Mastercard vs. Affirm: which fintech stock has more room to run? 2026.07.22 08:26 (GMT-7) Mastercard Incorporated MA and Affirm Holdings, Inc. AFRM are key players in the rapidly evolving digital payments industry, where demand for seamless, cashless and flexible payment solutions continues to grow. The expansion of e-commerce, digital wallets and installment-based financing is reshaping how consumers and merchants complete transactions. While both companies are benefiting from this shift, they approach the market from different angles. Mastercard operates one of the world's largest global card payment networks, whereas Affirm has built its business around buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing and merchant partnerships. Their overlapping exposure to digital payments, combined with distinct business models and growth strategies, makes them compelling companies to compare. Let's dive deep and closely compare the fundamentals of the two stocks to determine which stock is more attractive now. The case for Mastercard. Mastercard's key growth engine remains the steady expansion of its payments network alongside its fast-growing value-added services business. In the first quarter of 2026, value-added services and solutions' net revenues rose 22% year over year, outpacing the 12% growth in payment network net revenues as demand increased for cybersecurity, authentication, consumer engagement and analytics solutions. Cross-border volumes increased 13% year over year, while switched transactions grew 9%, reflecting healthy transaction activity despite geopolitical challenges. MA is strengthening its presence in the BNPL market through Mastercard One Credential, which allows consumers to access multiple payment options - including debit, credit and installments - through a single credential. The company has expanded the offering through partnerships with SoFi, Fiserv and Blossom, making installment payments more accessible while giving banks and credit unions a flexible payment solution. It beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 5.5%. Mastercard Incorporated price, Consensus and EPS surprise. Mastercard is preparing its network for the next generation of digital commerce. Nearly all Mastercards are now enabled for Mastercard Agent Pay, while Verifiable Intent adds an extra layer of security for AI-driven transactions. The company is also expanding partnerships with OpenAI and Crossmint to support secure autonomous payments, positioning itself at the center of emerging agentic commerce. Mastercard continues to integrate stablecoins across its ecosystem, including Mastercard Move and settlement capabilities, while the planned acquisition of BVNK is expected to strengthen its ability to send, receive, convert and hold stablecoins. This infrastructure can unlock new use cases in cross-border B2B payments, remittances and payouts without disrupting its core card business. MA has continued broadening its digital payments ecosystem through new partnerships. The company recently introduced Open USD alongside leading financial and technology partners to simplify stablecoin adoption, expanded Mastercard Move's cross-border payment capabilities and rolled out additional AI-powered fraud prevention and cyber intelligence solutions. These initiatives complement its strategy of generating growth from both payment volumes and higher-value services. However, the upside was partly offset by escalating operating expenses and higher rebates and incentives. In the first quarter of 2026, adjusted operating expenses rose 11% year over year. Its long-term debt-to-capital of 71.9% is higher than the industry's average of 39.4% and AFRM's average of 70.5%. The case for Affirm. Affirm continues to strengthen its position in the buy now, pay later (BNPL) market by expanding its merchant network and increasing consumer engagement. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, gross merchandise volume (GMV) climbed 35% year over year to $11.6 billion, while revenues rose 33% to $1 billion, reflecting healthy consumer demand and higher merchant adoption. Total transactions grew 45% year over year in the third quarter of fiscal 2026. The company's ecosystem is also benefiting from growing adoption of the Affirm Card, which combines debit functionality with flexible installment payment options. Unlike traditional BNPL products used only at checkout, the card enables consumers to access installment financing for everyday purchases, helping drive repeat usage and strengthening customer relationships beyond one-time transactions. AFRM's active consumers increased 22% year over year to 26.8 million, while transactions per active consumer improved 20% to 6.7, indicating that customers are using Affirm's platform more frequently. Affirm is broadening its reach through strategic merchant partnerships and platform integrations. The company recently added Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock and buybuy BABY to its merchant network, extending financing options across major retail brands. It also continues to deepen relationships with large commerce platforms and payment providers, supporting sustained growth in merchant acceptance and payment volume. As of March 31, 2026, Affirm served approximately 515,000 active merchants, up 43.8% year over year, reflecting broad adoption across online and in-store commerce. AFRM is also investing in technology and product innovation to diversify its business beyond traditional BNPL services. The company is leveraging artificial intelligence to improve customer experiences and operational