What You Will Get At A Glance
Affirm is now one of the most used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, letting shoppers buy what they need and pay it off in a few easy installments. Many people wonder what credit score is needed for Affirm before deciding if it’s the right option for them. Having a place to stay, traveling, or buying a gadget easily has become a common question for many shoppers before they consider shopping through Affirm.
However, as one might expect, shopping through Affirm requires a credit score. Affirm considers various factors before providing the financing; therefore, it is advisable to be prepared to reduce the likelihood of rejection.
Explore Affirm’s credit score requirements, as well as alternative financing options like Beem and their Everdraft™ offering, which allows you to receive funding quickly without a credit check.
What Is Affirm and How Does It Work?
Affirm is a financial technology company that partners with leading merchants to let customers split payments into manageable installments instead of paying everything up front. This approach makes shopping accessible while keeping financing transparent.
Quick Overview of Affirm’s Buy Now, Pay Later Model
Affirm operates on a simple premise: customers can buy items today and spread payments over time. The company offers short-term “Pay in 4” plans and longer monthly installment loans.
Pay in 4 vs monthly installment loans
Affirm’s Pay in 4 option divides your purchase into four equal payments every two weeks, often with no interest. Monthly installment loans allow larger purchases to be repaid over 3–36 months, sometimes with an APR.
Where Affirm is used (Amazon, Walmart, travel, electronics)
Affirm partners with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Peloton, and Expedia. It is widely used for electronics, furniture, travel bookings, home improvement, and other higher-value purchases where flexible financing is beneficial.
How Affirm Determines Eligibility
Affirm’s approval decision is not based solely on your credit score. Instead, it considers several aspects of your financial situation, ensuring the loan matches your repayment ability.
Credit score
Your credit score plays a major role in approval, especially for longer-term loans. Higher scores usually lead to better offers and chances of qualifying for 0% APR.
Income and debt-to-income ratio
Affirm considers your income stability and how much debt you already have. A reasonable debt-to-income ratio improves approval chances, signaling you can handle additional payments.
Purchase amount and loan term
Large-ticket purchases with longer repayment periods require stronger creditworthiness. Smaller “Pay in 4” purchases are easier to approve, even for those with modest or limited credit history.
Also Read: Best Instant Cash Advance Apps with Low Fees in 2025
What Credit Score Do You Need to Use Affirm?
Understanding Affirm’s minimum credit score requirements helps set realistic expectations. While Affirm approves many applicants, your score influences the type of loan you qualify for.
Minimum Credit Score for Approval
Affirm doesn’t disclose an official minimum, but general trends indicate what applicants can expect.
Pay in 4: ~550+ (soft pull)
For short-term Pay in 4 loans, Affirm may approve users with scores as low as 550 since the risk is limited. These approvals only involve a soft credit check.
Monthly installments: 600–640+ (hard pull)
Monthly loans usually require a stronger credit profile. A score above 600–640 is recommended, as these involve a hard inquiry and longer repayment timelines.
Higher Scores for Larger Loans or 0% APR Offers
Applicants with credit scores above 700 stand the best chance of qualifying for higher borrowing limits or promotional 0% APR financing. Lenders feel more confident extending favorable terms to well-established borrowers.
Does Affirm Approve Applicants with No Credit?
For applicants with little credit history, Affirm sometimes approves small loans, particularly Pay in 4 plans. However, approvals are limited and depend on other financial data, such as bank activity.
Other Key Factors That Affect Affirm Approval
Beyond credit score, Affirm weighs your financial history and spending behavior. These additional factors can significantly influence whether you get approved.
Your Credit History
Affirm looks at your broader credit profile, including payment patterns, outstanding collections, and credit utilization. Consistent, on-time payments and low utilization increase the likelihood of getting approved.
Your Payment History with Affirm (Returning Users)
If you’ve used Affirm and consistently repaid on time, you may be rewarded with higher borrowing limits and easier approvals for future purchases. Responsible use builds internal trust.
Income & Spending Patterns
Affirm may review linked bank account activity to assess how money flows in and out. Stable income deposits and controlled spending improve the likelihood of approval for financing.
Also Read: Instant Cash Advance Services Compared: Which One Is Best?
Will Affirm Check My Credit Score?
Affirm’s credit check depends on the type of loan you apply for. Some plans only use a soft inquiry, while others require a hard pull that may impact your score temporarily.
Soft Inquiry (No Score Impact)
For Pay in 4 loans and the initial eligibility check, Affirm uses a soft inquiry. This does not affect your credit score and helps them gauge eligibility.
Hard Inquiry (May Lower Score Temporarily)
Affirm may perform a hard credit check when applying for longer-term monthly installment loans. This can cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved
If your credit profile is weak, there are strategies to boost your odds of Affirm approval. Small improvements in credit behavior can make a big difference.
