The Affirm Virtual Card gives you a simple way to shop online and pay over time. We issue a secure virtual credit card you can use at checkout right away. No plastic. No waiting. Your VCC works for online stores that accept card payments, and it keeps your real bank details private. Each purchase is protected with built-in checks to help stop fraud. As a prepaid card option, it adds control. You see your balance, your plan, and your spend before you pay.
We built our Affirm virtual card for people who want clear terms and fewer payment issues. If you’ve seen an affirm virtual card declined message before, our setup helps reduce errors with clean card data and smart limits. The card is ready in minutes and works for online shopping, work tools, and daily buys. We focus on wide use, strong security, and easy control in one place. Get started today and pay online with confidence.
What Is the Affirm Virtual Card?
The Affirm Virtual Card is a single-use Visa virtual card loaded with your approved Affirm loan amount. We create it for one purchase, and it works online anywhere Visa is accepted. There is no plastic card. Everything is digital, so your real card details stay private.
This card is not a regular credit card. It is an installment loan, not revolving credit. You know the total cost and payment plan before you buy. It also differs from Affirm’s standard checkout, which only works at partner stores. The virtual card gives you wider use across online shops. Once created, it expires after 24 hours if unused. That short window adds safety and helps reduce fraud.
How to Get an Affirm Virtual Card
Getting an Affirm virtual card is a straightforward process that can be completed in minutes through either the mobile app or website. Here's everything you need to know.
In the Affirm Mobile App
The mobile app offers the fastest way to create your virtual card:
Step-1: Download the Affirm app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
Step-2: Create an account or log in using your email address and password
Step-3: Tap "Create a virtual card" or look for the "Affirm Card" option in the main menu
Step-4: Enter your purchase amount and merchant name if prompted (some versions allow you to create a card without specifying the merchant upfront)
Step-5: Review the loan terms carefully, including the APR, payment schedule, and total cost of your purchase
Step-6: Submit your application by confirming the terms
Step-7: Receive instant notification of approval or denial
Step-8: Access your card details – once approved, your virtual card number, CVV, and expiration date will be displayed on screen and ready to use immediately
On the Affirm Website (Desktop)
You can also create a virtual card from your computer:
Step-1: Navigate to affirm.com and log in to your account
Step-2: Access the "Virtual Card" section from your account dashboard
Step-3: Follow the same application process as the mobile app – enter purchase amount, review terms, and submit
Step-4: Card details displayed instantly on your screen for immediate use at checkout
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet these basic requirements:
Age: Must be at least 18 years old
Location: Valid U.S. address and phone number required
Banking: Active bank account or debit card that can be linked to your Affirm account
Credit check: Affirm performs a soft credit pull for pre-qualification (which doesn't affect your credit score), though a hard inquiry may occur upon final approval depending on the loan amount and terms
Where You Can Use the Affirm Virtual Card
Understanding where your Affirm virtual card works—and where it doesn't—will save you time and frustration at checkout.
Online Shopping
The Affirm virtual card works at virtually any online retailer that accepts Visa:
Any website accepting Visa credit or debit cards: This includes the vast majority of online merchants
Enter the card number at checkout: Use it exactly as you would with a regular credit or debit card
Use your own billing address: Enter your address, not Affirm's address (this is important for verification)
Popular retailers include: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Steam, eBay, Etsy, and countless others
Works with PayPal: You can add your Affirm virtual card to your PayPal wallet
Subscription services: Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, or meal kits typically accept it, though some may have restrictions on virtual cards
In-Store Purchases
You can use your Affirm virtual card for in-person shopping with a few extra steps:
Add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay first: This is required since you don't have a physical card to swipe or insert
Use contactless payment: Works at any terminal that accepts Apple Pay or Google Pay
Look for the contactless symbol: Four curved lines or Apple Pay/Google Pay logos at the payment terminal
Select "Credit" when prompted: Some stores may ask you to choose between credit and debit
Works at major retailers: Including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and most chain stores with contactless payment systems
Where It DOESN'T Work
Be aware of these limitations to avoid declined transactions:
Stores that don't accept Visa: While rare, some merchants only accept other card networks
Merchants that block virtual or prepaid cards: Certain categories like hotels, car rentals, and some travel booking sites may reject virtual cards
Wire transfers or money orders: These financial services don't accept credit card payments
ATM cash withdrawals: The Affirm virtual card cannot be used to withdraw cash (this is covered in detail in a separate section)
Some recurring billing services: May reject virtual cards due to fraud prevention policies, though many work without issue
Age-restricted purchases: Some retailers may require additional verification that virtual cards can't provide
How to Use Your Affirm Virtual Card
Once you have your Affirm virtual card, you can use it for purchases online and in stores. Here's how to use it correctly to avoid payment failures.
