Back Market's Payment Plan Options

Back Market does not offer its own payment plan directly through the site. When you buy a refurbished phone, laptop, or other device, you pay the full price upfront using a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Back Market itself does not split the cost across multiple months or partner with a third-party lender to finance purchases.

However, you can use a payment plan through your own credit card issuer or a separate service like Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Credit if your card or bank offers those options. The payment plan exists between you and your financial institution, not between you and Back Market. Back Market processes the transaction as a single charge, and your bank or payment service handles the installments.

This matters because it means Back Market's refund and return policies apply to the full purchase price, but any payment plan terms come from your lender, not from Back Market. If you return the device, your refund goes back to the payment method you used—and your lender decides how that refund affects your installment schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Back Market charges the full purchase price in a single transaction; the site does not offer built-in installment plans.
  • You can use a payment plan through your credit card issuer, Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Credit if those services are available to you.
  • Back Market's return window and refund process are separate from your lender's payment plan terms.
  • If you return a device, the refund applies to the original payment method, and your lender controls how that affects your installment balance.
  • Refurbished devices on Back Market typically cost less than new ones, which may reduce the amount you need to finance.

How to Use a Third-Party Payment Plan at Back Market

If your credit card offers installment payments, you can request that option at checkout before you complete the purchase. Some card issuers, including American Express and certain Chase cards, let you split may be able to access purchases into installments directly through the card's app or website after the transaction posts. Check your card's terms or app to see whether Back Market purchases may have access to.

Affirm and Klarna are the most common third-party services that work at checkout on many retail sites. Back Market does not list these as payment options on its site, which means you would need to use Affirm or Klarna through your card issuer's partnership or through a separate browser extension if one is available. Before you buy, search for "Affirm at Back Market" or "Klarna at Back Market" to confirm current availability, since retailer partnerships change.

PayPal Credit is another route: if you have a PayPal account with credit access, you can select PayPal at Back Market's checkout and then choose to pay with PayPal Credit instead of your bank account or card. PayPal Credit typically offers interest-free periods on purchases over a certain amount, though rates and terms vary by your creditworthiness.

Back Market's Return Policy and How It Affects Payment Plans

Back Market allows returns within 30 days of delivery for most items, though the exact window depends on the seller. Each seller on Back Market is independent, so return terms can vary slightly. Before you buy, check the seller's specific return policy on the product page—it will show the number of days you have to return the device.

When you return a device, Back Market refunds the purchase price to the original payment method. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit to that card. If you used PayPal, the refund goes back to your PayPal account. The refund typically processes within 5 to 10 business days after the seller receives and inspects the returned device.

If you financed the purchase through a payment plan, the refund does not automatically cancel your installments. Your lender still expects you to pay the remaining balance according to the original schedule, even though you received a refund. You will need to contact your lender to request that they adjust your payment plan or close the account early. Some lenders allow you to use the refund to pay down the balance immediately; others require you to continue the installment schedule as agreed.

Costs and Interest on Third-Party Payment Plans

The cost of a payment plan depends entirely on the lender, not on Back Market. If you use a credit card's installment option, you may pay no interest if the card offers a promotional period, or you may pay a fixed interest rate—typically 0% for 3 to 12 months, depending on the card and the purchase amount. After the promotional period ends, interest accrues on any remaining balance at the card's standard rate.

Affirm and Klarna typically offer interest-free plans for shorter terms (3 to 12 months) if you may have access to, but they also offer longer plans with interest. The interest rate and term depend on your credit profile and the purchase amount. PayPal Credit usually offers 0% interest for 6 months on purchases over $99, but again, this depends on your account status and creditworthiness.

Because refurbished devices on Back Market often cost 30% to 50% less than new equivalents, the total amount you finance is lower. A $300 refurbished laptop costs less to finance than a $600 new one, even if the payment plan terms are identical. Compare the total cost of the device plus any interest before you commit to a payment plan.

What Happens If a Device Fails During a Payment Plan

Back Market sellers are required to describe the condition of each device—whether it is "Like New," "Excellent," "Good," or "Fair"—and to note any cosmetic or functional issues. If a device arrives damaged or does not match the description, you can return it within the 30-day window and receive a refund. Back Market also offers a protection may provide on most devices, which covers defects that appear after the return window closes, though the length and terms of this may provide vary by seller.

If a device fails and you are still paying off a payment plan, the refund process is the same: the money goes back to your original payment method, and you must contact your lender to adjust your payment plan. You are not obligated to continue paying for a device you no longer have, but the lender will not automatically cancel the plan. Reach out to them as soon as you receive the refund to avoid paying interest on money you have already gotten back.

Comparing Back Market to Retailers With Built-In Payment Plans

Some retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon, and Apple, offer their own payment plans or partner with specific lenders to offer installment options at checkout. These built-in plans are often easier to manage because the retailer and lender coordinate the refund and payment plan adjustment if you return the item. With Back Market, you handle that coordination yourself.

Back Market's advantage is price: refurbished devices cost significantly less than new ones, so even if you pay interest on a payment plan, the total cost is often lower than buying new elsewhere. A refurbished iPhone on Back Market might cost $400 and finance at 0% for 12 months, while a new iPhone costs $800 and finances at the same rate. The monthly payment and total interest are both lower on the refurbished device.

If you prefer the simplicity of a built-in payment plan and do not mind paying more for a new device, retailers like Best Buy or Amazon may be a better fit. If you want to save money and are comfortable managing a payment plan through your own lender, Back Market is a solid option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Affirm or Klarna at Back Market?

Back Market does not list Affirm or Klarna as direct payment options at checkout. However, you may be able to use these services through your credit card issuer if they have a partnership, or through a browser extension if available. Check the current status before you shop, as retailer partnerships change frequently.

What if I return a device but still owe money on my payment plan?

The refund goes back to your original payment method, but your lender does not automatically cancel the plan. Contact your lender immediately to request that they adjust your balance or close the account. Do not assume the refund will stop your payments.

Do refurbished devices on Back Market come with a warranty?

Most sellers on Back Market offer a protection may provide that covers defects for a set period—typically 6 to 12 months, depending on the seller. Check the product page for the specific seller's warranty terms before you buy. This is separate from any payment plan you use.

Is it cheaper to buy refurbished on Back Market than to finance a new device elsewhere?

Usually yes. A refurbished device costs 30% to 50% less than new, so even with interest on a payment plan, the total cost is often lower. Compare the final price—device cost plus interest—across retailers before you decide.

What payment methods does Back Market accept?

Back Market accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay. It does not accept bank transfers or other digital wallets. If your preferred payment method is not listed, you will need to use one of these options or add a card to your PayPal account.