Affirm is a financing alternative to credit cards and other credit payment products. Affirm offers instant decision financing options for online purchases to be paid in fixed monthly installments over 3, 6, or 12 months. For example, “on a $700 purchase, you may pay $63.18 for 12 months with a 15% APR.”

Buy and receive your purchase right away, and pay for it over several months. This payment option allows you to split the price of your purchase into fixed payment amounts that fit your monthly budget. If Affirm approves your loan, you’ll see your loan terms before you make your purchase. See exactly how much you owe each month, the number of payments you must make, and the total amount of interest you’ll pay over the course of the loan. There are no hidden fees. The application process is secure and real-time. Affirm asks you for a few pieces of information. After you provide this information, Affirm notifies you of the loan amount that you’re approved for, the interest rate, and the number of months that you have to pay off your loan — all within seconds. You don’t need a credit card to make a purchase. Affirm lends to the merchant directly on your behalf. You may be eligible for Affirm financing even if you don’t have an extensive credit history. Affirm bases its loan decision not only on your credit score but also on several other data points about you. Affirm reminds you by email and SMS before your upcoming payment is due. Enable Autopay to schedule automatic monthly payments on your loan.

Be a resident of the U.S. (including U.S. territories) Be at least 18 years old (19 if you’re a ward of the state in Nebraska). Have a Social Security number. Own a phone number that receives SMS and is registered to the United States or U.S. territories.

Affirm asks for a few pieces of personal information: Name, email address, mobile phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number. Affirm verifies your identity with this information and makes an instant loan decision. Affirm bases its loan decision not only on your credit score but also on several other data points. This means that you may be able to obtain financing from Affirm even if don’t have an extensive credit history.

Although Affirm performs a credit check when you apply for a loan, this won’t impact your credit score. However, if you’re approved and decide to buy with Affirm, your loan, and payments may affect your credit score. Paying on time can help you build a positive credit history.