Online Checkout Steps
Using your virtual card for online purchases is simple:
Step-1: Go to the merchant's checkout page and proceed to payment
Step-2: Select "Credit Card" or "Debit Card" as your payment method (do not look for an Affirm-specific option)
Step-3: Enter the 16-digit card number displayed in your Affirm app
Step-4: Enter the expiration date and CVV exactly as shown in the app
Step-5: Enter YOUR billing address – this is critical and must be your personal address, not Affirm's corporate address
Step-6: Complete the purchase as you would with any other card
Adding to Apple Pay
For in-store purchases with iPhone, add your card to Apple Wallet first:
Before checkout:
✅ Open the Affirm app
✅ Tap on your virtual card
✅ Select "Add to Apple Wallet"
At the store:
iPhone X or later: Double-click the side button, authenticate with Face ID, then hold your phone near the contactless reader
iPhone 8 or earlier: Double-click the home button, authenticate with Touch ID, then hold your phone near the reader
Wait for the "Done" checkmark to appear on your screen confirming the payment
Adding to Google Pay
Android users can add their Affirm card to Google Pay for tap-to-pay:
Before checkout:
✅ Open the Affirm app and add your card to Google Pay
✅ Enable NFC in your Android settings (usually under Connections or Connected devices)
At the store:
✅ Open Google Pay
✅ Select your Affirm virtual card
✅ Hold your phone to the contactless reader
✅ Select "Credit" when prompted by the terminal
✅ Look for the blue checkmark confirming payment went through
Billing Address and ZIP Code
This is where many users encounter problems – pay close attention:
✅ Always use YOUR personal billing address, not Affirm's corporate address in San Francisco
✅ ZIP code must match the address you have on file with your Affirm account
✅ Common error: Using Affirm's San Francisco ZIP code will cause your transaction to be declined
Why Your Affirm Virtual Card Might Be Declined
Getting declined at checkout is frustrating, but most issues can be resolved quickly. Here are the most common reasons your Affirm virtual card might not work and how to fix them.
Common Decline Reasons
Card expired: Affirm virtual cards typically have a 24-hour usage window. If you created the card yesterday and are trying to use it today, it may have already expired.
Merchant blocks virtual or prepaid cards: Some retailers don't accept virtual card numbers or may flag them as prepaid cards, even though Affirm cards function as regular credit cards.
Purchase amount exceeds card balance: Your virtual card is loaded with a specific amount. If your cart total (including taxes and shipping) exceeds this amount, the transaction will be declined.
Incorrect billing address or ZIP code: This is one of the most common culprits. The billing address and ZIP code must match your Affirm account information exactly.
Trying to withdraw cash or buy restricted items: Affirm blocks cash-equivalent purchases including ATM withdrawals, money orders, wire transfers, and gift cards.
Merchant category restriction: Certain merchant categories are restricted by Affirm's policies, particularly those involving cash-like transactions.
NFC not enabled: For in-store purchases using Apple Pay or Google Pay, your phone's NFC (contactless payment) feature must be turned on.
Card not properly added to digital wallet: If you're trying to pay in-store, the card must be successfully added to Apple Wallet or Google Pay before you can use it.
How to Fix Declines
Check expiration status: Open your Affirm app and verify the card hasn't expired. Virtual cards often have time limits, so check the expiration time displayed in the app.
Verify card details: Double-check that you've entered the card number, CVV, and expiration date exactly as shown in the app. Even one wrong digit will cause a decline.
