Think Afterpay is just about splitting payments? Think bigger. While the 4-payment split is great, smart shoppers are using Afterpay to stack rewards, time major sales, and maximize store perks. I've analyzed thousands of purchases to bring you not just a list of stores, but a strategic guide to getting the most value when shopping with Afterpay.
1. Target
Target stands out as a one-stop shop for everything from household essentials to trendy fashion, making it a perfect Afterpay partner for everyday needs. If you're looking to maximize savings, check out our guide to stores like Target for even more budget-friendly alternatives. Their extensive RedCard benefits and Circle rewards program make it even more attractive for strategic shoppers.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Use Afterpay during Target Circle offer days and stack with manufacturer coupons. Pro tip: Time your Afterpay purchases with Target's category-specific gift card promotions for essentially free money on future purchases. Shop their seasonal clearance events when items reach 70% off.
2. Lululemon
Known for premium athletic wear and athleisure clothing, Lululemon offers high-quality workout gear that's built to last. For fitness enthusiasts on a budget, combine your shopping with our guide to free workout apps and free yoga channels to maximize your fitness journey. Their strategic sales and membership program make luxury athletic wear more accessible.
Minimum purchase: $50 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Shop "We Made Too Much" Thursday drops with Afterpay. Join their free membership for early sale access and combine with Rakuten's frequent 2-10% cashback offers. Best deals appear during post-holiday clearance events.
3. Sephora
As a premier destination for luxury beauty products, Sephora offers an unmatched selection of high-end cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances. Beauty enthusiasts should also explore our guides to getting free perfume samples and free cologne samples to try before you buy.
Minimum purchase: $40 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Time Afterpay purchases during their Spring/Fall VIB sales (up to 20% off). Stack with their monthly multiplier point events and free deluxe samples. Sign up for Beauty Insider rewards for additional savings.
4. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty bridges the gap between drugstore and luxury beauty products, offering everything from affordable basics to high-end brands. Combine your shopping with cashback apps for maximum savings on beauty purchases. Their legendary 21 Days of Beauty sale and generous rewards program provide excellent opportunities for savvy shoppers.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Shop during 21 Days of Beauty, combine with Ultimate Rewards points multiplier events, and use their frequent $3.50 off $15 coupons. Time purchases during bonus point events for maximum rewards.
5. Macy's
This iconic department store carries everything from designer fashion to home goods. Smart shoppers can find even better deals by exploring stores like Marshalls and combining strategies from our guide on saving money on clothes.
Minimum purchase: $50 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Shop during One Day Sales and stack with Star Money Days. Use Star Rewards credit card first to earn points, then pay it off with Afterpay. Look for "Last Act" clearance items for deepest discounts.
6. Nordstrom
Nordstrom's high-end shopping experience becomes more accessible with Afterpay. For budget-conscious fashionistas, combine shopping here with strategies from our guide to saving money on clothes. Consider browsing stores like Marshalls for similar brands at lower prices.
Minimum purchase: $50 | Maximum: $2,000
Best Value Strategy: Time purchases during Anniversary Sale and Half-Yearly Sales. Stack with Nordy Club rewards and price match with other major retailers. Shop through their clearance section first.
7. Best Buy
Best Buy's extensive electronics selection becomes more manageable with Afterpay's payment plans. Tech enthusiasts can maximize savings by combining purchases with cashback apps for additional rewards.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Combine with My Best Buy rewards, price matching, and open-box discounts. Shop during their frequent 3-day sales events and stack with student discounts when applicable.
8. Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's offers premium sporting equipment and athletic wear. Combine your purchases with our guide to getting free fishing gear for outdoor enthusiasts looking to maximize their sporting budget.
Minimum purchase: $50 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join ScoreCard rewards program, use their Best Price Guarantee, and shop during ScoreCard member appreciation events. Look for clearance items with additional member discounts.
9. Forever 21
Forever 21's fast fashion becomes even more affordable with Afterpay. For additional savings, explore our guides to stores like Marshalls and stores like TJ Maxx for more budget fashion options.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join their SMS program for exclusive discounts, shop end-of-season sales, and stack with student discounts through ID.me. Extra 30-50% off sale items appear regularly.
10. Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters' trendy clothing and home decor become more budget-friendly with Afterpay. Smart shoppers can combine these purchases with strategies from our guide to affordable sustainable brands.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join UO Rewards for extra points, shop during UO Rewards member events, and combine with student discounts. Best deals appear in their sale section on Mondays.
11. Free People
Known for their boho-chic style, Free People's unique fashion becomes more accessible with Afterpay. Combine with tips from our clothing savings guide for maximum value.
Minimum purchase: $30 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Shop sale section on Mondays for new markdowns, combine with loyalty program points, and stack with student discounts. Sign up for their email list for exclusive offers.
12. Anthropologie
Anthropologie's unique home goods and fashion items become more attainable with Afterpay. Smart shoppers can also explore stores like Target for similar aesthetic at lower price points.
