The first major initiative to bring BNPL functionality to traditional debit cards: Affirm and FIS partner up to let banks offer BNPL

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) pioneer Affirm and finance giant FIS have just announced a partnership that marks a significant shift in the BNPL landscape. This collaboration will enable FIS’s banking clients to integrate Affirm’s pay-over-time capabilities directly into their existing debit card programs, representing the first major initiative to bring BNPL functionality to traditional debit cards.

Key Facts

. Upon launch of the program, FIS debit processing bank clients will be able to integrate Affirm’s pay-over-time solution directly into their existing debit card program via their digital banking and mobile app platforms.

. Affirm delivers real-time underwriting technology, a wide-range of flexible payment options – including ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) and monthly payment plans – and no late or hidden fees. It also provides access to a network of over 335,000 merchants.

. FIS’ clients can continue to meet the growing demand for payment flexibility, while increasing customer engagement and accelerating growth for their business, by incorporating Affirm’s offering into their debit card products.

Together, FIS and Affirm will deliver a new program that enables FIS’ vast network of banking clients to integrate Affirm’s industry-leading solution into their existing debit program via their digital banking and mobile app platforms, allowing their customers to easily manage their finances in a single place.

„This collaboration is well-timed, as banks are searching for new and innovative options to meet consumer needs and demands for flexible purchasing solutions. This program offers a substantial opportunity for financial institutions to provide a sought-after pay-over-time solution to the millions of U.S. consumers who have a debit card.” – the company said.

“Customer conversion and retention have become major priorities for card-issuing banks in our increasingly digitized economy, where consumers have endless options,” said Jim Johnson, co-president, Banking Solutions, FIS. „Consumers today are looking for innovative and user-friendly experiences that give them flexibility and control over their money and optimize how their money is put to work. That’s why so many of them choose to pay with Affirm. This new program will deliver Affirm’s leading-edge technology, flexible and transparent payment options, and extensive merchant network to our banking clients, enabling them to continue meeting these needs and offer more competitive, differentiated services through their own banking channels.„

When the program launches, participating FIS debit processing banks will be able to offer their eligible customers biweekly and monthly payment plans through the bank’s existing debit card products. Additionally, these banks will have the potential to unlock merchant-funded financing offers – including 0% APRs, longer payment terms, and higher credit limits – from Affirm’s over 335,000 merchant partners for their debit cardholders. This will enable significantly more consumers to access the benefits of Affirm when paying over time online and in-store. Affirm will manage underwriting and servicing, seeking to provide a frictionless experience for participating FIS clients and their customers.

“Millions of consumers prefer using a debit card from their trusted financial institution, and we believe they should have easy access to exceptional credit options through their preferred payment method. That’s why, for the first time, we’re bringing Affirm’s proprietary underwriting technology and full suite of pay-over-time solutions to third party issuers in partnership with FIS,” said Wayne Pommen, chief revenue officer of Affirm. “This new program will expand access to Affirm’s wide range of payment options, giving more consumers a responsible way to pay over time. It will also connect them directly to Affirm’s vast and growing merchant network – delivering an even more valuable and differentiated experience.”