Does Walmart Have Layaway? When Does It Start? Solved

Logo sign on the exterior of a Walmart store

Walmart doesn’t have layaway. While it previously ran a seasonal layaway program during the holiday season, Walmart now offers Affirm financing as a year-round, pay-over-time option.[1][2]

For other stores with traditional layaway options, see our list of stores that offer layaway year-round.

Affirm Financing at Walmart

Walmart offers Affirm financing for in-store and online purchases.[2]

Affirm financing differs from layaway in that, though you’ll pay for items over time, you’ll take them home right away rather than allowing the store to hold them until you own them.[2][1]

Eligible Items

Many but not all items available at Walmart are eligible for Affirm financing.

You can buy items from the following categories with Affirm:[2]

  • Apparel
  • Arts and crafts
  • Automotive
  • Baby
  • Electronics (including televisions, computers, tablets, and smartwatches)
  • Home goods (including furniture and small kitchen appliances)
  • Jewelry
  • Musical instruments
  • Sports/outdoors
  • Tires
  • Tools
  • Toys
  • Video Games

Ineligible Items

Affirm won’t finance certain purchases, like consumable items and in-store services.

The following categories at Walmart aren’t eligible for Affirm:[2]

  • Alcohol
  • Consumable baby products (such as baby food)
  • Gasoline
  • Groceries/food
  • Health and wellness
  • Hunting supplies
  • Money services
  • One-hour photo processing
  • Personal care
  • Pet supplies
  • Pharmacy
  • Temporary specialty items
  • Tobacco
  • Weapons, weapon accessories, and ammunition
  • Wireless services

Applicant Eligibility

Whether making your purchase at a store or online, you’ll need to apply for Affirm online.

When shopping Walmart.com, you can apply through your shopping cart;[2] for in-store purchases, see if you qualify on Affirm’s website.

To apply for Affirm, you must be 18 or older (19 in Alabama).[3] You’ll need to provide a valid U.S. phone number, your full legal name, your email address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.[4]

Note that while there isn’t a set minimum credit score, final approval with Affirm requires a credit check through Experian or TransUnion.[1][5]

Financing Terms

Your financing terms with Affirm will depend on your total purchase amount.[2]

Typical plans include three-, six-, or 12-month repayment, though larger purchases may be eligible for up to 24 months.[2][1]

Some online purchases are eligible for special financing with APRs as low as 0%. If your purchase doesn’t qualify for special financing, your APR will range from 10% to 30%, depending on the details of your purchase.[2]

Aside from interest, Affirm doesn’t charge any additional fees, such as late fees, annual fees, or service fees.[2] It may require a down payment for high-value purchases.[6]

Keep in mind that unless you qualify for a promotional offer and pay it off before the promotional period ends, you’ll end up paying more for your item with financing than you would when buying it outright. It’s best to avoid financing unless you’re sure you can make all of the payments on time.

Making Payments

Once Affirm has approved you and you’ve made your purchase, you can make payments through Affirm’s website or the Affirm app (available for iOS and Android).[2][1]

Note that you can’t make payments at a Walmart store or through Walmart’s website.[1]

Returns

Purchases with Affirm are returnable at Walmart, whether made in-store or online.[2][1]

If you made your purchase at Walmart.com, you’ll need to initiate your return on the website and return the item by mail or to your local store. In-store purchases are returnable to any store location.[2][1]

Find out more about making returns to Walmart in our overview of Walmart’s return policy.

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  • racheal

    can you put bedding on layway the list of some items dont really say

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Racheal,

      Unfortunately the list of exactly what Walmart lets you put on layaway is somewhat vague. According to Walmart.com, bedding is in the “Home, Furniture, and Appliances” department. Matching that to the layaway list, bedding could fall under the furniture and appliances. To get an accurate answer you’ll need to get in touch with the Walmart you want to buy the bedding. Layaway specifics are left up to individual stores, and it might also depend what they have in stock this season.

  • Tiffany

    I am wanting a desk but they don’t offer it at any of the Walmart’s around me. I need to put it in layaway. Is there any way they could have it shipped to the Walmart and let me put it in layaway?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Tiffany,

      You’d have to check with your local Walmart to ask whether they can order an out of stock item. Layaway cannot be used on Walmart.com (i.e., for online purchases), so a store would have to get the item in stock for you to put it on layaway.

