America's Best offers payment plans through Citi, but only for purchases over a certain amount

America's Best (the eyewear chain) does offer a payment plan option at checkout, but it is not their own plan—it runs through Citi and is called Citi Flex Plan. The plan is available only on orders that meet a minimum purchase threshold, which varies by location and promotion. You can split your purchase into monthly payments with no interest if you pay it off within a set promotional period (typically 6, 12, or 18 months, depending on the offer running at that time). If you do not pay the full balance by the end of the promotional period, interest accrues retroactively on the remaining balance.

The plan is optional at checkout—you do not have to use it. If you pay in full with cash, debit, or credit, there is no payment plan involved. America's Best also accepts FSA and HSA cards, which can reduce or eliminate what you owe upfront if you have those accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • America's Best payment plans are provided by Citi Flex Plan and require a minimum purchase amount that differs by store and current promotion.
  • Interest-free periods typically run 6, 12, or 18 months, but interest is charged retroactively if you do not pay the full balance before the period ends.
  • The plan is optional—you can choose to pay in full instead, and FSA or HSA cards may cover part or all of your cost.
  • You must have a Citi credit card or be approved for Citi Flex Plan at the time of purchase to use this option.

How the Citi Flex Plan works at America's Best

When you reach checkout on America's Best's website or in-store, you will see payment options. If your order meets the minimum amount and you have a Citi card or are approved for Citi Flex Plan, you can choose to split the cost. At that moment, Citi will show you the promotional period (for example, "Pay nothing for 18 months") and the monthly payment amount.

Each month, you make a payment toward the balance. As long as you pay the full amount by the end of the promotional period, no interest is charged. If any balance remains after that period ends, Citi charges interest on the original purchase amount from the date of purchase—not just on what is left. This retroactive interest is the key risk: a $400 purchase split over 18 months with interest could cost you significantly more if you miss the deadline by even one month.

You can pay off the balance early without penalty. Paying early stops interest from accruing if you are still within the promotional period.

Minimum purchase amounts and promotional periods vary

America's Best does not publish a single minimum purchase threshold on their website. The amount required to use Citi Flex Plan changes based on location, current promotions, and the time of year. During sales events (back-to-school, holiday), the minimum may be lower or the promotional period may be longer. The best way to find the current terms is to add items to your cart and proceed to checkout—the payment plan option will appear only if your order qualifies.

Promotional periods most commonly run 6, 12, or 18 months. Shorter periods (6 months) may apply to smaller purchases, while longer periods (18 months) may be offered during major sales. The terms are displayed at checkout before you confirm the purchase.

What happens if you miss the payment deadline

If you do not pay the full balance by the end of the promotional period, Citi applies interest retroactively to the original purchase amount. The interest rate depends on your creditworthiness and the terms of your Citi card, but it is typically in the range of 18% to 29% APR. This means a $400 purchase could accrue $60 to $116 in interest if left unpaid for a full year after the promotional period ends.

To avoid this, set a calendar reminder for the final payment date. If you know you cannot pay the full balance by then, contact Citi before the deadline to discuss options—some cardholders can request a one-time extension or a new promotional period, though this is not may provide.

Missed payments also affect your credit score. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Citi will report it to the credit bureaus, which can lower your score and make it harder to borrow money in the future.

Alternatives to Citi Flex Plan at America's Best

If you do not want to use a payment plan or do not may have access to for Citi Flex Plan, you have other options. FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) cards are accepted at America's Best and can cover glasses, contacts, and eye exams. If you have either account through your employer or as an individual, you can use those funds to pay for your purchase without interest or monthly payments.

You can also pay in full with a regular credit card, debit card, or cash. Paying in full avoids interest entirely and means you own the purchase outright immediately. Some people use a rewards credit card to earn points or cash back on the purchase, then pay off the card in full when the bill arrives.

If you need glasses or contacts urgently but cannot afford them, some America's Best locations offer discounts on frames and lenses during promotional periods. Signing up for their email list or checking their website before you shop can alert you to these sales.

How to use Citi Flex Plan at America's Best

Online: Add frames, lenses, and any other items to your cart. Proceed to checkout and enter your shipping and billing address. At the payment method step, select Citi Flex Plan if it appears. You will be asked to enter your Citi card details or to apply for Citi Flex Plan if you do not have a Citi card. Citi will show you the promotional period and monthly payment amount. Review and confirm the purchase.

In-store: Tell the associate you want to use a payment plan. They will process your purchase and show you the promotional terms on the register. You will need to provide your Citi card or apply for Citi Flex Plan at that time. The associate will give you a receipt with the payment schedule and due date.

After purchase: You will receive a confirmation email or statement from Citi with your account details, monthly payment amount, and the final payment date. Set a reminder to pay before that date. You can make payments online through Citi's website or app, by phone, or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Citi credit card to use the payment plan?

No. If you do not have a Citi card, you can apply for Citi Flex Plan at checkout. Citi will perform a soft credit check (which does not affect your credit score) to determine if you are approved. If approved, you can use the plan immediately. If denied, you will need to pay in full or use another payment method.

Can I use the payment plan for contacts and eye exams, or only frames and lenses?

Citi Flex Plan covers the entire purchase, including frames, lenses, contacts, and eye exams. The minimum purchase amount applies to the total order, not to individual items.

What if I pay off the balance early?

You can pay off the full balance at any time without penalty. If you pay before the promotional period ends, no interest is charged. Paying early also stops interest from accruing if you are still within the promotional window.

Can I return glasses or contacts if I used the payment plan?

America's Best has a return policy independent of the payment plan. If you return the purchase, Citi will credit the payment plan account for the returned amount. You will owe only for what you keep. Check America's Best's return policy for the time window and any restocking fees.

What if I forget to pay before the promotional period ends?

Interest will be charged retroactively on the original purchase amount from the date you made it. Contact Citi immediately to discuss your options—some cardholders can request a one-time extension, though it is not may provide. Going forward, set a calendar reminder at least one week before the final payment date.