Buying a new TV used to mean saving for months, timing a big holiday sale, and lugging a massive box out of the store—hopefully, avoiding any fist fights. Today, with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), you can walk out with a big screen—or schedule delivery—and spread out the cost.
BNPL is especially popular for TVs because they’re one of the most common big-ticket household upgrades. In America, according to Mordor Intelligence (no Tolkien association… I think), over 50 million units are expected to be sold by the end of 2025. When you’re replacing an old set or finally investing in a home entertainment system, the ability to skip the full upfront cost makes the decision less stressful.
Key Takeaways
- Household Upgrade: TVs are one of the most common big-ticket items people finance with BNPL.
- Approval Process: Most BNPL apps use soft checks, so applying doesn’t hurt your credit score.
- Retail Reach: BNPL is widely accepted at stores like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and directly through TV brands.
- Payment Flexibility: Options range from four biweekly installments to multi-year plans with interest.
- Cost Creep: Bundles, delivery, and accessories can raise the total balance more than expected.
Why People Use BNPL for TVs
TVs aren’t just gadgets—they’re the centerpiece of living rooms. Families use them for streaming, sports, gaming, and even smart-home features. That’s why TVs show up in BNPL usage data more than you might expect. Unlike a laptop or phone, they’re shared purchases, and BNPL makes it easier for households to upgrade together.
There’s also the purchase amount creep: you might go in for a $700 TV and walk out with a $1,200 bundle that includes a mount, soundbar, and extended warranty. BNPL smooths out that gap by letting you handle smaller installments instead of one big hit to your budget.
Where to Buy a Smart TV: In-Store and Online BNPL
BNPL isn’t limited to online shopping—you’ll find it integrated in-store too. Here are some of the common retailers where BNPL shows up at checkout:
- Best Buy – Works with Affirm, often offering 6–24 month repayment plans.
- Target – Offers Sezzle and Klarna for TVs and bundles.
- Costco – Often runs promotions with Affirm, though membership is required.
- Samsung and Sony – Sell directly through their websites, with Affirm as the main BNPL partner.
- Walmart – Partners with Affirm and PayPal Pay Later for TVs across all price ranges.
And if the retailer doesn’t list BNPL directly, services like Zip or Sezzle Anywhere let you use a virtual card to finance your purchase.
How the BNPL Payments Actually Work
TV prices vary a lot, so let’s look at three realistic scenarios: a $300 budget set, a $700 mid-range upgrade, and a $1,500 premium screen.
$300 Budget TV
- Pay-in-4 (Sezzle): $75 upfront, then three more $75 payments every two weeks.
- 6-month plan (Klarna): About $50 per month, interest-free if approved.
- 12-month plan (Affirm, 15% APR): Around $27 per month, total ~$324.
- 24-month plan (Affirm, 20% APR): Around $15 per month, total ~$360.
$700 Mid-Range TV
- Pay-in-4 (Sezzle): $175 upfront, then three more $175 payments every two weeks.
- 6-month plan (Klarna): About $117 per month, interest-free if approved.
- 12-month plan (Affirm, 15% APR): Around $63 per month, total ~$756.
- 24-month plan (Affirm, 20% APR): Around $35 per month, total ~$840.
$1,500 Premium TV
- Pay-in-4 (Sezzle): $375 upfront, then three more $375 payments every two weeks.
- 6-month plan (Klarna): About $250 per month, interest-free if approved.
- 12-month plan (Affirm, 15% APR): Around $135 per month, total ~$1,620.
- 24-month plan (Affirm, 20% APR): Around $75 per month, total ~$1,800.
The trade-off is clear: shorter plans mean larger payments but often no interest, while longer plans are easier on your monthly budget but can cost more overall. Sezzle, in particular, is a strong option for shoppers who want the simplicity of pay-in-4 and the flexibility to reschedule a payment for free if life throws a curveball. For bigger-ticket TVs, though, some households may prefer the longer-term plans offered by Affirm or Klarna.
Timing Your TV Purchase
One unique factor with TVs is the sales calendar. Unlike a gaming rig that’s priced consistently, TVs go on steep discounts during key shopping events:
- Black Friday
- Super Bowl season (January/February)
- Back-to-school for dorm TVs
- Memorial Day and summer sales for outdoor setups
BNPL helps you lock in those deals without waiting to save (or an even better deal if you’re willing to put your purchase on hold). That way, you can snag the lowest prices and still spread out payments.
Hidden Costs to Watch
When using BNPL for TVs, don’t forget add-ons:
- Delivery and installation charges may not be included.
- Accessories (wall mounts, HDMI cables) add to the balance.
- Subscriptions (streaming apps, premium features) can creep into your monthly expenses.
A $700 TV can quickly become a $1,200 checkout cart, and BNPL makes it easy to roll those extras in without thinking twice.
Final Thoughts
BNPL isn’t just changing how people buy televisions—it’s changing the whole experience of upgrading your living room. Instead of stressing over the purchase amount, you can spread it out with Sezzle, Affirm, Klarna, or Zip.
Whether you’re grabbing a budget set or a high-end Sony model, the right service makes it possible to bring home your upgrade today and fit it comfortably into your budget tomorrow. Just like choosing between brands, screen sizes, and features, choosing the right BNPL plan can mean the difference between a smooth setup and financial strain.
FAQs
Mostly no. BNPL services like Sezzle, Klarna, and Afterpay often run soft checks, which don’t affect your credit score, but a true no-check option is rare.
Major retailers like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon all offer BNPL at checkout. Some TV makers, like Samsung and Sony, also integrate Affirm directly.
It depends on the TV price and plan. A $700 TV could mean $175 every two weeks with pay-in-4, or about $63 a month over 12 months with interest.
Most services charge late fees, and some may lower your spending limit or restrict access until the balance is caught up. Consistent late payments could affect credit.
It depends. BNPL can be cheaper with interest-free installments, but credit cards may offer rewards or 0% promotional APRs. The better choice depends on your budget and the terms offered.
