Ever heard of Affirm? It’s an innovative financial platform offering a “buy now, pay later” solution that is revolutionizing the shopping experience. Thousands of users turn to it if they wish to buy something but don’t have the necessary funds available. The best thing is, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a particularly good credit history or don’t have it at all, your chances of getting a loan with Affirm are high. You just wait for the loan decision to be made and the funds are transferred to your Affirm Card.
But while it’s clear you can use Affirm to buy things, are there any other ways to benefit from it? But the question people ask most often is Can you get cash from the Affirm Virtual Card?
In this article, we’ll delve into what Affirm is all about and take a comprehensive look at their Virtual Card, a tool designed to bring greater convenience and flexibility to your purchases. We’ll explore its functionality and check if you can use it to withdraw cash. Without further ado, let’s get started!
What is Affirm?
Affirm is a prominent financial technology company based in San Francisco, United States, established in 2012. At its core, the company provides consumers with installment loans at the point of sale, both online and offline, allowing them to finance their purchases immediately. As of 2023, Affirm stands out as a leading provider of the “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) solution in the US. This innovative approach offers an alternative to traditional credit card methods, making purchasing more accessible and flexible for consumers.
Over the years, Affirm has seen significant growth and has established partnerships with major retailers and ecommerce platforms, including giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify. The company’s mobile apps have garnered immense popularity, becoming the most downloaded BNPL apps in the US by June 2023. As it continues to evolve, the company remains a crucial player in reshaping how consumers approach financing in the modern retail landscape, helping ecommerce companies level up their performance.
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What is an Affirm Virtual Card?
The Affirm virtual card is a digital version of the Affirm Card, which is a Visa debit card issued by Evolve Bank & Trust. Upon opening an account with Affirm, users receive a virtual version that can be immediately added to their mobile wallets, such as Google Pay or Apple Pay. This method provides users with the flexibility to pay overtime or pay in full for eligible purchases wherever Visa is accepted.
Additionally, while users get immediate access to the virtual card, a physical one is also dispatched and will typically arrive by mail in 7-10 business days. It’s worth noting that the management and functionalities associated with the Affirm Card are available exclusively through the official app.
How to get cash from your Affirm Card: Is it possible?
Currently, the Affirm Virtual Card doesn’t offer the functionality for ATM withdrawals nor permits cash withdrawals at the point of sale during in-store transactions. What’s more, neither the official app nor the website provides an option for this. However, if you maintain a savings account with the platform, you might be able to access cash from that account.
The Affirm Virtual Card is tailored to simplify your buying experience. It’s beneficial for both consumers and ecommerce businesses, as it helps decrease cart abandonment caused by insufficient funds.
Lots of ecommerce platforms accept Affirm virtual cards. Find out how to use Affirm on Amazon.
How to get an Affirm Virtual Card
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the virtual card, several eligibility criteria need to be met. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, possess or be willing to create an account with the platform, and reside in the United States, though it’s important to note that residents of U.S. Territories are currently not eligible. Additionally, prospective cardholders must have a valid Social Security number and uphold a commendable repayment history with the platform, alongside maintaining a robust credit profile.
Applying for a loan with Affirm
To get an Affirm Virtual Card, you need to apply for a loan first. To secure a loan:
- Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout, where you’ll choose Affirm as your payment method.
- Input your mobile number and press ‘Continue’.
- For newcomers, set up an account. Existing users can bypass this step.
- Key in the 4-digit code you’ve received via text on your phone.
- Check if your loan is approved.
Getting the Affirm Virtual Card
Upon loan approval with Affirm, the loan amount can be transferred to a virtual card that you can add to your Google Pay or Apple Pay wallet. Note that you’ll also receive a physical card (will arrive in 7-10 business days by mail). That’s it, now you can use it!
How to use your Affirm Virtual Card
You can access your Affirm Virtual Card in three ways:
- The official app on your phone.
- The platform’s website after you log in.
