What You Will Get At A Glance
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) platforms such as Affirm will continue to significantly impact the way customers shop both online and in physical stores in 2025. What credit score do you need for Affirm has become a common question among shoppers eager to use this payment option. There is a good chance that Affirm will appear as a payment option at the checkout counter, regardless of whether you are purchasing a laptop, groceries, or furniture. This will provide you with the opportunity to spread out your payments rather than paying everything at once.
On the other hand, many customers have a question: What is the minimum credit score required to get approved for Affirm? If your credit score is not high enough, what other options exist to access immediate funds? Affirm’s approval requirements for 2025 are broken out in this guide, along with the minimum necessary credit score, and the reasons why new loan options, such as Beem’s Everdraft™, would be a better choice if you do not want your credit score to be involved in any way.
Understanding Affirm in 2025: How It Works
What Is Affirm?
Affirm is a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service offering short-term and long-term financing. Instead of using a credit card, you can split your purchase into smaller payments.
- You Pay in 4 for small purchases, which divides the total into four biweekly installments.
- Affirm offers monthly installment loans for larger purchases, with terms ranging from 3 months to 36 months, depending on the merchant and your eligibility.
Major retailers such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Peloton all integrate Affirm directly into checkout, making it a seamless financing option.
How Affirm Makes Approval Decisions
Affirm doesn’t approve everyone. When you apply, it considers:
- Credit score: Your FICO or VantageScore range influences approval.
- Repayment history: Past defaults or late payments can weigh against you.
- Bank account activity: Affirm may analyze income deposits, spending, and balance patterns.
- Prior Affirm usage: Returning users with a good history often get higher limits.
Depending on the loan type, Affirm may perform either a soft credit check (no score impact) or a hard inquiry (which can lower your score temporarily).
Also Read: Instant Cash Advance Apps for Bad Credit
Minimum Credit Score Required for Affirm in 2025
General Score Ranges
The minimum credit score you need with Affirm depends on the financing option you choose:
- Pay in 4 (biweekly payments): Usually available to users with scores around 550–600+. Since this involves only a soft credit check, it’s the most accessible option.
- Monthly installment loans: Require a stronger profile, generally 600–640+. These loans involve a hard credit pull.
If your credit score is in the mid-500s, you might still get approved for short-term use, but longer-term requirements need a healthier credit file.
Score Needed for 0% APR Promotions
Affirm occasionally offers 0% APR financing promotions through merchants. For example, you might see “Pay over 12 months at 0% interest.” These deals usually go to borrowers with 700+ credit scores, as lenders want assurance you’ll pay on time without the added cushion of interest.
Factors That Influence Approval Beyond Credit Score
Credit score is just one part of Affirm’s decision-making. Other factors matter:
- Debt-to-income ratio: High balances compared to income may trigger denial.
- Recent delinquencies or charge-offs: Missed credit card or loan payments are red flags.
- Affirm history: If you’ve borrowed from Affirm before and paid on time, your chances improve dramatically—even if your score isn’t perfect.
Soft Pull vs Hard Pull: What Affirm Checks and When
Soft Pull (No Score Impact)
The company performs a soft credit inquiry when you use Affirm for smaller amounts, especially Pay in 4. This does not appear on your credit report and doesn’t hurt your score. It’s a quick way to verify your identity and risk level.
Hard Pull (May Impact Score)
Affirm uses a hard inquiry for larger monthly installment loans—say, a $2,000 Peloton bike or a $1,500 MacBook. This shows up on your credit report and can reduce your score by a few points. It also signals to other lenders that you’re actively seeking credit.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved
Tips for Users Around the 600–640 Credit Score Range
If your score hovers near Affirm’s approval threshold, there are quick strategies to improve your odds:
- Pay down existing credit card balances to reduce utilization.
- Avoid applying for multiple loans or cards right before using Affirm.
- Settle any past-due accounts that could signal risk.
Even small adjustments can boost your approval chances significantly.
Other Things Affirm Look At
Beyond the score, Affirm considers your length of credit history and the number of active accounts in good standing. You’ll appear more reliable if you consistently make payments on utilities, cards, or BNPL apps.
