How the Integration Works for Merchants
A fintech collaboration will bring a pay‑over‑time payment option to U. S. shoppers. Antom, the global merchant‑payment arm of Ant International, has teamed up with U. S. lender and buy‑now‑pay‑later provider, affirm, to enable Antom merchants to offer American consumers flexible financing.
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Merchants who already use Antom’s payment gateway can add affirm as an option during checkout with minimal code changes. Antom’s system automatically routes qualifying orders to affirm, which performs credit underwriting and sets payment schedules. The merchant then receives the full amount immediately, while the customer pays in installments. This setup reduces risk for merchants and expands payment choices for shoppers.
Will U. S. Customers See More Flexibility?
Yes. The partnership is expected to increase the number of Americans who can access buy‑now‑pay‑later options without needing a credit card. By leveraging Antom’s existing merchant network, affirm can reach a broader audience, especially in small‑to‑mid‑size businesses that previously lacked easy access to installment financing. The collaboration also supports Antom’s goal of expanding its footprint in the U. S. market.
The partnership could reshape the U. S. e‑commerce landscape, offering merchants a competitive edge and giving consumers more control over their spending. As both companies grow their user bases, the pay‑over‑time model may become a standard feature of online shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of merchants can benefit from this partnership? Merchants that already use Antom’s payment platform, from large retailers to small online shops, can add affirm’s installment option with minimal technical effort.
Will customers have to pay interest on these payments? Affirm offers both interest‑free and low‑interest plans. The specific terms depend on the merchant’s agreement and the customer’s credit profile.
How does this affect the merchant’s cash flow? Merchants receive the full purchase amount immediately, while the customer pays over time. This arrangement preserves liquidity for the merchant while providing flexible payment to the buyer.