  • Bricola

    I have two items in layaway at Walmart, can I get one of them out before the other if I pay full price for that one, or do I have to pay the full amount for both?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Bricola,

      You’ll have to check at your local store, as they are free to adjust the layaway policy as they see fit. If you put both of these items on layaway at the same time as part of the same purchase, you might not be able to separate them. It may also depend on how much the items were worth. There’s a minimum purchase requirement of $50 for layaway, so if you had, for example, two items worth $25 that you joined to meet the minimum, I doubt Walmart would be willing to separate them for you.

  • Nicole

    Hello!! I have an existing layaway and wanted to add a few more items. Can I add to my existing layaway ?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Nicole,

      You’ll have to check with your specific store to see how they’ll deal with this situation, but you’ll probably have to make a new layaway purchase.

  • Name* (displayed publicly)

    Can you put rollback items on layaway?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi,

      Generally yes, you should be able to. The only sale that’s excluded from layaway is Black Friday. But, you’ll have to check with your local store to confirm, as each is able to change the layaway policy to fit their store and whats in stock. You can use the store finder to get your local store’s contact info and call ahead and ask, or you can visit the store to ask.

  • Heather

    Can you put a grill on layaway?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Heather,

      Thanks for your question. Unfortunately the categories Walmart gives for what can be put on layaway are somewhat unclear. Grills are in either the outdoor and sporting goods department or the patio and garden department. You can probably put one on layaway, but because each store’s layaway policy varies a bit, you’ll have to contact your local store to confirm. You can use the store finder to find your local store’s phone number and call ahead and ask, or stop in and ask, which ever is easier for you.

  • Bethany Jackson

    If you already have stuff on layway and you find something else you want to put on will they add it to you existing layaway

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Bethany,

      Each purchase you make on layaway is separate, and has to meet the requirements, such as being worth $50 total and each item being at least $10.

  • autumn bohannon

    Can you put trampolines on layway

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Autumn,

      My local Walmart said yes. Layaway policies can vary a bit from store to store, but you probably can put them on layaway at your store too. If you want to check what trampolines are stock before you head to the store, you can use the My Local Store function on Walmart.com to find your store by zip code and then search what’s in stock.

  • Brandy

    Can you use a Walmart gift card as payment towards your layaway?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Brandy,

      Yes, you should be able to use a Walmart gift card to make layaway payments.

  • Melody

    Can I have a Walmart layaway at different locations?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Melody,

      All Walmart locations do layaway, though specific terms, like when the layaway seasons starts and ends may vary slightly. If you put an item on layaway at one store, you’ll also have to make payments and pick up the item at the same store. And, layaway is not available for items on walmart.com. Hope that answers your question!

  • Betsy

    My son is building his first home and I was hoping to be able to layaway a lot of the items he will need for his Christmas gifts like linens/towels and kitchen items, trash cans etc. are these things that would be able to be placed on layaway.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Betsy,

      According to Walmart’s website, only the following items can be put on layaway: Electronics, Toys, Infant Toys, Infant Furniture,
      Small Appliances, Large Furniture, Auto Electronics, select Sporting Goods and Jewelry.

  • Kayla Walker

    How old do you have to be to put something on layaway

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Kayla,

      According to a Walmart customer service representative, you must be at least 21 to start a layaway at Walmart.

  • Jess

    When will Walmart start layaway this year?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Jess,

      Great question. Layaway begins early September this year and ends in mid December (last year it ended December 14th). Specific dates can vary by store, so if you you’re going to try to put something on layaway right when layaway starts, I’d recommend checking with your local Walmart to find their exact start date, so you don’t waste a trip there.

      The article has been updated to reflect this information.

  • Andrew

    How old do you have to be to use layaway

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Andrew,

      There is no minimum age to use Walmart’s seasonal layaway; however, keep in mind you will be expected to show a valid ID when picking up your layaway. Keep checking with your local Walmart, as many locations will start their seasonal layaway as early as September 1!

      • First Quarter Finance logo
        First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

        Hi Andrew,

        We just learned from a Walmart customer service representative that the minimum age to use Walmart layaway is 21. However, we found that this was not enforced at many Walmart locations and that customers could use the layaway service if they had a valid ID.

  • Name* (displayed publicly)

    Why can’t u put household goods on layaway or clothes? These are things we give as gifts.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Chelle,

      I’ve contacted Walmart a couple of times with this question, and it’s hard to get a helpful answer from them — it seems they have limited info on the layaway plan outside of the holiday season. Their website does reveal that they can’t put items on layaway if the item comes with a service plan. That might account for some home goods, for example, ones that come with installation, which is a service. Many household goods are available for layaway, however, including, small appliances, large furniture, and infant furniture.

