The basic way to pay Affirm
You pay Affirm through the Affirm app or website using the same account where you set up your loan. Log in, find the loan you want to pay, and choose how much to send — you can pay the full balance, your scheduled payment amount, or any amount above your minimum. Affirm accepts bank transfers (ACH), debit cards, and credit cards, though paying with a credit card may add a processing fee.
Payments usually reach Affirm within one business day if you pay before 5 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday. Weekend and holiday payments process the next business day. You'll see the payment reflected in your account right away, but it may take a few days to show up in your bank account if you're getting a refund.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Affirm account through the app or website and select the loan you want to pay.
- You can pay your full balance, your scheduled payment amount, or any custom amount above the minimum due.
- Affirm accepts bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards, though credit card payments may include a fee.
- Payments sent before 5 p.m. Eastern on weekdays usually process within one business day.
Paying through the Affirm app
Open the Affirm app and sign in with your email and password. Tap the loan you want to pay — you'll see your current balance, your next scheduled payment date, and how much is due. Tap "Pay Now" or the payment button (the exact wording changes with app updates).
Choose your payment method from the options shown — your linked bank account, a debit card on file, or a new card. Enter the amount you want to pay. Review the details, then confirm. You'll get a confirmation number and a receipt in your app and email.
Paying through the Affirm website
Go to affirm.com and sign in. Click on "Loans" or "My Loans" to see all your active loans. Find the one you want to pay and click it. You'll see the same information as in the app — your balance, due date, and minimum payment.
Click "Make a Payment" or the payment button. Select your payment method and enter the amount. The website will show you any fees before you confirm, so you can see the total cost. Confirm the payment and save your receipt.
What payment methods Affirm accepts
Bank transfer (ACH) is the cheapest option — there's no fee. You link your checking or savings account once, and Affirm pulls the payment directly. This is the default method for most accounts.
Debit card payments also have no fee and process the same way as bank transfers. You can use a card on file or add a new one each time you pay.
Credit card payments are allowed but usually come with a processing fee — the amount varies depending on the card issuer and your bank. Affirm will show you the fee before you confirm, so you know the total cost. Some people use this method to earn rewards on their credit card, but the fee often makes it more expensive than paying with a bank account.
When your payment is due and what happens if you miss it
Your payment schedule depends on your loan terms. Some Affirm loans are interest-free and split into four equal payments due every two weeks. Others are longer loans with monthly payments and interest. You can see your exact due dates in your account.
If you miss a payment, Affirm will send you a reminder. Continuing to miss payments can hurt your credit score because Affirm reports to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Late payments stay on your credit report for seven years. If your account goes unpaid for long enough, Affirm may send it to a collection agency.
If you're struggling to make a payment, contact Affirm before the due date. They sometimes work out payment plans or other arrangements, but only if you reach out first.
Paying off your loan early
You can pay your entire remaining balance at any time without penalty. There's no fee for paying early, and you won't owe any interest on the remaining balance if you pay off an interest-bearing loan ahead of schedule.
To pay off your loan early, log into your account, select the loan, and choose to pay the full balance instead of just the minimum. This is a good option if you come into extra money and want to get out of debt faster.
Troubleshooting payment problems
If your payment fails, check that your bank account or card has enough money and that the information is current. Banks sometimes decline payments for fraud protection — if that happens, contact your bank to let them know the charge is legitimate, then try again in the Affirm app.
If you see a payment in your Affirm account but it hasn't left your bank yet, wait a business day. ACH transfers can take up to three business days to fully clear, even though Affirm usually processes them faster. If more than three business days have passed and the money hasn't moved, contact Affirm support through the app or website.
If you made a payment by mistake or want to dispute a charge, contact Affirm within 60 days. They can sometimes reverse recent payments, but the window is short.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic payments with Affirm?
Affirm does not offer automatic recurring payments. You have to log in and make each payment manually. However, you can set a reminder on your phone or calendar for your due date so you don't forget.
What if I pay more than my minimum payment?
Any amount over your minimum goes toward your principal balance and reduces the total interest you'll pay. Paying extra can help you finish your loan sooner. There's no penalty for overpaying.
Do I get a receipt when I pay?
Yes. Affirm sends a receipt to your email and stores it in your app under your payment history. Keep these receipts for your records, especially if you ever need to dispute a charge or prove you made a payment.
Can I pay Affirm by phone or mail?
Affirm does not accept phone or mail payments. You must pay through the app or website. If you don't have internet access, you can use a public library computer or ask someone to help you log in and make the payment.
What happens if my bank account information changes?
Update your payment method in your Affirm account as soon as your bank details change. If you try to pay with old information, the payment will fail. You can add a new bank account or card in the app under your payment methods.