Confirm billing address: Make sure you're using YOUR personal billing address that matches your Affirm account, not Affirm's corporate address. The ZIP code is especially important.
Select "Credit" not "Debit": At checkout, choose "Credit" as the payment type. Some merchants or payment terminals may decline the card if you select "Debit."
Contact the merchant: Call or chat with the retailer to confirm they accept virtual Visa cards. Some merchants have policies against virtual card numbers.
Generate a new card: If your current virtual card has expired, simply create a new one through the Affirm app with the same purchase amount.
Contact Affirm support: If you've tried everything above and the card is still being declined, reach out to Affirm's customer service for assistance. There may be an account-specific issue they need to resolve.
Most declines can be fixed by verifying your card details and billing information or by creating a fresh virtual card if the old one expired.
Can You Get Cash from an Affirm Virtual Card?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about Affirm virtual cards. Here's the definitive answer and what you need to know.
No ATM withdrawals allowed: Affirm blocks all cash advances from virtual cards. You cannot use your Affirm virtual card at an ATM to withdraw cash under any circumstances.
No cash-back at checkout: Even at stores that offer cash-back options (like grocery stores or pharmacies), Affirm will decline any transaction that includes a cash-back component. The card is designed strictly for purchases, not cash access.
Workarounds don't work: Attempting to convert your Affirm virtual card to cash by buying gift cards, money orders, or prepaid cards violates Affirm's terms of service. These transactions are flagged as cash-equivalent purchases and will be declined. Even if a transaction somehow goes through, it could result in your account being suspended or closed.
Why Affirm blocks this: Your Affirm virtual card represents a point-of-sale loan specifically tied to a purchase. It's not a cash loan or line of credit. Affirm's business model is built around financing specific purchases with merchants, not providing general cash access. Allowing cash withdrawals would fundamentally change the nature of the product and increase financial risk.
Alternatives if you need cash: If you need actual cash rather than financing for a specific purchase, consider these options instead:
✅ Personal loans from banks or credit unions
✅ Cash advance apps like Dave, Earnin, or Brigit
✅ Credit card cash advances (though these typically have high fees)
✅ Paycheck advances from your employer
✅ Short-term loans from online lenders
The Affirm virtual card is designed exclusively for making purchases at merchants, not for accessing cash. Trying to circumvent this will result in declined transactions or potential account issues.
Cost, Fees, and Repayment Terms
Understanding the full cost of your Affirm virtual card loan is essential before you commit. Here's a complete breakdown of rates, fees, and how repayment works.
Interest Rates (APR)
Ranges from 0% to 36% based on creditworthiness: Your APR depends on factors like your credit score, income, and the loan amount. Affirm evaluates each application individually.
Rate shown before you accept the loan: You'll always see your exact APR, payment schedule, and total cost before finalizing your purchase. There are no surprises after approval.
0% APR offers common for shorter terms: Many Affirm loans for shorter repayment periods (such as 4 payments over 6 weeks or 3-month terms) come with 0% interest, meaning you only pay the purchase price with no added cost.
Higher APRs typical for longer terms: If you choose extended repayment periods like 12, 24, or 36 months, you'll typically see higher interest rates, which increases your total cost.
Fees
No origination fees: Affirm doesn't charge upfront fees to open your loan. The amount you're approved for is the amount available to spend.
No prepayment penalties: You can pay off your loan early or make extra payments at any time without incurring additional charges. This can help you save on interest.
Late fees may apply: If you miss a payment, Affirm may charge a late fee. The amount varies by state and typically ranges from $0 to $25. Some states prohibit late fees entirely.
No annual fee: Unlike traditional credit cards, Affirm virtual cards don't have annual fees. You're not paying just to have the account open.
Payment Schedule
Auto-debit from linked bank account or debit card: Affirm automatically withdraws your payment on the scheduled due date from the bank account or debit card you linked during setup.
First payment typically due 2 weeks after purchase: Your initial payment usually comes 2 weeks after you complete your transaction, giving you a short grace period.
Subsequent payments bi-weekly or monthly depending on loan term: Shorter-term loans often have bi-weekly (every 2 weeks) payments, while longer loans typically follow a monthly schedule.
