Not long ago, I found myself juggling multiple purchases and payment plans, and I realized my Afterpay Card was starting to feel a bit overwhelming. While Afterpay’s “buy now, pay later” system had made it easier to spread out my payments, it was no longer the right fit for my budget. If you’ve ever felt the need to cancel or deactivate your Afterpay Card for any reason, you’re not alone.
Whether it’s to simplify your finances, stop a recurring payment, or shift to another payment method, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about canceling your Afterpay Card—from the simple steps to understanding any potential fees or impacts.
Understanding the Afterpay Card
The Afterpay Card is a digital card service connected to your Afterpay account, allowing users to make online and in-store payments at participating retailers. It operates through the Afterpay app, which you can find on the App Store or Google Play. Rather than using traditional credit, the Afterpay Card enables you to make purchases and split payments into equal installments, usually spread over four payments.
Afterpay’s digital card service is popular among users looking for flexibility without interest charges. However, if circumstances change, it might make sense to close or deactivate your Afterpay account or card.
Reasons You Might Want to Cancel Your Afterpay Card
Canceling an Afterpay Card can help prevent unwanted spending and give you more control over your finances. Here are some common reasons users cancel their cards:
- Reduced Impulse Spending: Buy-now-pay-later services can encourage overspending. Canceling can help limit unnecessary purchases.
- Switching Financial Tools: Some may switch to tools with lower fees or better rewards.
- Personal Budgeting Goals: Tightening finances or saving for a specific purpose might make it better to avoid using installment payments.
- Managing Debt: Closing the card could be a step toward reducing overall debt.
Canceling is straightforward, but let’s walk through each step carefully to ensure it’s done smoothly.
How to Cancel Your Afterpay Card: Step-by-Step Guide
Canceling your Afterpay Card is easy if you follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Afterpay App or Log In to the Website
The Afterpay app (available on the App Store and Google Play) is the fastest way to access your account settings. Log in with your credentials to begin the cancellation process.
Step 2: Navigate to the Profile Tab
Once inside the app, go to your Profile tab. This section houses your account settings, payment history, and options to manage your digital card service. You’ll need to find the settings for the Afterpay Card specifically.
Step 3: Locate the Card Management Section
In the profile tab, look for Afterpay Card settings under account settings. This is where you’ll find the option to cancel or deactivate the card.
Step 4: Select “Deactivate” or “Cancel Card”
In the Card Management section, you should see a deactivate or cancel option. Select this to proceed. Make sure to read any prompts, as you might see a message about any outstanding balance or payments.
Note: You’ll need to pay off any pending installments before the cancellation is finalized. Afterpay will not allow cancellation if payments are overdue.
Step 5: Confirm the Cancellation
After choosing the cancel option, a confirmation message will appear. Carefully review the details. Once you confirm, the cancellation process will be completed, and you’ll receive a confirmation message via email or app notification.
How to Cancel Afterpay Card via Customer Service
If you run into issues with the app or prefer direct assistance, Afterpay Customer Service is ready to help. Here’s how to use customer service for canceling the card:
When to Consider Using Customer Service
You might want to contact Afterpay’s customer care if:
- The app isn’t working or settings aren’t available.
- You have personal information or account-related questions.
- You’d like guidance on fees or pending payments before canceling.
How to Contact Afterpay Customer Service
- Phone Cancellation: Call Afterpay’s customer service number, available on their official website. Be prepared to verify your identity.
- Email Confirmation: After speaking to a customer service representative, you may receive an email confirmation that the card is canceled.
- Chat Support: Afterpay’s app also offers a live chat option, where you can speak with a customer care representative for immediate assistance.
Tip: Have details like your account number and recent transaction history ready, as Afterpay may need them for identity verification.
Potential Impacts of Cancelling an Afterpay Card
Canceling an Afterpay Card has various impacts. Here’s what you need to know:
Impact on Credit Score
Canceling your Afterpay Card won’t directly affect your credit score because Afterpay generally doesn’t report account closures or activity to major credit bureaus. However, any missed payments before canceling could reflect poorly on your score if the account is sent to collections.
Impact on Existing Purchases
Even after you cancel the card, any outstanding balances or equal installments remain your responsibility. You’ll need to make these payments as usual. Afterpay allows you to view these payments in the app, even if the card is no longer active.
Effect on Afterpay Account
Canceling the Afterpay Card doesn’t automatically close your Afterpay account. You can still use Afterpay’s digital card service for online and in-store payments, though you won’t have the specific card features active.
Tip: If you want to close the entire account, contact Afterpay customer service and ask for a complete account deactivation.
Advantages of Canceling an Afterpay Card
While the Afterpay Card offers convenience, canceling it has several advantages:
- Enhanced Financial Control: Without access to installment payments, users may avoid impulse buys.
- Lower Risk of Debt Accumulation: Removing buy-now-pay-later options reduces the temptation to spend on credit.
- Simplified Account Management: Fewer accounts can help you streamline personal finances and reduce the risk of unwanted costs.
Disadvantages of Canceling an Afterpay Card
Before making a decision, consider potential downsides:
- Loss of Flexibility in Payments: Afterpay’s equal installment plans make managing payments easier, which will no longer be available.
- Ineligible for Card-Exclusive Offers: Certain Afterpay promotions are only available to cardholders.
- Reapplication Requirements: If you decide to reactivate later, Afterpay may not immediately approve the request.
Note: Check for any outstanding balance or refunds before canceling to avoid service interruptions.
Final Words
Canceling an Afterpay Card can be a smart choice depending on your financial goals. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully. This card is flexible, but it can also encourage spending that might not align with your long-term budgeting plans. By following the cancellation steps in this guide, you’ll be able to deactivate your card without unwanted costs or complications.
If Afterpay doesn’t align with your current needs, consider exploring alternative payment plans or budgeting tools to support your financial journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is There a Fee for Canceling an Afterpay Card?
No, Afterpay doesn’t typically charge a fee to cancel its card. However, be sure to clear any outstanding balance before cancellation, as Afterpay won’t finalize the cancellation with unpaid installments.
Will Canceling an Afterpay Card Affect My Credit Score?
Generally, it won’t. Afterpay doesn’t report to credit bureaus, so closing your Afterpay Card won’t directly impact your credit score. However, unpaid installments might affect your score if sent to collections.
Does Canceling an Afterpay Card Close My Entire Afterpay Account?
No, canceling the Afterpay Card only deactivates the card itself. Your Afterpay account remains active, allowing you to continue using Afterpay’s other services for digital or in-store purchases.
How Do I Reapply for an Afterpay Card if I Change My Mind?
Afterpay allows users to reapply for the card at any time through the app, although approval isn’t guaranteed. Reapplication usually requires reviewing your personal information and any previous payment history with Afterpay.
Joseph Dean is a dedicated author at Techy Nomy, specializing in creating easy-to-follow guides on how to cancel and activate various subscriptions. With a passion for simplifying the digital experience, Joseph delivers clear and concise content to help readers manage their services efficiently.