Does Dollar General Accept Afterpay, Klarna, Zip Pay & Other Buy Now Pay Later Services In 2024?

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

As of January 2023, Dollar General still does not take any third-party buy now, pay later (BNPL) services like Afterpay, Klarna, Zip Pay, etc. in its over 18,000 stores across 46 states or on its ecommerce site [1]. With affordable prices and a frugal shopper base, installments likely don‘t align with Dollar General‘s business model currently. But could this change in the future as BNPL rises in popularity?

The Growth of BNPL Among Shoppers

BNPL services have seen rapid adoption recently:

  • 10% of customers used BNPL globally in 2022, up from just 3% in 2020 [2]
  • Over 75 million BNPL loans were processed in the US last year [3]
  • Gen Z and millennials are 67% more likely to use BNPL than older generations [4]

Top providers like Afterpay, Klarna, and Zip allow online or in-store purchases to be split into 4 interest-free installments with low fees. This gives consumers more flexible spending, while allowing retailers to boost average order values.

ProviderOnline/In-StoreSpecific RetailersLate Fees
AfterpayBothFashion brands, home goods, electronicsUp to 25% of purchase
KlarnaBothBeauty, apparel, furniture, sporting goodsUp to $6 per loan
ZipBothMass merchants like Amazon, Target, WalmartUp to $30 per loan

Comparing some top BNPL provider features

Why Doesn‘t Dollar General Take BNPL Services?

Dollar General caters to lower income shoppers looking for discounts and deals. With this price-conscious audience, BNPL services may not fully align for a few reasons:

  • Average transaction size is only $12 – not enough to warrant installments [5]
  • Majority of essentials sold are non-discretionary goods that need upfront purchase
  • Low-cost merchandising model already aims to keep purchases affordable
  • Coupons and promotions at Dollar General provide extra savings

Additionally, supporting BNPL technology in over 18,000 locations could get very expensive. Based on their target audience, keeping overhead costs down seems strategically smarter.

In my opinion, while adoption is growing among younger shoppers, Dollar General‘s core frugal shopper base means BNPL doesn‘t suit their model…for now at least.

Payment Options Accepted at Dollar Stores

Despite no BNPL, Dollar General actually accepts various payment types:

  • Credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover
  • Debit cards with a PIN number
  • PayPal for easier online checkout
  • Cash
  • Personal checks with valid photo ID
  • Business checks with company details

Dollar General also takes Apple Pay and Google Pay in all locations via NFC contactless payments.

So payment options aren‘t lacking if you frequently shop here for home supplies, refrigerated goods, personal care items, or other general merchandise.

Where Can You Use Afterpay, Klarna & Other BNPL Services?

Many big box retailers accept third-party BNPL financing:

  • Afterpay: Bed Bath & Beyond, Kate Spade, Forever21, Finish Line
  • Klarna: Sephora, Groupon, Ray-Ban, Timberland
  • Affirm: Walmart, Pottery Barn, Warby Parker, Panera Bread
  • Paypal Pay in 4: Target, Macy‘s, Advance Auto Parts

You can find full lists of participating stores on the various BNPL provider sites. So the installment option is definitely there among major national brands.

The Future of BNPL at Dollar Stores

Could Dollar General ever change course and start accepting BNPL services from Klarna, Afterpay or other providers?

I think it‘s certainly possible as buy now, pay later keeps gaining adoption, especially among younger consumers who want more flexible spending. Plus if other discount retailers like Dollar Tree tested it out successfully, Dollar General may follow suit eventually.

But for 2024 at least, keep looking for Dollar General coupons and stick to debit, credit, or Paypal when checking out if you want to split up payments over time. BNPL isn‘t an option currently, but may emerge at dollar stores in the coming years!

  1. https://corporate.dollargeneral.com/About-Us/company_facts.aspx
  2. https://www.pymnts.com/bnpl/2022/installment-payments-see-steady-growth/
  3. https://fortune.com/2022/08/22/buy-now-pay-later-bnpl-gen-z-millennial-spending/
  4. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/buy-now-pay-later-statistics/
  5. https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/average-dollar-general-transaction-just-12-nrf-study-finds

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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