What Can You Use Afterpay On? Stores & Categories

Afterpay is a financial service that allows consumers to purchase goods and services immediately while spreading the cost over several interest-free installments. This “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) model provides flexibility, enabling individuals to manage their budgets by avoiding upfront lump-sum payments. The service facilitates instant gratification for purchases by dividing the total amount into manageable segments.

Where Afterpay is Accepted

Afterpay is widely available across a diverse range of retailers, both online and in physical stores throughout the United States. Online, users can identify merchants that accept Afterpay by looking for the Afterpay logo displayed as a payment option during checkout. Many e-commerce platforms integrate Afterpay, making it a convenient choice for digital shoppers.

For in-store purchases, Afterpay can be used at participating locations through its mobile application. The app features an in-store tab or directory that helps users discover nearby businesses, from small boutiques to larger retail chains, that offer the BNPL service.

Common Purchase Categories

Afterpay’s utility extends across a broad spectrum of consumer goods and services, making it a versatile payment option. Fashion and apparel are prominent categories, with numerous clothing brands, accessory stores, and shoe retailers offering Afterpay. This includes both high-end and budget-friendly options.

Beauty products, including skincare, makeup, and haircare essentials, are frequently purchased using Afterpay at various cosmetic stores and online platforms. Home goods and furnishings, ranging from decor items to larger appliances and furniture, are another common category where Afterpay provides payment flexibility. Consumers also utilize Afterpay for electronics, sporting goods, and jewelry, facilitating the purchase of items like smartphones, fitness equipment, or special accessories.

Restrictions on Use

Afterpay has restrictions on its use due to regulatory or policy limitations. It cannot be used for gift cards, open-loop or reloadable debit cards, or cash equivalents. Regulated products, such as alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, or items related to gambling, are also not eligible for Afterpay transactions.

The service is primarily designed for physical goods and defined services, not for cash advances or direct bill payments. There can also be transaction limits, which vary depending on individual user history and the merchant. For instance, single transaction limits often range from $1,500 to $2,000, though this can fluctuate based on factors like payment history and the duration of Afterpay account usage.

Using Afterpay for Purchases

To use Afterpay, customers create an account and link a valid payment method, such as a debit or credit card. This initial setup is a one-time process. Once an account is established, the mechanics of using Afterpay differ between online and in-store transactions.

For online purchases, customers select Afterpay as their payment option during the checkout process on a participating merchant’s website. They log into their Afterpay account to confirm the payment schedule, which involves four interest-free installments over six weeks, with the first payment due at the time of purchase.

In-store, users open the Afterpay app, generate a digital Afterpay Card, and add it to their mobile wallet (e.g., Apple Pay or Google Pay). At the point of sale, the customer uses their phone to tap and pay at the contactless terminal, similar to a standard mobile wallet payment. The purchase amount is automatically split into four bi-weekly installments, with the initial payment processed immediately.