Perpay works at most stores, but not everywhere a regular credit card does
Perpay is a buy-now-pay-later card, not a standard credit card, so it has real limits on where you can use it. You can swipe it at physical retailers and some online stores, but it will not work at gas pumps, ATMs, or most subscription services. The card is designed for shopping at specific merchants, and the payment plan is built into each purchase — you cannot use it like a regular card that you pay off in full later.
The places where Perpay works depend on whether you are shopping in a store or online, and whether the merchant has partnered with the Perpay network. Before you open an account, you should know exactly which stores near you accept it, because discovering it does not work at checkout is frustrating and wastes time.
Key Takeaways
- Perpay works at physical stores and online retailers that have partnered with the Perpay network, but the list of merchants is smaller than what accepts Visa or Mastercard.
- You cannot use Perpay at gas pumps, ATMs, casinos, or for wire transfers, money orders, or subscription services like Netflix or gym memberships.
- Each Perpay purchase is split into four equal payments over six weeks, with the first payment due at checkout and the rest due every two weeks.
- If a store does not show Perpay as a payment option at checkout, the card will be declined, and you will need to use a different payment method.
- You can check which stores near you accept Perpay by searching the merchant list on the Perpay app or website before you shop.
Stores and retailers where Perpay is accepted
Perpay works at a growing list of physical retailers, but it is not accepted everywhere. Major chains that accept Perpay include Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Ulta Beauty, and many smaller specialty stores. The exact list changes as Perpay adds new merchant partners, so the store you want to shop at today may not be on the list yet.
Online shopping is where Perpay has broader reach. You can use it on many e-commerce sites, including some that sell clothing, home goods, electronics, and beauty products. However, not every online retailer accepts Perpay, even if they accept other buy-now-pay-later services. When you check out online, Perpay will appear as a payment option only if that merchant has partnered with the network.
The best way to know if a specific store accepts Perpay is to search the merchant directory in the Perpay app or on their website before you go shopping. This takes 30 seconds and saves you from being declined at the register.
Places where Perpay will not work
Perpay cannot be used at gas pumps, ATMs, or any merchant that requires a PIN entry at a terminal. This means you cannot withdraw cash, pay for fuel, or use it at self-checkout kiosks that ask for a PIN. The card is designed for point-of-sale transactions where the merchant processes the payment through the Perpay network, not for cash access or PIN-based transactions.
You also cannot use Perpay for subscription services, recurring charges, or bill payments. This includes streaming services, gym memberships, insurance premiums, utilities, phone bills, and any merchant that bills you monthly. Perpay is built for one-time purchases, not ongoing charges, so the payment plan does not work with subscriptions.
Gambling, wire transfers, money orders, and lottery tickets are also blocked. Some financial institutions and government agencies do not accept Perpay either, so if you are trying to pay a court fine, tax bill, or government fee, you will likely need a different payment method.
How Perpay payments work when you use the card
When you use Perpay at a store or online, the purchase is automatically split into four equal payments. The first payment is due at checkout, and the remaining three payments are due every two weeks after that. You do not choose the payment schedule — it is the same for every purchase, regardless of the amount.
The payments come out of your bank account on the dates Perpay sets, so you need to make sure you have enough money available on each due date. If a payment fails, Perpay will charge a late fee, and the missed payment can affect your ability to make future purchases. Unlike a credit card, you cannot pay off the full balance early to avoid interest — Perpay does not charge interest, but the payment schedule is fixed.
Each purchase is separate, so if you buy something today and something else next week, you will have two different payment schedules running at the same time. This can add up quickly if you make multiple purchases, so it is worth tracking what you owe and when.
What to do if a store does not accept Perpay
If you try to use Perpay and the card is declined, the merchant does not accept it. You will need to use a different payment method — a regular credit card, debit card, cash, or another buy-now-pay-later service if the store accepts one. There is no way to force a merchant to accept Perpay if they have not partnered with the network.
If you want to shop at a store that does not accept Perpay, you can contact Perpay customer service and ask them to add that merchant to their network. They do not always say yes, but merchant requests do influence which stores they pursue partnerships with. In the meantime, you will need to use another payment method at that store.
Using Perpay online versus in physical stores
Perpay works differently depending on whether you are shopping online or in a store, but the payment plan is the same either way. In physical stores, you hand the card to the cashier or insert it into the terminal, and the transaction goes through the Perpay network. Online, Perpay appears as a payment option at checkout, usually alongside credit cards and other payment methods.
Online shopping with Perpay can be faster because you do not have to enter your card details manually — the Perpay app or website handles the payment. In stores, the process is the same as using any other card, except the merchant has to be part of the Perpay network. If you are not sure whether a store accepts Perpay, check the app before you go, or ask the cashier when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Perpay at Walmart or Target?
Yes, both Walmart and Target accept Perpay at physical locations and online. However, not every Walmart or Target location may have Perpay enabled yet, so if the card is declined, ask the cashier or try a different store location. You can also check the Perpay app to confirm before you shop.
Will Perpay work at Amazon?
Perpay is not currently accepted on Amazon. Amazon has its own buy-now-pay-later service called Amazon Pay Later, which works only on Amazon purchases. If you want to use a buy-now-pay-later service on Amazon, you will need to use their service instead.
Can I use Perpay to pay bills or subscriptions?
No, Perpay does not work for recurring charges, subscriptions, or bill payments. The card is designed for one-time purchases at retail stores and online merchants. If you need to pay a bill or subscription, you will need to use a regular credit card, debit card, or bank account.
What happens if I use Perpay at a store that does not accept it?
The card will be declined, and the transaction will not go through. You will need to use a different payment method. There is no penalty for a declined transaction, but you will need to have another way to pay available at checkout.
Can I withdraw cash from an ATM with my Perpay card?
No, Perpay cards cannot be used at ATMs. The card is not designed for cash withdrawals, and ATMs will decline it. If you need cash, you will need to use a debit card or visit your bank.