Minimum purchase: $50 | Maximum: $2,000
Best Value Strategy: Join AnthroPerks for free shipping, shop sale-on-sale events, and combine with frequent 40% off sale promotions. Extra discounts appear during holiday weekends.
13. Zappos
Zappos' extensive shoe selection and excellent customer service are enhanced with Afterpay's flexibility. Maximize savings by using cashback apps for additional rewards on your footwear purchases.
Minimum purchase: $45 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join VIP program for early access to sales, stack rewards points, and shop during their 6pm.com crossover sales. Look for their "Price Drop" section daily.
14. Steve Madden
Steve Madden's trendy footwear becomes more affordable with Afterpay. Consider combining purchases with our guide to best loyalty programs for additional savings.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join SM PASS rewards, shop during BOGO events, and stack with email subscriber exclusive discounts. Best deals appear during end-of-season clearance.
15. ASOS
ASOS brings international fashion trends to your doorstep with Afterpay flexibility. Smart shoppers can combine these purchases with strategies from our guide to saving money on clothes.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Sign up for Premier Delivery, stack with student discounts through UNIDAYS, and shop outlet sales. Look for their up to 70% off seasonal sales.
16. Adidas
Adidas's athletic wear and sneakers become more accessible with Afterpay. Combine with our guide to free workout apps for a complete fitness solution on a budget.
Minimum purchase: $50 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join Creators Club for points, stack with student discount, and shop during their seasonal sales. Check outlet section for additional 30% off deals.
17. Nike
Nike's premium athletic gear becomes more manageable with Afterpay payments. Enhance your fitness journey by combining with our guides to free workout apps and free yoga channels.
Minimum purchase: $50 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Become a Nike Member for free shipping and early access to sales. Stack with seasonal discounts and check their clearance section regularly.
18. Belk
Belk's department store selection becomes more accessible with Afterpay. Smart shoppers should also check out our guides to stores like Marshalls and stores like Kohl's for additional savings opportunities.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Sign up for Belk Rewards, shop during their Charity Sale days, and stack with senior or military discounts when applicable.
19. GOAT
GOAT's authenticated sneaker marketplace offers peace of mind for sneakerheads. Consider combining with our guide to flipping items for profit if you're interested in the sneaker resale market.
Minimum purchase: $100 | Maximum: $2,000
Best Value Strategy: Watch for Flash Sales, join their loyalty program, and check their "Below Retail" section for authenticated sneakers at discount prices.
20. Finish Line
Finish Line's selection of athletic footwear and apparel becomes more affordable with Afterpay. Combine with our best cashback apps guide to maximize your savings on premium sneakers.
Minimum purchase: $50 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join Status program for points, stack with Winner's Circle rewards, and shop during their frequent flash sales events.
21. American Eagle
American Eagle's casual wear becomes more budget-friendly with Afterpay. Use strategies from our guide to saving money on clothes to maximize your savings.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join Real Rewards program, stack with their frequent "Everything 25-40% off" events, and combine with student discounts.
22. Aerie
Aerie's comfortable loungewear and intimates become more accessible with Afterpay. Consider combining with our best loyalty programs guide for additional savings opportunities.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Use Real Rewards, shop during their frequent BOGO events, and stack with their seasonal collection launches for best selection.
23. Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie's updated classic American style becomes more attainable with Afterpay. Smart shoppers should also explore our guide to stores like TJ Maxx for additional fashion savings.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join myAbercrombie rewards, stack with student discount, and shop during their clearance events for up to 70% off.
24. REVOLVE
REVOLVE's designer fashion becomes more manageable with Afterpay's payment plans. Combine with our clothing savings strategies to make luxury fashion more affordable.
Minimum purchase: $100 | Maximum: $2,000
Best Value Strategy: Shop their sale section first, sign up for emails to get early sale access, and check their daily new markdowns.
25. PacSun
PacSun's California-inspired fashion becomes more accessible with Afterpay. Use our guide to best cashback apps to stack additional savings on your purchases.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join PacSun Rewards, stack with BOGO deals, and shop during their end-of-season sales for maximum savings.
26. J.Crew
J.Crew's classic American styling becomes more budget-friendly with Afterpay. Smart shoppers should combine these purchases with our guide to affordable sustainable brands for a well-rounded wardrobe.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Sign up for J.Crew Rewards, stack with their frequent 40% off sales, and check their sale section with extra percentage off deals.
27. Champion
Champion's iconic athletic wear and casual clothing becomes more accessible with Afterpay. Pair your shopping with our free workout apps guide for a complete fitness solution.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join Champion Rewards, combine with their seasonal sales, and look for their bundle deals for additional savings.
28. Crocs
Crocs' comfortable footwear becomes more affordable with Afterpay. Check our cashback apps guide to stack additional savings on your comfortable footwear purchases.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join Crocs Club, stack with their frequent BOGO events, and shop during their end-of-season clearance sales.
