Both let US shoppers split a purchase into four interest-free payments. Afterpay's Pay in 4 has no late fees when you pay on time and also offers monthly plans over 3, 6, 12 or 24 months at partner brands. Affirm's Pay in 4 is 0% APR and its monthly plans run from 0% to 36% APR depending on your credit, with a debit card for paying over time. Pick by where you shop and whether you'll use longer plans.
I read the US home and how-it-works pages for Affirm and for Afterpay, including the small print at the bottom of each. That small print is where the useful differences live.
Affirm and Afterpay side by side
| Affirm | Afterpay | |
|---|---|---|
| Pay in four | Pay in 4 at 0% APR | Pay in 4 interest-free, generally over six weeks |
| Longer plans | Monthly plans at 0% to 36% APR, based on credit | Pay Monthly over 3, 6, 12 or 24 months at partner brands |
| Late fees | Pages say flexible payment plans and no fees | No late fees when you pay on time on Pay in 4; late fees may apply |
| Card | Affirm Card, a Visa debit card for paying over time | Afterpay Card for in-store use through Apple Wallet or Google Wallet |
| Eligibility | Rate subject to an eligibility check | 18 or older, a US resident and other criteria |
| Free option (as of October 2026) | Pay in 4 is 0% APR | Pay in 4 is interest-free at partner brands |
How Affirm works
Affirm's footer spells out the terms. Pay in 4 is 0% APR, while monthly plans carry a rate between 0% and 36% APR based on your credit, subject to an eligibility check. A down payment may be required, and which options you see depends on the purchase amount and the merchant. Loans come through lending partners Affirm lists on its site.
Beyond checkout, Affirm offers the Affirm Card, a Visa debit card that lets you pay over time online or in stores, a Chrome extension for shopping on desktop, and support for Apple Pay and Google Pay wallets. Its App Store rating shows 4.9 from more than 1.4 million reviews.
How Afterpay works
Afterpay's core product is Pay in 4: the first payment upfront, then the rest over about six weeks, always interest-free at partner brands. It says there are no late fees when you pay on time, and that it sends reminders and caps late payments to help you get back on track. The small print still says late fees may apply and a finance fee may apply to certain transactions.
It now offers longer plans too, over 3, 6, 12 or 24 months at partner brands. In shops, you set up the digital Afterpay Card in the app, add it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and tap to pay. Afterpay operates in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada.
The small print that matters
The difference isn't Pay in 4, which both offer without interest. It's what happens on longer plans and when you're late. Affirm sets the APR on monthly plans based on your credit. Afterpay frames Pay in 4 around no late fees when you pay on time, with late fees and a finance fee possible in other cases. Read the plan terms shown at checkout every time.
Choosing between them
- Check which one the shop offers; both only work with partner merchants or their cards.
- Splitting a small purchase into four? Both are interest-free on Pay in 4.
- Spreading a bigger purchase over months? Compare the APR Affirm shows with Afterpay's Pay Monthly terms for that item.
- Want to pay over time in physical shops? Afterpay Card and the Affirm Card both cover in-store use.
- Only use either if you're sure you can make every payment on time.
If you're checking any provider before you sign up, see whether Affirm is legit and the same question for Klarna, another big pay later name.
My advice on Affirm or Afterpay
For splitting everyday purchases into four, I'd use whichever one your shop accepts, because both are interest-free on Pay in 4 and the experience is similar. For larger purchases over months, I'd look hard at the APR Affirm offers you and the terms Afterpay shows for Pay Monthly, and only go ahead if the total is something you'd happily pay up front. Pay later is a timing tool, not extra money.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Afterpay charge interest?
Afterpay says Pay in 4 is always interest-free at partner brands. Its Pay Monthly plans have their own terms, and a finance fee may apply to certain transactions.
What APR does Affirm charge?
Affirm says rates are 0% to 36% APR based on credit, and its Pay in 4 option is 0% APR, as of October 2026.
Does Afterpay have late fees?
Afterpay says there are no late fees when you pay on time on Pay in 4, but its terms say late fees may apply.
Can I use Affirm or Afterpay in stores?
Yes. Affirm has the Affirm Card, and Afterpay has a digital Afterpay Card you add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
Who can use Afterpay in the US?
Afterpay says you must be 18 or older, a US resident and meet additional eligibility criteria.