Can pay early or extra without penalty: You have complete flexibility to make additional payments or pay off the entire balance early with no fees, which can reduce your total interest paid.
Missed payments reported to credit bureaus: Affirm reports your payment activity to credit bureaus. On-time payments can help build your credit, but missed or late payments can damage your credit score.
Always review your complete loan terms in the Affirm app before accepting, and set up payment reminders to avoid late fees and credit impact.
Virtual Card Limits and Controls
Understanding how Affirm virtual cards work—including spending limits and usage restrictions—helps you plan your purchases effectively.
Maximum Amount Based on Creditworthiness
Maximum amount based on creditworthiness: Affirm approves virtual card amounts typically ranging from $50 to $17,500, depending on your credit profile, income, and payment history with Affirm. Your specific limit is determined when you apply for each card.
One Active Virtual Card at a Time
One active virtual card at a time: You can only have one active virtual card in your account at any given moment. You cannot create multiple cards simultaneously to use for different purchases.
Can Create New Card After Previous One Expires or Is Used
Can create new card after previous one expires or is used: Once your current virtual card expires or you've completed your purchase, you can generate a new virtual card for your next transaction. There's no waiting period between cards.
Cannot Reload or Reuse the Same Card Number
Cannot reload or reuse the same card number: Each virtual card is single-use with a fixed amount. You cannot add more money to an existing card number or reuse it for additional purchases after it's been used or expired.
Cannot Split a Purchase Across Multiple Cards
Cannot split a purchase across multiple cards: Affirm doesn't allow you to use multiple virtual cards to pay for a single transaction. Your entire purchase must fit within the approved amount on one card.
Loan Amount Locked to Specific Purchase Amount
Loan amount locked to specific purchase amount you request: When you create a virtual card, you specify the purchase amount you need. That exact amount is loaded onto the card—you cannot spend more or less than the approved amount. If your cart total changes (due to taxes, shipping, or adding items), you may need to create a new card with the correct amount.
Can You Use the Affirm Virtual Card More Than Once?
Many users assume the Affirm virtual card works like a traditional credit card, but it doesn't. Here's what you need to know about reusing your card.
Single-use by design: Each Affirm virtual card number is designed for one transaction only. Unlike a regular credit card that you can swipe repeatedly, your Affirm virtual card is tied to a specific purchase.
Once you complete a purchase, card is deactivated: As soon as your transaction goes through successfully, the virtual card number becomes invalid. You cannot use the same card number for any additional purchases, even minutes later.
24-hour expiration window applies even if unused: Most Affirm virtual cards expire within 24 hours of creation, whether you use them or not. If you don't complete your purchase within this timeframe, the card becomes inactive and you'll need to generate a new one.
To make another purchase, create a new virtual card with a new loan application: Every time you want to make a new purchase with Affirm, you must apply for and create a fresh virtual card. This means going through the approval process again, specifying the new purchase amount, and reviewing new loan terms.
Cannot use leftover balance from a card: If your purchase total comes in under the amount loaded on your virtual card, you cannot access or spend the remaining balance. This is why it's important to request the exact amount you need when creating the card, accounting for taxes, shipping, and any other fees.
Does the Affirm Virtual Card Affect Your Credit Score?
We start with a soft credit check during pre-qualification. That step does not affect your credit score. When you move forward and finalize the loan, a hard credit inquiry may happen. This can cause a small, short-term dip, which is common with new loans.
How you pay matters most. On-time payments can help your credit over time because Affirm reports payment history to Experian. Late or missed payments will hurt your score. The Affirm virtual card is not revolving credit, so it does not impact your credit use ratio the way a regular credit card does. You get clear terms, fixed payments, and a defined end date from the start.
