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How to Use Afterpay and How Does Afterpay Make Money?

To use Afterpay, download the app, create an account, select Afterpay at checkout, set up a payment plan, and make payments every two weeks using a debit/credit card or bank account; for returns, follow the refund process in the app.

by Sai V

Updated Oct 11, 2023

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How to Use Afterpay and  How Does Afterpay Make Money?

How to Use Afterpay?

Here are the steps simplified for using Afterpay seamlessly. Whether you're shopping online or in-store, these straightforward guidelines will help you navigate the Afterpay experience effortlessly.

  • Download the Afterpay app on your iPhone or Android device.
  • Sign up for an Afterpay account, which may involve a soft credit inquiry.
  • Explore Afterpay partner stores within the app.
  • Choose Afterpay as the payment method during the checkout process.
  • For in-store purchases, request an Afterpay digital card within the app.
  • Set up a payment plan: 25% of the total amount is due immediately, with remaining payments every two weeks.
  • Payments can be made using a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
  • Afterpay sends reminders for upcoming payments; automatic payments can be set up.
  • If returning an item, the refund process can cancel future scheduled payments.
  • Afterpay offers an option to delay payments by up to two weeks for returns to be processed.
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How Does Afterpay Make Money?

Afterpay, the popular Buy Now, Pay Later platform, generates revenue through a multifaceted approach. Merchants are charged fees for each transaction and for every item sold through the platform. Additionally, consumers incur late payment fees and interest charges if they miss their payment deadlines, encouraging timely payments.

Moreover, Afterpay monetizes its operations by leveraging customer data insights, analyzing shopping habits, and selling this information to third parties, such as advertisers and marketing firms. This diverse revenue stream, coupled with their innovative approach to online transactions, has cemented Afterpay as a leading payment solution globally, enabling both customers and merchants to benefit from its convenient services.

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What is Afterpay?

Afterpay is a widely-used buy-now, pay-later financing service that empowers consumers to make purchases and pay for them over a six-week period. Launched in 2015, this Australian company, now owned by payments technology firm Block, operates in several countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain where it is known as Clearpay.

Shoppers can utilize Afterpay for both online and in-store shopping, allowing them to split the cost of their purchases into manageable installments without incurring any interest charges. While Afterpay does impose late fees for missed payments, it does not report these late payments to credit bureaus. This flexibility and interest-free approach have made Afterpay a popular choice for consumers seeking convenient and budget-friendly payment options.

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How Does Afterpay Work?

Here's a breakdown of how Afterpay works, from eligibility and payment structure to any potential purchase requirements set by retailers:

Eligibility and Access

Afterpay allows eligible shoppers to buy now and pay later. There are no interest charges, no credit checks, and no fees if payments are made on time. The service is accessible through the Afterpay app and is available at numerous retailers worldwide.

Payment Structure

When utilizing Afterpay, the total payment is divided into four installments. The buyer makes an initial down payment at the time of purchase. Subsequently, the remaining balance is divided into three equal payments. Shoppers have a six-week period to complete these payments.

No Minimum Purchase Requirement

Afterpay does not specify a minimum required purchase amount. However, individual retailers may have their own purchase requirements that customers need to adhere to when using Afterpay for transactions.

Does Afterpay Have a Credit Limit?

Afterpay does implement a credit limit system, although it is not fixed for all users. Instead, the service offers flexible spending limits tailored to individual customers and specific purchases. Initially, users typically start with a spending limit of around $500.

However, this limit is not static and can increase over time based on several factors. Afterpay evaluates variables such as the customer's usage history, their ability to make the initial payment, the value of the intended purchase, the outstanding amount they need to pay off, and the number of open orders they currently have. By considering these factors, Afterpay ensures that each customer's credit limit aligns with their financial capabilities and payment behaviors, allowing for a personalized and responsible approach to managing credit.

What Benefits Does Afterpay Offer?

Here are the key benefits of Afterpay, the popular payment platform that revolutionizes the shopping experience with its convenient, instant approval, and interest-free payment model:

  • Afterpay provides an alternative to traditional upfront payment methods, allowing consumers to choose it at the checkout point, both online and in physical stores.
  • Afterpay offers near-instantaneous approval with a swift review of user eligibility, based on factors like prior repayment history and current purchase amount. It performs a soft credit check that doesn't impact the credit score.
  • Total purchase amounts are divided into four equal installments. The first payment is immediate, and the remaining three are scheduled over the following six weeks, aiding effective budgeting and preventing overspending.
  • Afterpay automatically deducts payments from the consumer's nominated bank account on specified due dates, eliminating the need for manual processes and ensuring timely payments.
  • Afterpay provides a grace period for unsuccessful payments before applying a late fee, promoting responsible payment behavior.
  • Afterpay operates on a zero-interest model. Users only pay the product's actual cost if they adhere to the payment schedule, avoiding additional interest charges typical with traditional credit cards.

How to Use Afterpay - FAQs

1. What is Afterpay?

Afterpay is a buy-now, pay-later service that allows consumers to make purchases and pay for them over a six-week period without interest charges.

2. How do I use Afterpay for online shopping?

Download the Afterpay app, sign up, choose Afterpay at checkout, and pay in four equal installments over six weeks.

3. Is there a minimum purchase requirement for Afterpay?

Afterpay doesn't have a minimum purchase requirement, but individual retailers may have their own criteria.

4. Does Afterpay conduct credit checks?

Afterpay performs a soft credit check during sign-up, but it doesn't impact your credit score.

5. What happens if I miss a payment with Afterpay?

Afterpay offers a grace period for unsuccessful payments and applies a late fee only after this period, encouraging responsible payment behavior.

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