Affirm is a financial technology service that enables users to make purchases and pay for them over time through installment plans. When selecting Affirm at checkout, users can choose a payment plan that fits their budget, often with interest-free options for qualified customers. The service provides a transparent view of all charges, ensuring users understand their payment schedules.

Affirm emphasizes transparency, and there are no hidden fees when using the service. Users do not incur late fees or service fees, although interest may apply depending on the chosen payment plan. It is important to review the terms before completing a purchase to understand potential interest charges.

Affirm performs a soft credit check during the application process, which does not impact your credit score. However, your payment history and any delinquencies are reported to credit bureaus. Making consistent, timely payments can help build your credit, while missed payments could have a negative effect.

Affirm can be used for a broad range of purchases, including electronics, home goods, travel, and more. It is available at thousands of online and in-store retailers, allowing users to shop for nearly anything. Availability may vary by retailer, so it is advisable to check whether Affirm is accepted before shopping.

Currently, Affirm is mainly accessible to users within the United States. The service requires a U.S. mobile number, residential address, and Social Security number. While international expansion is under consideration, users outside the U.S. may need to seek similar local buy-now-pay-later services.