  • Stephanie

    Why can’t there be clothes on layaway?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Stephanie,

      Unfortunately, Walmart doesn’t provide a specific answer to that question. They say: “Even though you may wish you could put all items in the store on layaway, sometimes it’s not possible. Some items are not practical to put on layaway because they may have a service plan attached, for example. Take advantage of the items you can put on layaway, and there are plenty!”

  • Colette

    Do I need a down payment right up front for stuff on layaway

  • Lavette

    Hi,

    When is layaway for Brunswick, Ga store?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Lavette,

      Layaway is offered during the holidays, except Black Friday. You should call your Walmart’s customer service desk to find out about the details. It looks like there are two Walmarts in Brunswick. Here’s the number for the one on Glynn Plaza: (912) 602-6145, and for the one on Atlama Connector it’s (912) 261-1616.

  • Justin

    Can i put tires on layaway?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Justin,

      Unfortunately, tires are not eligible for layaway at Walmart.

  • Debbie

    So if all those other stores can offer layaway year around and the are obviously smaller stores than Walmart … why can’t Walmart do it year around?

  • billie

    Do i have to make payment at the store where the layaway was originated or am i able to pay at any walmart location? I pay it forward and want to pay off a family acct. They originated their layaway at the walmart in mechanicsburg, pa. I live next to the walmart in shrewsbury, pa. Also, what information other that the name would i need to make the payment?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Billie,

      By the description on the Walmart website, it seems that the payments must be made at the store where the layaway account originated. However, individual Walmart locations may have different policies, so it may be worth a quick phone call to your own Walmart to find out if you can make a payment for an account at a different location. You can find the phone number for your local Walmart through the Walmart store finder. The name on the account should be all that you need in order to make a payment (assuming you go the originating Walmart location). I hope this helps!

  • virginia

    i live in cleveland ohio..do they offer a grace period..i just need 3 extra days if not i would have to cancel

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Virginia,

      Unfortunately, it does not seem as though any grace period is allowed on payments. The best thing to do to be absolutely sure would be to contact the Walmart store where you have the layaway account and speak with a representative directly. You can find contact information for the Walmart locations in Cleveland here. Since you are in Ohio, if you do end up canceling the purchase, you won’t be charged the $10 cancellation fee and you should receive a full refund. Best of luck!

  • Jill Hood

    Can payments for Layaway be made online?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Jill,

      Payments can be made at any register or at the Pickup Desk, but not online.

      The article has been updated to reflect this information.

  • Jill McHale

    I have 3 items currently on layaway at Walmart. I have decided not to purchase one of the items. The remaining 2 still exceed the $50 requirement. Will they charge me to restock the item I do not want?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Jill,

      The wording on the Walmart website says that the $10 fee will be charged if the layaway “account” is canceled. I went ahead and called the Walmart customer service line to clarify whether that meant the entire account or any item in the account. The representative told me that it was ultimately up to the individual store whether or not to charge the fee for cancelling one item in an active account, so you’ll have to get in touch with your local store to find out for sure. Sorry I couldn’t bring you a more definitive answer!

      The article has been updated to reflect this information.

      • Jill McHale

        Thank you so much, Hillary, for investigating for me. Happy holidays to you and your family!

  • janice hunter

    can gift cards be put in lay a way ?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Janice,

      Unfortunately, gift cards aren’t eligible for the layaway program at Walmart.

  • Anita

    If I have an item on layaway an it goes on sale,do I get it at the sale price?

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Hillary M. Miller

      Hi Anita,

      Great question! Typically the original price will be the price that’s fixed for the layaway installments. However, Walmart’s standard policies on returns and ad matching also apply to layaway purchases, so customers are able to pursue refunds, exchanges, or price reductions. If an item goes on sale after you’ve put it on layaway, you should be able to either re-negotiate the layaway payments, or (more likely) make the payments in full and receive the price adjustment afterward, depending on how the store wants to handle it. I hope this helps!

      • Rachael

        Yes they do give it to you for the sale price

    • Nancy Clukey

      What sporting goods items be put on layaway?

      • First Quarter Finance logo
        First Quarter Finance | Kathleen Wilson

        Hi Nancy,

        Unfortunately Walmart doesn’t have a universal policy on what sporting goods can and can’t be put on layaway – this is a decision that’s reserved for individual stores to make. However, after doing some digging around online, other customers report that in their experiences most all sporting goods are available for layaway, aside from ammo and other hunting-related sporting goods.

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