How Affirm Can Help You Pay for Funeral Arrangements

Planning for significant expenses like funeral arrangements or other unexpected costs can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not prepared to pay everything upfront. Fortunately, services like Affirm can offer a way to manage these costs without busting your budget. 

What Is Affirm?

Affirm is a financial service (not affiliated with Afterall) that allows you to pay for goods and services over time. Whether you're shopping online or in person, Affirm’s “buy now, pay later” option lets you break down larger purchases into manageable payments over time. Depending on what works best for you, you can choose from flexible payment schedules, including three, six, or twelve months. It is a safe, secure way to cover the cremation and burial costs including a funeral service, or items like caskets, burial vaults, cremation urns, and memorial items. 

How Affirm Works

With the ability to choose your payment plan, no hidden fees, and the option to pay off your loan early without penalties, Affirm can be a helpful tool in making end-of-life costs more manageable.

Affirm Is Not a Credit Card or Typical Bank Loan

Affirm can help you spread the cost of your purchases into monthly payments that fit your budget—but it is not a credit card or loan. Here is why Affirm is different.

• Fixed Payment Plans – Affirm allows you to choose a fixed payment schedule that suits your budget, ranging from three to 12 months. In contrast, credit cards typically require only a minimum payment each month, which can lead to prolonged debt and higher overall costs.
• No Compound Interest – Affirm charges simple interest, meaning you only pay interest on the principal amount, not on any accrued interest, which is a common feature of credit card debt.
• No Extra Fees – There are no late fees, prepayment fees, annual fees, or fees to open or close your account.
• Transparency and Simplicity – Unlike credit cards, which may have variable interest rates, hidden fees, and compounding interest, Affirm offers clear and upfront terms. You know exactly how much you’ll pay before you commit, with no hidden charges. 
• Transparent Costs – Affirm shows you the total amount of interest upfront, so there are no hidden fees or surprises.
• No Penalties for Early Repayment – Unlike many traditional loans, which may penalize you for paying off your debt early, Affirm encourages early repayment without any additional fees, potentially saving you money on interest.

How to Use Affirm to Pay for Funeral Arrangements

Using Affirm to pay for funeral arrangements for yourself or a loved one is straightforward and involves a few key steps.

Select an Affirm Participating Funeral Home or Cremation Provider

First, ensure that the funeral home or service provider you’re considering accepts Affirm as a payment option. Many providers, including Afterall locations and the Memorial Store, accept Affirm. 

Choose Your Services

Work with the funeral director to select the services you need, such as burial or cremation, memorial services, and any additional arrangements. Once you have the total cost for the services, you can proceed with Affirm.

Apply for Affirm Financing at Checkout

If the funeral home offers Affirm financing, you can apply directly through their checkout process. You’ll be prompted to enter basic information, such as your name, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Select a Payment Plan

If you’re approved, Affirm will provide you with various payment options. You can choose the plan that best suits your financial situation, typically offering three-, six-, or 12-month terms. Each option will show the monthly payment amount, applicable interest rate, and the total cost.

Review and Confirm

Review the payment plan details carefully. Affirm will show you the total amount you’ll pay, including any interest. If everything looks good, you can confirm your payment plan.

Make Payments

Affirm will pay the funeral home directly on your behalf. You’ll then make monthly payments to Affirm according to your selected schedule. Payments can be managed through Affirm’s website or mobile app, making it easy to keep track of your balance and payment dates. If you decide to pay off your balance earlier than planned, you can do so without any penalties. Depending on your payment plan, this may help you save on interest costs.

FAQs About Affirm

Q. Can You Qualify for Affirm With Little or Spotty Credit?

While having a higher credit score can improve your chances of qualifying, even those with spotty credit histories may still be approved. Affirm evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like your income, repayment history, and the specifics of the purchase.

Q. How Does Affirm Determine Interest?

The interest rate you’ll pay with Affirm depends on several factors, including your creditworthiness, the merchant, and the payment plan you choose. Interest rates typically range from 0% to 30% APR (annual percentage rate). Affirm is transparent about the interest you’ll be charged, showing you the total cost at checkout. If you pay off your balance faster than planned, you could save money by paying less interest.

Q. Will Affirm Cover the Cost of the Average Funeral?

On average, a direct cremation — essential care without a memorial service — is around $2,100. A cremation with a memorial service is approximately $6,900. A direct burial without a memorial service is around $2,400. A burial with a traditional funeral can cost $10,000 or more, depending on the services and memorial products you choose. 

The maximum amount you can borrow through Affirm varies based on several factors, including the purchase amount, the merchant’s policies, and your credit profile. Generally, Affirm offers loans ranging from $50 to $17,500. The amount you're eligible to borrow will be determined based on your creditworthiness and other financial factors during the application process.

Affirm offers a flexible and transparent way to manage larger purchases, whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with an unexpected expense. Whether you’re considering preplanning for a funeral or need to cover an unexpected cost, Affirm can provide the financial flexibility you need. Afterall providers accept Affirm. To find a location near you, click here and enter your state or ZIP code.