Afterpay is not a direct payment option on Best Buy’s website, so you can’t simply select it at checkout. The workaround is to use the Afterpay virtual card, which lets you pay for Best Buy purchases in four installments anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including Best Buy’s online and physical stores. This means you can still get the flexibility of Afterpay on best buy without waiting for the retailer to add it as a native option.
Can you use Afterpay on Best Buy?
No, Best Buy does not list Afterpay as a direct payment method on its official website. If you go through Best Buy’s checkout, you won’t see an Afterpay button or logo among the available payment choices. However, that doesn’t mean you’re locked out of using Afterpay for your Best Buy orders. The Afterpay virtual card, a single-use Mastercard generated inside the Afterpay app, acts as a bridge. You can use it at Best Buy’s online checkout or in-store card reader, and Afterpay will split the total into four equal payments automatically. This virtual card method also works for peer-to-peer payments when you use Afterpay on Cash App. This is the only reliable way to apply Afterpay to a Best Buy purchase today.
What buy now, pay later options does Best Buy accept?
Best Buy’s official payment options page explicitly lists Zip as an accepted buy now, pay later service. Zip is the retailer’s designated BNPL partner, so if you want a direct integration at checkout, that’s your option. Afterpay is not mentioned anywhere on that page, which confirms it’s not a native payment method. Other BNPL services like Klarna or Affirm also don’t appear as direct choices. If you prefer Afterpay specifically, the virtual card method is your only path, but it works just as well for splitting payments into four interest-free installments.
How Afterpay works
Afterpay is a buy now, pay later service that divides your purchase total into four equal payments. The first payment is due at the time of purchase, and the remaining three are automatically deducted from your linked debit or credit card every two weeks. There are no interest charges or hidden fees as long as you pay on time. Afterpay doesn’t run a traditional credit check, so it’s accessible even if you have limited credit history. Instead, it evaluates your transaction history and repayment ability. You manage everything through the Afterpay app, where you can see your payment schedule, purchase history, and upcoming due dates.
How to use Afterpay at Best Buy with the virtual card
Using Afterpay at Best Buy requires setting up the virtual card first. This card is a Mastercard that you generate in the Afterpay app, and it’s designed specifically for shopping at stores that don’t accept Afterpay directly. Once you have it, you can use it at Best Buy just like any other card.
Get the Afterpay virtual card
- Open the Afterpay app on your phone and log in to your account.
- Navigate to the “Card” section, which is where you can get a virtual card.
- Follow the prompts to create a single-use virtual Mastercard. Afterpay will assign a card number, expiration date, and security code.
- Set a spending limit for the card based on the Best Buy purchase you plan to make.
This virtual card is tied to your Afterpay account, so any charge you make with it is automatically split into four payments. You don’t need to do anything extra at checkout, Afterpay handles the installment breakdown behind the scenes.
Use the virtual card at Best Buy online
- Go to Best Buy’s website and add the items you want to your cart.
- Proceed to checkout and enter your shipping and billing information.
- When you reach the payment step, select “Credit or Debit Card” as your method.
- Enter the virtual card details from your Afterpay app, the card number, expiration date, and CVV.
- Review your order and submit it. Afterpay will charge your first installment immediately and schedule the remaining three.
Your Best Buy order will process normally, and you’ll receive confirmation from both Best Buy and Afterpay. The total amount is split into four equal payments, with the first one taken at checkout.
Use the virtual card at a Best Buy store
- Open the Afterpay app on your phone and access your virtual card details.
- At the Best Buy register, tell the cashier you’re paying by card.
- Enter the virtual card number manually or use the card details to pay via contactless if your phone supports it.
- Complete the transaction as you would with any other Mastercard.
In-store purchases work the same way as online ones, Afterpay splits the total into four payments, and your first payment is deducted immediately. Keep your Afterpay app open until the transaction is confirmed, so you can verify the payment went through.
Tips for using Afterpay responsibly at any store
Using Afterpay with a virtual card at Best Buy or any other retailer requires the same discipline as any installment plan. The convenience of splitting payments can tempt you to overspend, so set a hard budget before you shop. Only use Afterpay for planned purchases, not impulse buys. Track your payment schedule in the Afterpay app, and set reminders for due dates so you never miss a payment. Missing a payment can trigger late fees and restrict your account, so treat each installment like a bill you can’t ignore. Also, avoid opening multiple virtual cards for different stores at the same time, that can quickly pile up overlapping payment obligations. If you ever run into financial trouble, contact Afterpay directly rather than skipping a payment; they may offer assistance or alternative arrangements. The virtual card is a tool, not a credit line, so use it only when you’re confident you can cover all four payments on time.
For the wider topic, see stores that accept Afterpay.
