Affirm is one of the most popular buy now, pay later (BNPL) services — but its impact on your credit score depends on which type of Affirm loan you use. Some Affirm loans trigger a hard credit inquiry; others only use a soft pull. And Affirm reports some loans to Experian, which means missed payments can hurt your score. Here's exactly how Affirm affects your credit in 2026.
When Affirm Does a Hard Inquiry
Affirm performs a hard credit inquiry for its 0% APR promotional financing loans (typically offered through specific retailers like Peloton or Walmart). A hard inquiry can temporarily lower your credit score by 5–10 points.
For most standard Affirm loans (3, 6, or 12-month installment plans), Affirm only performs a soft inquiry — which does not affect your credit score.
✓ Pros
- Split purchases into installments
- Often 0% interest if paid on time
- Instant approval decision
- No hard credit pull (usually)
✗ Cons
- Late fees if you miss payments
- Can encourage overspending
- Limited purchase protection
- Some report to credit bureaus
When Affirm Reports to Credit Bureaus
Affirm reports loan information to Experian for certain loan types. As of 2026, Affirm reports: - All Affirm loans originated through its Pay Monthly product - Some longer-term installment loans
Affirm does not report to Equifax or TransUnion. If Affirm reports your loan and you miss a payment, it will appear on your Experian credit report and can significantly damage your score.
How to Use Affirm Without Hurting Your Credit
To minimize credit score impact when using Affirm: choose short-term pay-in-4 plans (which typically don't trigger hard inquiries or bureau reporting), always pay on time, and avoid applying for multiple Affirm loans in a short period.