Buy now, pay later systems are everywhere, even for buying takeout from the likes of DoorDash and Deliveroo, and now that same concept is coming to video games thanks to a partnership between Xsolla and Affirm.
Now, any US developer that already works with Xsolla, a financial technology company, will allow you to pay off your games and in-game purchases with "interest-free biweekly payments or longer-term monthly installments for carts starting at $50." You also have to "complete a quick eligibility check." You can read the full statement right here.
We've reached out to Xsolla for clarification and have been told that means only purchases totalling $50 or more will be able to use Affirm's payment model. With how expensive microtransactions have gotten, it's easy to rack up a $50 cart these days, but it would have been a bit ridiculous to pay off one that costs a couple of bucks over three months.
Buy now, pay later systems have been on the rise in recent years. I remember when PayPal first gave me the option – now even my bank does. Splitting one payment into interest-free installments is an attractive offer for many of us, but it's important to remember interest rates often apply if you miss those payments.
Affirm typically offers its loans at 0-36% APR, meaning a $50 purchase could end up costing you $53.03 if it takes you three months to pay it off at that higher rate, or more if you miss any payments. So, be careful before you splash out on Fortnite V-Bucks or GTA Online Shark Cards.
In the meantime, check out all the best games of 2025 so far.