Tips for Users with Low-to-Fair Credit
People with fair credit can still qualify by strengthening their overall profile.
Lower your credit utilization
Keeping balances low compared to your credit limits shows lenders you are financially responsible, improving approval chances.
Pay down high balances
Reducing large outstanding balances frees up your debt-to-income ratio, signaling you can handle new commitments.
Dispute old negative items on the credit report
Removing inaccurate or outdated derogatory marks from your credit report can raise your score quickly and improve approval likelihood.
Timing Your Application
The timing of your Affirm application matters more than you think:
Avoid applying after large financial events or declines
If you’ve recently faced a decline or major financial shift, wait until your records stabilize before applying again.
Use stable accounts with consistent income deposits
Consistent inflows reassure Affirm that you have the means to repay your financing. Stable accounts add credibility to your application.
What if Affirm denies you? Here’s What You Can Do
Denials can feel frustrating, but they don’t mean you’ll never qualify. Instead, they highlight areas for improvement in your financial profile.
Understand Why You Were Denied
Affirm provides reasons for denial, which helps guide your next steps.
Credit score too low
Your score may not meet the minimum threshold for the loan type.
Irregular spending or banking history
Inconsistent income or unusual activity may reduce your trustworthiness.
Existing debts or recent inquiries
High debt levels or too many recent credit checks can lead to rejection.
Ways to Improve Before Reapplying
Small adjustments can increase approval chances the next time you apply.
Wait 30–60 days
Spacing out applications reduces the impact of recent denials.
Build payment history
Using secured credit cards or smaller BNPL providers first can help create a positive record.
Use smaller BNPL providers first
Success with other providers demonstrates reliability and may strengthen your profile before trying Affirm again.
Beem Everdraft™: A No-Credit-Check Alternative to Affirm
For those struggling with approval, Beem Everdraft™ offers a faster and more flexible alternative to Affirm. This product provides instant access to cash without requiring a credit score.
What Is Everdraft™ by Beem?
Beem’s Everdraft™ is an innovative cash advance service that instantly gives users up to $800. Unlike Affirm, it requires no credit check, interest, or hidden fees.
Why It’s a Great Option If Affirm denies you
Instead of restricting funds to merchant checkouts, Everdraft™ puts cash directly in your hands. With no approval stress, you can use it for any expense, from bills to groceries.
Beem vs Affirm: Key Comparison
| Feature | Affirm | Beem Everdraft™ |
| Credit Score Needed | 550–640+ | Not required |
| Credit Check | Yes (soft/hard) | No |
| Use of Funds | Limited to merchant checkout | Usable for anything |
| APR/Fees | 0%–36% APR | 0% fees, 0% interest |
| Approval Speed | Minutes to hours | Minutes |
Final Thoughts: Choose Affirm or Explore Beem Based on Your Profile
Both Affirm and Beem serve different needs, depending on your financial situation.
Affirm Works Well If You Have Established Credit
For shoppers with good credit, Affirm is a reliable financing tool for big-ticket items. It offers flexible monthly plans and promotional 0% APR offers at leading retailers.
Beem Is Ideal If You Need Flexible, Fast Cash
If you don’t want to worry about credit scores or hard inquiries, Beem’s Everdraft™ provides instant funds with zero fees or restrictions on how you use them.
Try Beem Today for Instant, Fee-Free Advances
With Everdraft™, you can access up to $800 in minutes. No waiting, no credit stress, and no hidden costs—just simple, flexible financial relief when you need it most.
Affirm’s credit requirements vary depending on whether you use Pay in 4 or monthly installment loans. Approval factors include your credit score, income, and financial history. While those with scores above 600 have better chances, approval is never guaranteed.
If you’re denied or want a no-credit-check option, Beem’s Everdraft™ is a flexible alternative that gives you instant access to cash without fees or credit inquiries. Choosing between Affirm and Beem depends on your financial profile, but either way, you have options to make purchases stress-free.
FAQs About What Credit Score Is Needed for Affirm
What is the lowest credit score Affirm accepts?
Affirm usually approves scores around 550–600 for Pay in 4, though approvals depend on income, banking activity, and overall creditworthiness.
Can I use Affirm with no credit?
It’s possible for short-term Pay in 4 loans, but monthly installment loans typically require some established credit history.
Will Affirm hurt my credit score?
If you apply for long-term loans that require a hard inquiry, pay in 4 plans, and soft checks won’t affect your credit score.
How can I increase my Affirm spending limit?
Consistently making on-time payments, keeping balances low, and maintaining a healthy overall credit profile can help boost your Affirm limit.
Is there a BNPL option with no credit check?
Yes. Beem’s Everdraft™ provides up to $800 in instant cash without interest, fees, or a credit score requirement.