efficiency while exploring opportunities in new markets and financial products. These initiatives, combined with its expanding merchant ecosystem and growing consumer base, are expected to support its long-term growth trajectory. It beat earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters with an average surprise of 74.9%. Affirm Holdings, Inc. price, Consensus and EPS surprise. However, the expansion is accompanied by rising cost pressures, with total operating expenses increasing 20.1% year over year in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, primarily due to increased provisions for credit losses, losses on loan purchase commitments, funding costs, technology and data analytics expenses and elevated processing and servicing expenses. How do estimates compare for MA & AFRM? Estimates are in favor of AFRM at this stage. The Zacks Consensus Estimate expects MA's 2026 sales and earnings per share (EPS) to grow 12.9% and 15.4% year over year, respectively. For 2027, EPS is expected to climb another 15.6%. Meanwhile, AFRM's fiscal 2026 sales and EPS estimates point to 30.6% and 720% year-over-year increases, respectively, followed by a 39.2% EPS rise in fiscal 2027. Price performance comparison. Over the past six months, Affirm outperformed Mastercard. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has increased 7.4% during this time. Price performance - MA, AFRM & S&P 500. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Valuation: MA vs. AFRM. On a price-to-sales basis, MA sits at 12.02X forward revenues, significantly above Affirm's multiple of 4.62X. AFRM's cheaper P/S multiple leaves room for significant growth as business expansion accelerates. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Price target. Mastercard currently trades below its average analyst price target of $641.64, implying a 17.2% potential upside from current levels. Meanwhile, Affirm currently trades below its average analyst price target of $91.48, implying an attractive 21.5% potential upside from current levels. Conclusion. Both Mastercard and Affirm are well-positioned to benefit from the continued shift toward digital payments, but their growth profiles differ significantly. While MA offers stability through its diversified payments ecosystem, AFRM stands out with faster revenue growth, stronger earnings momentum, a lower valuation and greater upside potential. For investors seeking rapid future gains rather than stability, Affirm has the edge at the moment. While AFRM currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), MA has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Beyond nvidia: AI's second wave is here. The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI's second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Mastercard Incorporated Affirm Holdings Inc - Class A

Buy now Pay Later at Macy's. * 08/07/2026 Buy now Pay Later at Macy's: your ultimate guide to smart shopping in 2026. Are you planning a shopping spree at Macy's but want to spread out your payments without the hassle of a traditional credit card? If so, understanding buy now pay later at Macy's is your first step to smart and manageable shopping. This payment option can transform how you shop by breaking down the purchase cost into convenient installments. In this comprehensive guide, BNPL'll cover everything you need to know about pay later at Macy's, how it works, the best BNPL apps to use, and whether it's the right choice for you. Credit & Lending Table of contents. Quick answer: what is buy now Pay Later at Macy's? Buy now pay later at Macy's allows shoppers to purchase items immediately and pay for them over time in manageable installments, typically without interest if paid on schedule. Macy's partners with popular BNPL services like Klarna and Affirm to offer flexible pay later options both online and in-store across Macy's USA. This option is ideal for spreading out payments, especially during big sales or when buying higher-ticket items like furniture or appliances. How does buy now Pay Later at Macy's work? Pay later at Macy's works through third-party BNPL providers integrated into their checkout process. Here's how it typically plays out: Credit Cards * Shop at Macy's either online or in-store and add your items to your cart. * At checkout, select a buy now pay later option such as Klarna, Affirm, or Afterpay if available. * The BNPL provider will guide you through a fast approval process, often without a hard credit check. * Once approved, you'll pay a small percentage upfront or nothing depending on the provider, then split the remaining balance into equal installments. * You make payments over several weeks or months until your balance is paid in full. Key features of Macy's BNPL options: * Flexible payment schedules: Typically 4-6 installments or 3-12 months depending on the provider. * No interest if paid on time: Many BNPL apps offer 0% APR if you meet payment deadlines. * Instant credit decision: Most approvals happen in seconds, with no impact on your credit score if you pay on time. * Spending limits: Limits vary by provider but are usually between $100-$5,000 per transaction. Popular BNPL Apps Accepted at Macy's USA. Macy's is compatible with several top BNPL apps that you can use at checkout. Here's an overview: | BNPL App | Payment Plan | Interest & Fees | Approval Process | Credit Check | Spending Limits | | Klarna | 4 installments over 6 weeks | No interest, late fee applies | Soft credit check | Soft check only | Up to $1,500-$2,000 | | Affirm | 3, 6, or 12-month financing | Interest varies (0%-30% APR) | Hard