GameStop's Current Payment Plan Options
GameStop does not currently offer its own branded payment plan through a third-party lender. The company stopped offering in-house financing several years ago. However, GameStop does accept certain external payment methods that function as payment plans, including Klarna and Afterpay, which let you split purchases into installments at checkout. Availability of these options depends on your location and the total purchase amount.
If you shop at GameStop online, you'll see payment plan options at the checkout screen if they're available in your area. In-store purchases at physical GameStop locations do not currently support Klarna or Afterpay, so you would need to use a credit card, debit card, or cash.
The payment plan services GameStop accepts are buy now, pay later (BNPL) providers, meaning you split the cost into multiple payments over weeks or months rather than paying the full amount upfront. These are separate companies from GameStop, so the terms, fees, and approval process depend on the provider you choose, not on GameStop itself.
Key Takeaways
- GameStop accepts Klarna and Afterpay for online purchases, which split the cost into installments, but does not offer its own payment plan.
- Payment plan options are only available for online orders, not in-store purchases at physical GameStop locations.
- Klarna and Afterpay have different payment schedules, fees, and approval requirements—check which one appears at checkout before you buy.
- Your ability to use a payment plan depends on your location, the purchase total, and whether the payment provider approves your account.
How Klarna Works at GameStop
Klarna splits your purchase into four equal payments due every two weeks, with no interest if you pay on time. The first payment is due at checkout, and the remaining three are charged automatically to your payment method on the scheduled dates. If you miss a payment, Klarna charges a late fee (the amount varies by state) and may block you from using Klarna for future purchases until the debt is settled.
Klarna does a soft credit check when you sign up, which does not affect your credit score. However, if your account goes to collections, it can be reported to credit bureaus. You do not need a Klarna account before you shop—you can create one at checkout using your email, phone number, and payment information.
Klarna is available for orders over a certain minimum amount, which GameStop sets. If your cart total is below that threshold, Klarna will not appear as an option. The maximum purchase amount also varies by location and your account history with Klarna.
How Afterpay Works at GameStop
Afterpay splits your purchase into four equal payments due every two weeks, with the first payment charged at checkout. Like Klarna, the remaining three payments are automatic. Afterpay charges a late fee if you miss a payment, and repeated missed payments can result in account suspension.
Afterpay does not perform a hard credit check, so using it does not affect your credit score. However, missed payments may be reported to credit reporting agencies if the debt goes unpaid for an extended period. You need an Afterpay account to use the service, but you can create one during checkout using your email and payment details.
Afterpay has minimum and maximum purchase limits that vary by location and your account history. If your GameStop order falls outside those limits, Afterpay will not be available at checkout. Afterpay also requires a valid debit or credit card to process the automatic payments.
Comparing Klarna and Afterpay at GameStop
| Feature | Klarna | Afterpay |
|---|---|---|
| Payment schedule | 4 payments over 8 weeks | 4 payments over 8 weeks |
| Interest if on-time | None | None |
| Late fee | Varies by state; typically $7–$10 | Typically $8 per missed payment |
| Credit check | Soft check (no score impact) | No credit check |
| Account required before checkout | No | Yes |
| In-store availability | No | No |
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
If you miss a payment on either Klarna or Afterpay, the provider will attempt to charge your payment method again. Most providers give you a grace period of a few days before charging a late fee. If the charge fails (for example, because your card is declined or your account has insufficient funds), you'll be notified and given a chance to update your payment method.
Repeated missed payments can lead to account suspension, meaning you won't be able to use that payment plan provider at any retailer until the debt is resolved. In some cases, the provider may refer the debt to a collection agency, which can appear on your credit report and affect your credit score. Paying the missed amount as soon as possible stops the late fees and prevents further damage.
If you know you won't be able to make a scheduled payment, contact the payment provider directly before the due date. Some providers offer payment extensions or the ability to reschedule payments, though this may depend on your account history and the reason for the request.
Alternatives to GameStop Payment Plans
If Klarna or Afterpay aren't available for your order, or if you prefer not to use a BNPL service, you can use a credit card with a 0% introductory APR period. Many credit cards offer 0% APR on purchases for 6 to 12 months, which effectively gives you an interest-free payment plan as long as you pay off the balance before the promotional period ends. This option requires you to have a credit card and to manage the repayment yourself.
You can also check whether GameStop offers any sales, discounts, or trade-in programs that lower the upfront cost. GameStop frequently runs promotions on games, consoles, and accessories, and the trade-in program lets you exchange used games or hardware for store credit toward a new purchase. Reducing the total cost upfront may make a full payment more manageable without needing a payment plan.
Some banks and credit unions offer short-term personal loans with fixed repayment schedules, though these typically require a formal application and credit check. A personal loan may have a lower interest rate than a credit card if you carry a balance, but it also takes longer to set up than a BNPL service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a payment plan in a GameStop store?
No. Klarna and Afterpay are only available for online purchases at GameStop.com. In-store transactions do not support payment plans, so you'll need to pay the full amount with cash, debit, or credit card.
What's the difference between Klarna and Afterpay?
Both split purchases into four equal payments over eight weeks with no interest if you pay on time. The main differences are that Klarna does a soft credit check (Afterpay does not), Klarna lets you create an account at checkout (Afterpay requires one beforehand), and late fees vary slightly between the two. Check which one appears at your checkout to see which is available for your order.
Will using a payment plan hurt my credit score?
A soft credit check from Klarna does not affect your score. Afterpay does not check credit at all. However, if you miss payments and the debt goes to collections, it can be reported to credit bureaus and lower your score. Paying on time prevents this.
Can I cancel a payment plan after I start it?
You cannot cancel the payment plan itself, but you can pay off the remaining balance early without penalty on both Klarna and Afterpay. Contact the payment provider's customer service to arrange early payment if you want to settle the debt before the scheduled final payment.
What if my payment plan order doesn't arrive?
Contact GameStop's customer service about the order issue first. If GameStop refunds your purchase, the refund goes back to the payment provider, which then credits your account. You may still owe the remaining installments unless GameStop cancels the order before it ships. Confirm the cancellation with both GameStop and the payment provider to avoid being charged for an order you're not receiving.