How Affirm Works

Overview

Affirm empowers merchants to offer transparent and flexible payment options at checkout, enabling customers to purchase now and pay over time. Whether you're integrating via APIs, e-commerce platforms, or an in-store or telesales solution, Affirm simplifies the experience for both businesses and their customers. With promotional messaging, financing programs, and global capabilities, Affirm helps merchants drive higher conversions, average order values, and customer satisfaction.

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Global Integrations

Affirm also supports global integrations for merchants in Canada and beyond, and its VCN (Virtual Card Network) enables seamless, flexible checkout experiences powered by a single-use virtual card. Please refer to the relevant documentation provided here.

Affirm Flow

The Customer Experience

Customers using Affirm are shown personalized financing options at checkout, including Adaptive Checkout™, Pay in 4, and Installments. These options make larger purchases more accessible without hidden fees or surprises. Affirm messaging can be displayed throughout the shopping journey, giving shoppers upfront visibility into their payment options and helping them budget with confidence.

Whether they're buying a vacation, home upgrade, or a gift, Affirm’s experience is mobile-friendly and fast, creating a seamless checkout across devices.

The Merchant Experience

Affirm provides a wide range of integration options to fit your business model, such as:

• Direct API: For full customization and control.
• Mobile SDKs: Native iOS and Android integration.
• Affirm Lite: Simplified hosted checkout using virtual cards.
• E-commerce Platforms: Easy setup using plugins (e.g., Shopify, BigCommerce).
• Telesales: Send a secure checkout link via SMS or email.
• Affirm Landing Page (In-Store Only): In-store checkout without a POS integration.

For details, see Integrations We Offer and Platforms We Support.

Additionally, Affirm’s Promotional Messaging helps merchants present financing options earlier in the customer journey at key points like product pages, cart views, and checkout. These placements educate customers and influence purchase decisions by highlighting interest-free or low-interest monthly payment plans.

Financing Programs

Affirm offers three core pay-over-time financing options. Click the tabs below to explore each one.

Adaptive Checkout™ Installments Pay in 4

Adaptive Checkout™

Adaptive Checkout™ offers enhanced payment flexibility, allowing shoppers to either split their total cost into four interest-free payments every two weeks or choose monthly instalments for up to 36 months. This financing option caters to diverse budgetary needs, providing a seamless and accessible shopping experience for a wider range of consumers. It combines convenience and choice in one frictionless platform, adapting to individual financial preferences.

Installments

Instalment payments provide customers with the flexibility to manage larger purchases through pay-over-time options. With Affirm, customers can select repayment plans that range from 3 to 60 months, catering to orders up to £20,000. This approach enables customers to make purchases that align with their budget, offering a tailored financial solution.

Pay in 4

Our Pay In 4 product simplifies the customer experience by allowing them to use their debit or credit card for quick and easy repayments. This method involves four interest-free payments, made bi-weekly, suitable for orders ranging from £40 to £200. Designed for smaller purchases and services, Pay In 4 not only offers convenience but also provides the most favourable rates for your customers.

Solution Comparison

Explore the extensive benefits of Affirm's primary solutions: Direct API, Affirm Lite, Affirm Landing Page, and Virtual Card Network (VCN). For a review of integration specifics, refer to the detailed chart below.

Recommended Topics

• Quickstart
• Set Up Promotional Messaging
• Direct API Integration Guide
• Affirm Lite Integration
• Affirm Global Integration