- A welcome email they send you when you get the card.
Using your Affirm Virtual Card online
Using your Affirm Virtual Card online is as simple as any online payment!
- Get to the checkout section after shopping.
- Pick the ‘credit card’ payment option.
- Type in your long number (16-digits).
- Provide your billing address (where you get your bills).
- Confirm and you’re done!
Check out how to use Affirm on Amazon.
Ways to pay in-store with your Affirm Virtual Card
If you’re an iPhone user, you can use Apple Pay at the counter.
If you have an iPhone 8 or older:
- Before proceeding to checkout, add the virtual card to Apple Pay on your phone.
- When it’s time to pay, look for the Apple logo.
- Hold your phone near the store’s card machine.
- Pick your virtual card and use your fingerprint to confirm. Wait till you see ‘Done’.
If you have an iPhone X or newer:
- First, add the card to Apple Pay.
- At the counter, look for the Apple logo.
- Press the side button of your phone twice.
- Select your phone method and just look at your phone to confirm.
- Hold your phone close to the machine until ‘Done’ pops up.
If you’re an Android user, you can pay with Google Pay.
- Before shopping, link your virtual card to Google Pay and make sure NFC (a setting) is turned on.
- At checkout, find the Google Pay logo.
- Open Google Pay and pick your payment method.
- Hold your phone’s back close to the card machine.
- If asked, choose ‘Credit’. You’ll see a blue tick when it’s done.
Heads up! You can’t buy certain things with this method, like alcohol or guns. It’s all in the platform’s rules.
When does the Affirm Virtual Card expire?
The card will stop working 24 hours after you get it. Don’t worry, if you don’t use it, it’s fine and you won’t be charged. If you change your mind, just cancel it before the 24 hours are up, and you won’t owe a thing.
Conclusion
Affirm’s innovative solutions are not only reshaping the way consumers purchase but also revolutionizing the ecommerce industry. The Affirm Virtual Card, with its seamless integration and user-friendly approach, embodies this evolution. It’s a testament to how technology can transform everyday experiences, making them more accessible, flexible, and in tune with modern needs. If you’re new to the platform, understanding the potential of the Affirm Virtual Card can greatly enhance your shopping experience. So, the next time you shop, consider the convenience and flexibility that Affirm brings to the table.
Looking for something else? Learn what Square Cash App is.
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I need to order another affirm card
Hi Wilma, to order a replacement Affirm card, you can do so through your Affirm account online or via the Affirm app. Log in to your account, navigate to the card section, and follow the prompts for ordering a new card. If you encounter any issues, you can also contact Affirm’s customer support for assistance. Best of luck!
Can you use the card as a debit or credit transaction at a retailer that doesnt offer affirm.
Hi Leonard, the Affirm Virtual Card generally cannot be used at retailers that do not offer Affirm as a payment option. The virtual card is designed for use with merchants that are partnered with Affirm. If a retailer isn’t affiliated with Affirm, they likely won’t accept the Affirm Virtual Card for payment, whether as a debit or credit transaction. It’s always best to verify whether a retailer accepts Affirm before attempting to use the virtual card for purchases.
Can I use my card not the virtual one at places like Walmart in store? Like a regular debit card?
Hi Tracy, if you have a physical Affirm debit card, you can use it at Walmart and other stores just like a regular debit card for in-store purchases, subject to the card’s terms and conditions and available balance.
Can I use my affirm.virtual card to transfer money to my bank account?
Hi Alan, unfortunately using your Affirm virtual card to transfer money directly to a bank account isn’t possible. Affirm’s virtual cards are designed primarily for shopping at online and physical retail locations where they accept Visa. For transferring funds to a bank account, you might need to explore other options such as a bank transfer, mobile payment apps, or a different service designed for money transfers.
How can I apply for a loan from affirm
Hi Marie, you can find steps on how to apply for an Affirm loan in this article. It also compares it to Afterpay, so you have a good overview of these two BNPL services. Best of luck!