Affirm Virtual Card vs. Regular Virtual Credit Cards
| Feature |
Affirm Virtual Card |
Traditional Virtual Credit Card |
| Type |
Installment loan (BNPL) |
Revolving credit line |
| Reusability |
Single-use |
Reusable (generates new numbers) |
| Credit impact |
Hard pull + payment history |
Ongoing credit utilization + payment history |
| Interest |
0%–36% APR fixed |
Variable APR (often 15%–25%+) |
| Approval |
Per-transaction |
One-time approval for credit line |
| Best for |
Large one-time purchases |
Recurring transactions, subscriptions |
Common Use Cases and Restrictions
Understanding what you can and can't purchase with your Affirm virtual card will save you time and prevent checkout headaches. Here's a practical guide to help you know before you go.
What You CAN Buy
Affirm virtual cards work great for most standard purchases:
Electronics and appliances: Laptops, phones, tablets, TVs, kitchen appliances, and other tech products
Furniture and home goods: Couches, mattresses, décor, bedding, and household items
Clothing and fashion: Apparel, shoes, accessories, and jewelry from most retailers
Travel bookings: Flights and hotels (note: some hotels may place additional pre-authorization holds on your card)
Online subscriptions: Streaming services, software, and memberships, as long as the merchant accepts virtual card numbers
Gaming platforms: Steam, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox, and other digital gaming marketplaces
Major retailers: Walmart, Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and most other big-name stores both online and in-person
What You CAN'T Buy
Affirm restricts certain categories to prevent misuse:
Gift cards: Affirm automatically blocks gift card purchases of any kind, including store gift cards and prepaid Visa/Mastercard gift cards
Money orders or wire transfers: Any cash-equivalent financial instruments are prohibited
Cash equivalents: This includes prepaid cards, reloadable cards, and similar products
Groceries at some stores: While not universally blocked, some grocery stores have merchant category codes that Affirm restricts
Gas: Many gas station pumps require physical cards or reject virtual cards due to pre-authorization holds that exceed your card balance
Lottery tickets or gambling: Any gambling-related purchases are not allowed
Hotel and Rental Car Cautions
These categories require extra attention before booking:
Hotels may require a physical card: Some hotels ask to see a physical credit card at check-in for verification, even if you paid online with a virtual card. They may also place holds for incidentals (minibar, room service, damages) that can exceed your virtual card's balance.
Rental car companies often reject virtual cards entirely: Most major rental car agencies require a physical credit or debit card in the renter's name, both for the rental itself and for the security deposit hold.
Always verify the merchant's policy: Before creating an Affirm virtual card for hotels or car rentals, call ahead or check the merchant's payment policy to confirm they'll accept a virtual card number and won't require a physical card.
Returns and Refunds with Affirm Virtual Card
When you return a purchase made with an Affirm virtual card, the refund goes back to Affirm, not to your bank account. We apply the refund to your loan. If the refund is full, the loan is canceled. If it is partial, we reduce your remaining balance and adjust what you still owe.
Payments stay due until the refund is processed. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days after the merchant completes the return. If you already made a payment, it will be credited back to your loan. If you do not see the update after 10 days, contact Affirm support. Keep your store receipt and your Affirm loan number handy. That makes it easier to track the refund or handle a dispute without delays.
FAQ
How does an Affirm virtual card work?
When you’re approved, the plan amount is loaded onto a virtual Visa card. You pay with that card, then repay over time based on your plan. Simple and clear.
How do I get my virtual card number from Affirm?
You request it in the Affirm app or on their site. Once approved, the card number, expiry, and code show in your account.
Can I use an Affirm virtual card anywhere?
Not everywhere. It works at most places that take Visa, but some stores and payment types are blocked.
Can you use Affirm on Nintendo?
Usually no. Many gaming stores don’t accept buy-now-pay-later cards, so payments may fail.
Can I buy gas with an Affirm virtual card?
Most times, no. Gas stations place holds that these cards don’t support.
Why is my Affirm virtual card being declined?
Common causes are store limits, wrong ZIP code, expired cards, or in-store systems that don’t support it.
Can I use an Affirm virtual card in a physical store?
Yes, if you add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay and the store supports tap-to-pay with Visa.
Can I get cash from an Affirm virtual card?
No. These cards don’t allow cash withdrawals or money transfers.
How many times can you use an Affirm virtual card?
Most are one-time use and expire in 24 hours. If you don’t use it, you won’t owe anything.