29. Vans
Vans' iconic skatewear and casual footwear becomes more manageable with Afterpay. Consider exploring our best loyalty programs guide to maximize your savings.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join Vans Family rewards, stack with seasonal sales, and check their "Sale" section for additional markdowns.
30. Coach
Coach's luxury handbags and accessories become more attainable with Afterpay. Combine with strategies from our guide to stores like Marshalls for finding designer items at discount prices.
Minimum purchase: $100 | Maximum: $2,000
Best Value Strategy: Shop their outlet section first, sign up for Coach Insider perks, and watch for their semi-annual sales.
31. Under Armour
Under Armour's performance gear becomes more accessible with Afterpay. Enhance your fitness journey by combining with our free workout apps and free yoga channels guides.
Minimum purchase: $50 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Join UA Rewards, stack with their outlet deals, and shop during their seasonal semi-annual events.
32. Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's luxury department store offerings become more manageable with Afterpay. Smart shoppers should also explore our guide to stores like Marshalls for designer finds at discount prices.
Minimum purchase: $100 | Maximum: $2,000
Best Value Strategy: Join Loyallist program, shop during Friends & Family sales, and check their "Deals of the Day" section.
33. Gymshark
Gymshark's trendy athletic wear becomes more affordable with Afterpay. Maximize your fitness journey by combining with our free workout apps guide and clothing savings strategies.
Minimum purchase: $35 | Maximum: $1,000
Best Value Strategy: Shop during their seasonal sales events, sign up for email notifications, and check their outlet section regularly.
34. Michael Kors
Michael Kors' designer accessories and fashion become more accessible with Afterpay. Smart shoppers should also check our guide to stores like Marshalls and stores like TJ Maxx for finding designer items at discount prices.
Minimum purchase: $100 | Maximum: $2,000
Best Value Strategy: Join KORSVIP rewards, shop during their seasonal sales, and check their "Last Chance" section for best deals.
Smart Afterpay Shopping Calendar
Maximize your savings by timing your Afterpay purchases with these major sale events:
- January: Post-holiday clearance and winter sales
- February: Presidents' Day sales and Valentine's clearance
- March: End of winter clearance
- May: Memorial Day sales and spring clearance
- July: Independence Day sales and summer clearance
- September: Labor Day sales and back-to-school clearance
- November: Black Friday and Cyber Monday events
- December: Holiday sales and end-of-year clearance
Advanced Afterpay Strategies
- Stack with cashback apps for double rewards
- Time first payments with credit card reward cycles
- Use store price matching while paying with Afterpay
- Combine with student and military discounts
- Join store loyalty programs before making Afterpay purchases
- Check for employee discounts that stack with Afterpay
- Use browser extensions to track price history
- Sign up for store email alerts for exclusive codes
Frequently Asked Questions About Strategic Afterpay Shopping
How can I increase my Afterpay spending limit?
Successfully complete 4-6 orders with on-time payments to see limit increases. Start with smaller purchases during major sales events to build payment history while maximizing value. Most users see limit increases every 3-4 months of positive payment history.
Which store loyalty programs stack best with Afterpay?
Ulta's Ultimate Rewards, Sephora's Beauty Insider, and Target Circle offer the best stacking potential. These programs allow point accumulation on Afterpay purchases and often feature exclusive multiplier events that can be combined with pay-later flexibility.
How can I maximize savings during holiday sales with Afterpay?
Plan your first payment to align with major sale events like Black Friday, but schedule subsequent payments during expected returns periods. This strategy allows you to return items if needed before additional payments process, while still securing sale prices.
Can I use Afterpay in physical stores?
Yes, many retailers accept Afterpay in-store through the Afterpay Card, which you can add to your digital wallet. Simply generate a one-time card in the Afterpay app, add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay, and use it at participating retailers' physical locations.
What happens if I miss an Afterpay payment?
Missing a payment results in a late fee up to $8, and your account will be paused until payment is made. Multiple missed payments can affect your ability to use Afterpay in the future. Set up automatic payments and calendar reminders to avoid fees.
Smart Shopping Tips for Afterpay Success
To make the most of your Afterpay shopping experience, consider these advanced strategies:
- Create a calendar for your payment schedules
- Track store sales cycles to time your purchases
- Build a list of favorite items and wait for sales
- Compare prices across multiple Afterpay merchants
- Check return policies before making large purchases
Future of Smart Shopping
Buy now, pay later services continue to evolve, with Afterpay leading the way in retail partnerships. Stay updated on new features and retailer additions by checking our loyalty programs guide and following our money-saving strategies.
Final words
Afterpay can be a powerful tool for managing your shopping budget when used strategically. By combining it with store loyalty programs, timing your purchases with sales, and following our advanced strategies, you can maximize value while keeping your payments manageable. Remember to shop responsibly and only make purchases you can afford within your budget.
