Shop Pay does offer payment plans, but only through a specific partner and only for certain purchases
Shop Pay is Shopify's checkout tool that stores your payment information so you can buy faster across different stores. Shop Pay itself does not create payment plans — but Shopify merchants can offer installment payments at checkout using Shop Pay Installments, which is powered by Affirm. This means whether you see a payment plan option depends on the store you're shopping at, not on Shop Pay alone.
When a merchant has Shop Pay Installments turned on, you'll see the option at checkout. You choose how many payments you want to make (typically 2, 4, or 12 months), and Affirm decides whether to approve you based on a soft credit check. If approved, you pay Affirm directly, and the merchant gets paid in full when ready. Shop Pay is just the delivery mechanism — the actual lending comes from Affirm.
Key Takeaways
- Shop Pay Installments is a partnership between Shopify and Affirm, so payment plans only appear at stores that have this feature enabled.
- You choose your payment schedule at checkout (usually 2, 4, or 12 months), and Affirm runs a soft credit check to decide approval.
- The merchant receives full payment when ready from Affirm; you pay Affirm in installments, not the store.
- Not all purchases may have access to — minimum and maximum order amounts vary by merchant and by Affirm's underwriting.
Which stores offer Shop Pay Installments and which don't
Shop Pay Installments is available at thousands of Shopify stores, but it is not automatic. A merchant has to actively set it up and choose to offer it. You will only see the option if the store you're shopping at has turned it on. There is no master list of participating stores — you find out by going to checkout and looking for the "Pay in 4" or "Pay in 12" language.
Large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target do not use Shop Pay Installments because they have their own payment systems and their own financing partnerships. If you shop at a smaller brand or a direct-to-consumer store built on Shopify, you are more likely to see the option. Specialty retailers, fashion brands, and home goods stores are common users of this feature.
How the approval process works at checkout
When you select a payment plan option at checkout, Affirm performs a soft credit check. This means Affirm looks at your credit but does not leave a hard inquiry on your credit report. You will see approval or denial when ready, usually within seconds. If you are approved, you proceed to complete the purchase. If you are denied, you can still buy using a regular payment method.
Affirm's approval depends on factors including your credit history, income, and existing Affirm accounts. The company does not publish exact thresholds, so there is no way to know in advance whether you will be approved for a specific purchase. Approval for one store does not may provide approval at another store or for a different purchase amount.
Payment schedules and what you actually pay
Shop Pay Installments typically offers three payment schedules: pay in 2 weeks, pay in 4 months, or pay in 12 months. The exact options depend on the merchant and the purchase amount. Some stores may offer different terms.
Affirm charges no interest on 2-week and 4-month plans if you pay on time. The 12-month plan usually includes interest, though some merchants subsidize the interest cost so you pay none. You will see the total interest (if any) before you confirm the purchase. Late payments trigger fees — typically $10 to $30 per missed payment, depending on your agreement with Affirm. You can see your payment schedule and due dates in the Affirm app or on Affirm's website after purchase.
What happens if you miss a payment or want to pay early
If you miss a payment, Affirm charges a late fee and reports the missed payment to credit bureaus. This can lower your credit score. Affirm usually gives you a grace period of a few days before the late fee applies, but you should treat the due date as firm.
You can pay off your plan early without penalty. Paying early does not reduce the total interest you owe on a 12-month plan — you still pay the full amount agreed at checkout. Some merchants or Affirm promotions may offer interest-free early payoff, but this is not standard. Check your agreement or the Affirm app to see your specific terms.
Differences between Shop Pay Installments and other buy-now-pay-later services
Shop Pay Installments is one option among several buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services. Klarna, Afterpay, PayPal Pay in 4, and Amazon Pay Later are competitors. The main difference is which stores offer which service. A store might offer Klarna but not Shop Pay Installments, or vice versa. You cannot choose which service to use — you can only use what the merchant has set up.
Shop Pay Installments tends to offer longer payment terms (up to 12 months) compared to some competitors that max out at 4 months. Affirm also reports to credit bureaus, while some BNPL services do not, which means missed payments can affect your credit score more directly. If you shop at multiple stores, you may end up using different BNPL services depending on what each merchant offers.
When Shop Pay Installments is not available
Certain purchase types are excluded from Shop Pay Installments. Digital goods, gift cards, and subscription renewals typically do not may have access to. Some merchants set minimum order amounts (for example, $50 or $100) below which the payment plan option does not appear. Very high-value purchases may also be excluded if they exceed Affirm's lending limits.
If you are shopping at a store that does not use Shopify, you will not see Shop Pay Installments at all. Shopify is the platform that powers the integration, so stores on other platforms (Magento, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, or custom systems) would need to partner with Affirm directly or use a different BNPL service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using Shop Pay Installments hurt my credit score?
The soft credit check itself does not hurt your score. However, Affirm reports your account and payment history to credit bureaus, so missed payments will lower your score. On-time payments may help your score over time by showing a positive payment history.
Can I use Shop Pay Installments if I don't have a credit card?
You do not need a credit card to use Shop Pay Installments. Affirm can approve you based on your bank account and credit history alone. You will need a valid bank account to set up the payment plan.
What if I want to return an item I bought with Shop Pay Installments?
Returns are handled by the merchant, not by Affirm. If the merchant approves your return, they refund the full purchase price to Affirm. Affirm then adjusts your payment plan — you may owe fewer payments or a smaller final payment. The exact process depends on the merchant's return policy.
Is Shop Pay Installments the same as Shopify's other payment options?
No. Shop Pay is a checkout tool that stores your card information. Shop Pay Installments is a financing option within that checkout. They are related but separate features. You can use Shop Pay to pay in full without using Installments.
Can I use Shop Pay Installments on mobile or only on desktop?
Shop Pay Installments works on both mobile and desktop. The option appears in the Shop Pay checkout flow regardless of device. The approval process and payment terms are the same.