amount into four equal payments, spread out over a six-week period. These installments are generally interest-free, provided that payments are made on time according to the established schedule.

Online Shopping Options

Afterpay is available as a payment method at the checkout of many e-commerce websites. Consumers can select Afterpay to finance purchases and receive items upfront. This payment option is widely available across various product categories, making it convenient for a diverse range of purchases. Common categories where Afterpay is frequently accepted include fashion and apparel, beauty and cosmetics, home goods and furnishings, and electronics. While many online retailers offer Afterpay, its availability depends on the individual merchant’s payment options.

In-Store Shopping Options

In-person Afterpay purchases use the Afterpay mobile application. Consumers can generate a digital Afterpay Card within the app, which can then be added to their mobile wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. This digital card allows for contactless payments at the point of sale by tapping the phone at compatible terminals. It is important to note that not all retailers who accept Afterpay online also offer it for in-store transactions. In-store Afterpay is commonly available in similar retail environments to online options, including fashion, beauty, and home goods stores.

Understanding Purchase Eligibility

Afterpay approval is not guaranteed and depends on factors like payment history, initial installment funds, and order value. Each transaction is assessed individually, considering the number of active orders a user currently has open.

While Afterpay is broadly accepted, certain items or categories are typically excluded from eligibility. Gift cards are consistently ineligible for purchase through Afterpay. Additionally, some merchants or Afterpay’s terms may exclude high-value items, subscription services, or certain digital products and services that are not physical goods. For example, perishable food items, live animals, and precious metals are generally restricted.

Afterpay’s system aims to support responsible spending, and approval may be lower for new users or if a purchase amount significantly exceeds a user’s typical spending patterns.

Making a Purchase with Afterpay

Afterpay transactions, online or in-store, are straightforward. For online purchases, customers select Afterpay as their payment method during checkout on a participating retailer’s website. They are then typically redirected to the Afterpay platform or prompted to log into their Afterpay account, or sign up if they are new users. The payment schedule, showing the four installment amounts and due dates, is presented for review before the purchase is confirmed.

For in-store transactions, the process begins within the Afterpay mobile app. Users open the app, navigate to the in-store tab, and set up the Afterpay Card, which is then added to their digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. At the physical checkout, the customer informs the cashier they are paying with Afterpay and uses their mobile device to tap the contactless payment terminal. The Afterpay Card functions like a virtual debit card for the transaction, allowing the purchase to be completed.