Afterpay primarily accepts Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards.
Been eyeing those new Nike shoes 👟 or a sleek HP laptop 💻 ?
Good news—both are available on Afterpay, one of the top Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platforms.
Afterpay lets you split your purchase into four interest-free payments, making it easier to grab those big-ticket items without emptying your wallet all at once. It also offers features like payment rescheduling and a virtual card for online shopping.
With over five million active shoppers in the U.S. and partnerships with big names like Carhartt, Wayfair, and YSL Beauty, it’s no wonder Afterpay is so popular.
But knowing which cards Afterpay accepts can help you make the most out of your shopping experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the types of cards Afterpay supports to help you see if this BNPL company fits your shopping needs.
What Kind of Cards Does Afterpay Accept?
Afterpay primarily accepts all major credit and debit cards issued in your country of residence. However, if your card is issued from another country, it will not be accepted under Afterpay’s current policy.
The following are the credit cards Afterpay accepts:
- American Express
- Mastercard
- Visa
The following are the debit cards Afterpay accepts:
- American Express
- Capital One
- Mastercard
- Visa
Additionally, Afterpay supports digital payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Cash App Pay. For a seamless shopping experience with Afterpay, make sure to stick to these accepted payment methods.
Does Afterpay Accept Capital One?
Yes, Afterpay accepts Capital One, but only for debit cards. Capital One has decided to prohibit the use of credit cards for Afterpay purchases and payments. If you have a Capital One credit card on file with Afterpay, you’ll need to update your payment method to avoid late payment fees. You can use a different Visa or Mastercard credit card for Afterpay.
Does Afterpay Accept Discover?
No, Afterpay does not accept Discover. If you are a Discover cardholder, you may need to explore alternative payment options for Afterpay.
Does Afterpay Accept Prepaid Cards?
No, Afterpay does not accept prepaid cards. While you cannot store prepaid cards in your account, you can use them to make one-off payments.
Why Won’t Afterpay Accept My Card?
There can be a few reasons why Afterpay won’t accept your card, such as your card type not being accepted or you have some bank restrictions. Below are other reasons you might need to consider.
- Card type: Make sure your card is a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, as these are the only types Afterpay accepts. Capital One debit cards are also accepted, but not their credit cards, as Capital One has prohibited their use for BNPL payments.
- Insufficient funds: Your account may not have enough funds when the payment is due.
- Bank restrictions: Check with your bank for any restrictions or blocks on your card, as suspicious activity can trigger a temporary block.
- Card cancellation: Sometimes, your card may have been canceled without you noticing. If your card has been canceled, simply add a new card to your Afterpay account and try to make the payment again.
- Incorrect information: Verify that your card number and security code are entered correctly. Incorrect information will result in a declined payment.
If you’ve checked all of these and you’re still unsure why Afterpay won’t accept your card, you can contact Afterpay’s customer service team.
Does Afterpay Have a Virtual Card?
Yes, Afterpay offers the Afterpay Card, a virtual debit card that lets you purchase products in-store at Afterpay partner merchants. You can add the Afterpay Card to your digital wallet via a one-time setup prompted in your Afterpay app.
To use this in-store, follow these steps:
- Initiate the transaction via the Afterpay app or launch the card directly from your digital wallet.
- Tap your Afterpay Card on your card terminal to pay.
- Finalize the transaction.
How to Add a Card to Your Afterpay Account
Once you’ve identified a card that Afterpay accepts and you want to add it to your account, follow these steps:
Via the Afterpay app
- Log in to your Afterpay app.
- Select My Afterpay at the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Scroll down to the Account settings heading, and choose Payment settings.
- Tap on Add payment method.
- Enter your card details. You can also set this card as your preferred payment method for future purchases if you wish.
- Choose Save, and you’re all set!
Via the Afterpay website
- Log in to your account on the Afterpay website.
- Click on the Account option in the upper left corner of your screen (or tap the three lines in the upper left, then Account if on a mobile device).
- Select the Payment methods tab, and choose Add payment method.
- Enter your card details.
- To set this card as your preferred payment method for future purchases:
- Click the three dots next to your card number.
- Select Set as preferred.
- Confirm that you wish to update the preferred payment method.
- Tap Save, and you’re all set.
Extra Tip for Managing Afterpay BNPL Payments
While Afterpay offers a convenient way to shop, keeping track of payment schedules and deadlines can be challenging. To simplify your BNPL management, try Cushion. This app consolidates all your BNPL payments, including Afterpay, Affirm, and Klarna, into one easy-to-use dashboard. Cushion not only tracks and organizes your payments but also reports them to credit bureaus, helping you build your credit effortlessly.
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Summary
Afterpay accepts Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards. Additionally, it supports digital payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Cash App Pay. However, it’s important to note that Afterpay does not accept Discover or prepaid cards. While Capital One debit cards are accepted, the use of Capital One credit cards for Afterpay purchases and payments is prohibited. You can add a card that Afterpay accepts via the Afterpay app or website.
