Affirm review: Buy now, pay later made easy

Affirm has made a name for itself, thanks to its lack of fees. Gone are the typical fees, such as late payment fees and overdraft fees. There also is no interest to save you extra money.  

Pros

• Buy Now, Pay Later option: With Affirm, you have the option to buy now and pay later, giving you the option to buy the things you need when you need them — even if you do not have the funds immediately available.
• Mobile app: Affirm's mobile app puts the power in your hands, delivering a convenient app that is able to both make purchases and process payments. 
• Several payment options: Affirm offers easy payments via its mobile app, but you can also pay via its website or mail a check. It makes paying your bill significantly easier. 

Cons

• Extends financial obligations: When you elect to use Affirm Buy Now, Pay Later as a payment method, it means that you will be paying your purchases off longer than if you were to make a single upfront payment. 
• Wait time for Affirm Debit+: There is currently a waitlist for Affirm Debit+.
• Digital company: Affirm is a digital company, meaning that you cannot visit branches in person. It is held strictly on an online basis, which means that you will need to be somewhat tech-savvy in order to use the service.

What kind of credit card is the Affirm Debit+ Card?

If you want a credit card, Affirm has that, too. The Affirm Debit+ card is a mix between a debit and credit card that allows you to buy now and pay later. Based on your credit score, you may pay anywhere from 0% to 30% interest on your purchases.

• Recommended Credit: Varies on a case-by-case basis
• Reward Rates: Cash back with savings account
• Intro Bonus: N/A
• APR: 0% to 30% (Variable) 
• Balance Transfer Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer APR: N/A
• Late Payment Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
• Overdraft Fee: $0
• Penalty APR: N/A
• Annual Fee: $0
• Intro Purchase APR: 0%

A savings account is required to unlock Affirm Cash Back. Once you set up your account and download the app, you can use the Shop tab to find all your purchases from participating merchants. From there, you simply purchase using the Affirm app, but you will need to pay in full using your Affirm card in order to earn cash back. That's it! Your cash back will be deposited into your account within 90 days.

How do I use Affirm?

You simply use your Affirm account to make purchases. Once you are approved, you can choose how you make payments, whether it is up front or split into four payments.

Does Affirm have a mobile app?

Affirm offers a mobile app that allows you to access your account and make payments. It is available via the App Store or Google Play for iOS and Android devices.

How do I make payments on my Affirm account?

There are several ways to make a payment on your Affirm card. You can sign in to your account using the Affirm.com website, or you can pay via the mobile app. Cardholders can pay using their debit card, checking account, or personal check. 

Affirm Mailing Address for Payments by Check

The Affirm card is currently accepting applicants for its waitlist. You can join the waitlist to be notified when they begin accepting new members.

Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC, issues the Affirm Debit+ card.

Klarna works very similarly to the Affirm, using the same debit-credit card hybrid model with Buy Now, Pay Later purchases that are interest-free. 

However, the buy now, pay later model is not for your everyone. If you are looking for a more traditional credit card, some of our top picks for the best credit cards include the Chase Freedom Flex, Discover It Cash Back, and the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card. We also recommend the American Express Serve Cash Back and the Starbucks Rewards Visa Prepaid Card from Chase as the best prepaid debit cards.