For Returning Affirm Users
If you’ve used Affirm before, on-time payments are your golden ticket. Affirm tracks your repayment history closely, and good behavior unlocks higher loan limits, longer terms, and sometimes even lower APRs.
Also Read: Best Instant Cash Advance Lenders with No Hidden Charges
What If You Get Denied by Affirm? Here’s What to Do
Why Affirm Might Deny You
Getting denied by Affirm doesn’t always mean your credit is bad. Common reasons include:
- Too many recent hard inquiries.
- Low or thin credit history.
- Inconsistent income deposits in your bank account.
- Prior missed or late payments with Affirm or other lenders.
Can You Reapply or Improve Eligibility?
Yes, but timing matters. Most financial experts suggest waiting 30–60 days before reapplying. In that time, you can:
- Pay down balances.
- Correct any credit report errors.
- Build consistency with bills and subscriptions.
Once your profile looks more stable, your chances of approval improve.
Need Credit-Free Alternatives? Try Beem’s Everdraft™
For many customers, the issue with Affirm is not the platform itself but the credit criterion. Beem’s Everdraft™ is a more prudent choice if you do not wish to have your credit score reviewed or if you just require cash rather than financing tailored to your business.
What Is Everdraft™ by Beem?
Beem Everdraft™ is a cash advance that does not require a credit check or charge fees. It provides you with fast access to up to $800. Beem does not utilize your FICO score to assess eligibility; rather, it considers your real-time banking behavior.
This indicates that you are still eligible for the loan even if your credit score is low or if you have no credit history at all.
How It Works
- Download Beem (iOS or Android).
- Link your bank account. Beem checks your deposit patterns and balances.
- Get instant eligibility. Many users qualify within minutes.
- Withdraw your advance. You can take as little as $20—or as much as $800—without interest or fees.
Beem vs Affirm: When to Use Each
- Affirm is best for planned purchases at partner merchants when you want installment flexibility.
- Beem Everdraft™ is best for urgent cash needs—like groceries, bills, or emergencies—because it’s cash you can use anywhere, not store credit.
Unlike Affirm, Beem never charges interest, never requires tips, and doesn’t put your credit score at risk.
Conclusion: Know Your Score, Know Your Options
If You’re Affirm-Ready
If your credit score is 640+, you’re well-positioned to use Affirm responsibly. Remember to:
- Maintain good credit health.
- Only borrow what you can repay.
- Seek 0% APR promotions whenever possible.
If You’re Not Quite There Yet
Be not concerned. There are still choices available to you, even if your score is down from where it should be. Interest-free cash advances and credit-free are available through Beem’s Everdraft™. These cash advances will help you cover your immediate requirements while you work on building your credit over time.
By being aware of the various alternatives available, you can guarantee that you are always in control, whether you are paying your bills today or financing a significant purchase tomorrow.
FAQs: What Credit Score Do You Need For Affirm?
What credit score is needed to get approved for Affirm?
Most Affirm approvals start at a credit score of 550–600 for short-term “Pay in 4” plans. For longer monthly installment options, having a score of 640 or higher gives you much better chances.
Can I use Affirm with no credit score?
Yes, Affirm may still approve you for Pay in 4 if you don’t have a score. But you’ll usually need some credit history to qualify for larger or long-term financing.
Does Affirm check your credit?
Affirm runs a soft credit pull for smaller loans, which doesn’t affect your score. They perform a hard inquiry for bigger financing, which may cause a temporary drop in your credit score.
Does Affirm check your credit?
Affirm runs a soft credit pull for smaller loans, which doesn’t affect your score. They perform a hard inquiry for bigger financing, which may cause a temporary drop in your credit score.
What happens if Affirm denies me?
If you’re declined, you can try again in 30–60 days after working on your credit. In the meantime, Beem Everdraft™ can give you instant access to funds without waiting.
Can Beem help if I don’t qualify for Affirm?
Yes. Beem offers up to $800 without a credit check, so you can still get cash quickly. It’s a great backup option if Affirm turns you down.