credit check optional | May do hard check | Up to $17,500 | | Afterpay | 4 installments over 6 weeks | No interest, late fee applies | Soft credit check | Soft check only | Up to $1,000 | | Sezzle | 4 installments over 6 weeks | No interest, late fees apply | Soft credit check | Soft check only | Up to $2,500 | | PayPal Pay Later | 4 installments or 6 months | 0% interest for 6 months | Soft credit check | Soft check only | $30 to $1,500 | How to use BNPL apps at Macy's: * Online: Select BNPL option at Macy's checkout and follow the payment prompts. * In-store: Some Macy's locations support BNPL through mobile apps or online payment integration. Confirm BNPL options at checkout. Pros and cons of Pay Later at Macy's. Before you decide, let's weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using buy now pay later at Macy's. Pros. * Improves cash flow: Pay over time without a lump sum. * No or low interest: Many BNPL plans offer interest-free installments. * Easy approval: Quick application with minimal impact on credit. * Access to larger purchases: Spread cost of big buys like home goods. * Convenient online and in-store: Widely accepted at Macy's USA locations. Cons. * Late fees: Missed payments can lead to fees or affect credit. * Limited spending caps: BNPL apps often have lower maximums than credit cards. * May encourage overspending: Split payments can sometimes lead to impulse buying. * Varied terms: Interest-free periods vary; some deals may include interest. * Doesn't build credit: Most BNPL providers don't report to credit bureaus unless you default. Who should use buy now Pay Later at Macy's? Buy now pay later at Macy's is ideal for: * Shoppers on a budget wanting to avoid credit card interest charges. * People who want flexible payment schedules for costly purchases. * Shoppers lacking a credit card or who want to avoid applying for one. * Those who prefer transparent payment plans vs. revolving credit. * Consumers who are confident about their ability to pay on time to avoid penalties. On the flip side, if you're prone to missing payments or prefer to maintain rigid budgeting through debit cards, BNPL might be risky for you. Credit & Lending Alternatives to buy now Pay Later at Macy's. If BNPL at Macy's doesn't feel right, consider these other options: 1. Macy's credit card. * Special financing offers for cardholders. * Can earn Macy's rewards and discounts. * Requires a credit check and impacts credit score. 2. Zero-Interest Credit Cards. * Cards offering 0% APR on new purchases for 12-18 months. * Can consolidate Macy's purchases within no-interest period. * Requires good credit. 3. Personal loans. * Fixed interest and payment terms. * Ideal for larger purchases with longer repayment horizon. 4. Layaway programs (if available). * Pay Macy's upfront in increments before receiving the merchandise. * No interest but items are reserved until fully paid. 5. Use PayPal Pay in 4. * PayPal's BNPL option available at Macy's with similar installment plans. Final verdict: is buy now Pay Later at Macy's right for you? Buy now pay later at Macy's offers a flexible, convenient way to purchase what you want today while managing payments responsibly over time. If you're disciplined about making on-time payments and want to avoid credit card interest, BNPL apps like Klarna or Affirm provide an attractive alternative. Credit Cards However, if you struggle with budgeting or fear late fees, consider Macy's credit card or other financing methods that better suit your financial habits. Always review the terms and conditions for any BNPL provider before committing. When used wisely, pay later at Macy's can be a powerful tool to enhance your shopping experience in 2026. Frequently asked questions (FAQ). 1. Does Macy's offer buy now pay later financing in-store? Yes, some Macy's locations accept BNPL apps like Klarna or Affirm through mobile app payments or linked accounts, but availability may vary. Online shopping has broader BNPL access. 2. Do I need a Macy's credit card to use buy now pay later options? No. BNPL apps at Macy's operate independently of its credit card. You only need to select the BNPL option and apply during checkout. 3. Are there any fees associated with buy now pay later at Macy's? Most BNPL plans charge no interest if all payments are made on time. Late payments can incur fees ranging from $10-$30 depending on the provider. 4. How does buy now pay later impact my credit score? Most BNPL providers perform soft credit checks that don't affect your score. However, missed payments may be reported and negatively impact your credit. 5. What are the spending limits for BNPL at Macy's? Spending limits vary by BNPL provider, typically ranging from $100 to $5,000 per transaction. Affirm generally allows higher limits compared to others. 6. Can I return items purchased with buy now pay later? Yes. Macy's return policy applies as usual, but check with the BNPL provider if refunds or payment adjustments are automatic. 7. How long do I have to pay with Macy's pay later options? Payment plans range depending on the provider - from 6 weeks (4 installments) up to 12+ months for financing offers. 8. Can I combine buy now pay later with Macy's coupons or sales? Often, yes. You can use Macy's promotions with BNPL purchases but confirm terms during checkout. With the growing variety of flexible payment options available in 2026, using buy now pay later at Macy's can align perfectly with your financial goals - if you choose the right plan for your situation. Happy shopping! Discover more Credit & Lending Smartphones Kitchen Appliances