Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Can You Pay Afterpay with a Credit Card?
May 14, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, Afterpay accepts credit cards, but your provider may treat the payments as a cash advance, triggering extra fees and immediate interest.
Should You Pay Afterpay With A Credit Card?
Using a credit card for Afterpay has both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Benefits
- You can earn credit card rewards like points, miles, or cash back on your purchases.
- You may gain access to your credit card’s built-in consumer protections, like fraud liability or extended warranties.
- It allows you to consolidate your spending onto a single credit card statement for easier tracking.
Costs
- You will likely incur high-interest charges from your credit card issuer if you carry a balance.
- It creates the risk of a debt cycle by using one form of credit to pay off another.
- Some credit card issuers may treat the payment as a cash advance, which often comes with extra fees.
How to Pay Afterpay With A Credit Card
Using a credit card for Afterpay can be a smart way to manage payments and earn rewards. This guide outlines the general process for linking your card and making payments.
Review Afterpay’s Policies: Before you begin, check Afterpay’s terms and conditions. While major credit cards are typically accepted, it's wise to confirm any potential fees or restrictions in your region.
Add Your Card to Afterpay: Log in to your Afterpay account and navigate to your profile or settings. Select the option to add a new payment method and enter your credit card details.
Choose the Right Credit Card: Select a card that aligns with your financial goals. A rewards card, for instance, could earn you points or cash back on your installments. Use a resource like the Kudos' explore tool to find a card that suits your spending habits.
Set as Default Payment: Once added, you can set the credit card as your primary payment source. This ensures all future Afterpay installments are automatically charged to your selected card, simplifying the payment process.
Monitor Your Statements: Regularly check both your Afterpay account and your credit card statements. Verify that payments are processed correctly and manage your credit card balance to avoid accumulating interest.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using a credit card for your Afterpay installments can influence your credit score in a few key ways. It's important to consider the following potential impacts before linking your accounts.
- Credit Utilization Ratio. Charging Afterpay purchases to your credit card will increase your outstanding balance. This can raise your credit utilization ratio, a key factor that could negatively affect your credit score.
- Payment History. You are still responsible for paying your credit card bill on time, even with automated Afterpay payments. A single missed credit card payment can be reported and may lower your overall score.
Alternative Ways To Pay Afterpay
Debit Card Payments
For those looking to avoid credit, linking a debit card to your Afterpay account is a straightforward alternative. This method ensures that installment payments are drawn directly from your checking account on their scheduled dates. By using a debit card, you can still benefit from spreading out the cost of a purchase over time without the risk of accumulating credit card interest or debt, as you are only using funds you currently possess.
Adjusting Your Payment Schedule
Afterpay provides some flexibility for managing your repayment timeline directly within its app. While you cannot change all due dates, the platform may allow you to reschedule a payment to a later date, pending eligibility and approval. This can be a useful option if you anticipate a temporary cash flow problem. Regularly reviewing your upcoming payments and options in the app allows you to proactively manage your account and avoid potential late fees.
Choose the Right Card to Pay Afterpay
Since Afterpay allows you to link a credit card, choosing the right one is crucial for maximizing your rewards. With over 3,000 cards on the market, finding the perfect match for your spending habits can be a challenge. Kudos simplifies this by helping you discover the best card for your needs, whether you're focused on earning cash back, travel points, or securing a low interest rate.
For those looking to get more from their credit cards, Kudos is the smartest free tool to use when you shop online. We are also offering $20 back on your first qualifying purchase when you sign-up for free with code “GET20” and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using a credit card for Afterpay affect my credit score?
Yes, using a credit card for Afterpay payments can impact your credit score like any other credit card transaction.
Are there extra fees for using a credit card with Afterpay?
Afterpay does not charge extra fees, but your credit card issuer may charge interest if you carry a balance.
Can I earn credit card rewards on Afterpay purchases?
Yes, you can typically earn credit card rewards, such as points or cashback, on your Afterpay purchases.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
