What Stores Allow Afterpay? Where You Can Use It

Afterpay is a “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) service that allows individuals to acquire goods or services immediately while spreading the cost over several interest-free installments. It facilitates purchases without requiring the full amount upfront.

Discovering Afterpay Merchants

To determine which retailers accept Afterpay, consumers have several straightforward methods. The official Afterpay mobile application serves as a primary resource, featuring a “Shop” tab or search functionality where users can explore a directory of participating stores and products. This in-app browsing experience allows for direct navigation to merchant websites or provides information for in-store shopping.

The Afterpay website also hosts a store directory, enabling users to search for merchants by name or category. This online resource mirrors the app’s functionality, providing a convenient way to identify where Afterpay is an accepted payment method. Many online stores that partner with Afterpay will prominently display the Afterpay logo as a payment option during the checkout process.

For in-person shopping, looking for the Afterpay logo at the point of sale indicates its availability. Some retailers may also have signage within their physical locations to advertise their partnership with Afterpay. Utilizing the Afterpay app’s in-store tab can help locate nearby stores that accept this payment method.

Popular Retail Categories Accepting Afterpay

Afterpay’s reach extends across numerous retail sectors, providing flexible payment options for a wide array of products. Fashion and apparel retailers frequently offer Afterpay, encompassing everything from clothing and shoes to accessories. This includes both online boutiques and larger chain stores.

The beauty and cosmetics industry is another category where Afterpay is widely accepted, allowing consumers to purchase skincare, makeup, and haircare products in installments. Home goods and decor stores also widely support Afterpay, which can be particularly useful for financing larger purchases like furniture or home appliances.

Electronics and gadgets, ranging from smartphones and computers to gaming consoles and audio equipment, are often available through Afterpay. Additionally, Afterpay is accepted in some health and wellness segments, such as fitness apparel and certain wellness products.

Using Afterpay for Purchases

The process of using Afterpay varies between online and in-store transactions. When shopping online, customers select Afterpay as their payment method at checkout. They are then prompted to log into their existing Afterpay account or create a new one if they are first-time users. The first installment, typically 25% of the total purchase, is due at the time of checkout.

For in-store purchases, the Afterpay mobile application is used. Users must set up the digital Afterpay Card within the app, which can then be added to their phone’s digital wallet. At the point of sale, customers simply tap their phone on the card reader to complete the transaction, similar to using any other contactless payment method. The initial payment is processed immediately upon approval of the transaction.

Understanding Afterpay Payment Terms

Afterpay operates on four equal installments. The first payment is due at the time of purchase, with the remaining three payments automatically deducted from the customer’s nominated debit or credit card approximately every two weeks. This typically results in the full balance being paid off over a six-week period.

Afterpay is interest-free when payments are made on time. There are no hidden fees or annual charges if the payment schedule is adhered to. However, if a payment is missed, late fees may apply.

Late fees are capped to prevent excessive charges, generally not exceeding 25% of the original order value or a maximum of $68, whichever amount is less. For orders under $40, the total late fees are capped at 25% of the order value. For orders of $40 or more, an initial $10 late fee may apply, with an additional $7 fee if the payment remains unpaid after seven days, continuing until the cap is reached.

Spending limits with Afterpay are dynamic, influenced by factors such as a customer’s payment history, the duration of their Afterpay account, and the frequency of on-time payments. New users typically start with lower spending limits, which may gradually increase with responsible usage and consistent on-time repayments. Afterpay assesses each transaction in real-time, and while a user may have an estimated spending limit, approval for a specific purchase is not guaranteed until the transaction occurs.