Walmart Is Not Offering Layaway in 2022, But There IS an Alternative…

By Jenna | Staff Writer
Oct 11, 2022 @ 10:00 AM MDT

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Walmart Layaway has been replaced with Affirm for the 2022 holiday shopping season.

hands holding a phone with affirm app on screen

Walmart Layaway will not be available this holiday season.

For the second year in a row, Walmart with not be offering its popular in-store layaway service during the holiday shopping season. Instead, it’s giving shoppers the chance to spread their holiday spending across a period of 3-24 months with the Affirm program.

Affirm offers a “buy now, pay later” plan that is loosely based on the idea of layaway, but with several significant differences.

blue walmart.online shipping box on area rug near a door

What is Affirm?

Affirm partners with select retailers to give customers the option to make installment payments on their purchases. Like Layaway, Affirm can be used on your in-store purchases at Walmart. It can also be used online too, which is a benefit that Layaway didn’t offer! However, Affirm is only available for eligible items between $144 and $2,000, whereas Layaway could be used for items costing $10 or more.

Another key difference between Affirm and Walmart’s traditional Layaway program is that an interest rate will usually apply to any purchase financed with Affirm. This rate ranges from 10-30% APR based on your credit, but there is currently a promotional rate of 0% APR on select items if you qualify.

Affirm app

You should also know that Affirm is only available for shoppers who qualify to use this program, and applications are subject to an eligibility check.

The eligibility check won’t affect your credit score, but this is an additional step that was not required by Walmart’s Layaway service. Note that like any other line of credit, if you do agree to a payment plan through Affirm, this may affect your credit score.

shopping cart full of toys

What items can I purchase with Affirm?

The following items are all able to be financed with Affirm:

  • Electronics, such as laptops, TVs, iPhones, video gaming, and more
  • Home, such as mattresses, furniture, and more
  • Home improvement and tools
  • Auto
  • Sports and outdoors
  • Toys
  • Baby
  • Apparel
  • Jewelry

Purina ONE Smartblend Dog food at Walmart

What items can not be purchased with Affirm?

The following are the items that can’t be purchased with Affirm:

  • Pharmacy, health, and wellness
  • Groceries and food
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Baby consumables
  • Pet supplies
  • Wireless services plan
  • Gasoline
  • Weapons and accessories

electronics section of store

How to use Affirm on your Walmart purchases

We know how important Layaway was to many people and that Affirm may not seem like a great alternative for everyone. But if you do decide that it’s a good option for you, here are the steps you can take to pay with an installment plan through Affirm:

For in-store purchases:

  • Visit affirm.online/shop/walmart to enter your purchase total and apply.
  • If approved, choose your desired payment plan.
  • Take your item(s) to the register and checkout with your single-use barcode.
  • Download the Affirm app or sign in at affirm.online to set up AutoPay or to make payments on your purchase.

For online purchases:

  • Shop from the list of Affirm-eligible items.
  • At checkout, look for the Affirm logo and click Apply now.
  • If approved, choose your desired payment plan.
  • Checkout with Affirm as your chosen payment method.
  • Download the Affirm app or sign in at affirm.online to set up AutoPay or make payments on your purchase.

Want to check in on your credit score without any negative effects? Head here to see it for FREE!

About the writer:

Jenna has a Bachelor's Degree from Lyonlineing College and her Master's from Penn State, holding 4 years of writing experience between a variety of publications and Hip2Save.

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  1. Jamie

    We have 2 Walmart’s in my town and neither of them are doing Layaway. I don’t know what people are going to do sometimes that is the only way some people can afford Christmas presents. The Walmart’s around us as well are not doing it either. Not enough workers to do it I was told.

    Reply7
    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      DARN! Thanks for the feedback, Jamie.

      Reply
    • Melissa

      Go on the Walmart app,put items in your cart that you want, get the total then every 2 weeks when you get paid put the amount away you would put on the layaway!

      Reply2
      • Chris Lavenz

        Prices change to much to do that. I have to penny pinch to afford things so I often get things on sale or clearance.

        Reply
      • Cheryl morrison

        I think that’s a really good idea!!! At least it would give someone an idea of what they would need.

        Reply
    • Lauren Rector

      I just called my local Walmart here in South Carolina and they confirmed they will not be doing layaway this year only offering “deals” around the holidays. Im really disappointed.

      Reply1
      • Priscilla King

        Same here in my area, I really depend on the layaway for the holiday…

        Reply
    • Erica

      Walmart is not doing layaway this year I call corporate from Michigan

      Reply
    • mandy arietta

      I live in Davie, FL and I called to ask if they were doing layaway this year and they said no.

      Reply1
      • Arelys318

        Hi Neighbor!

        Reply
    • Katrina

      Walmart participating with the KLARNA APP. You can pay 4 payments. Klarna can be used with many stores. I love it 😀

      Reply1
      • DEanna Bridges

        I agree!
        Plus no interest fees, if you have good credit

        Reply1
        • Kate

          I have garbage credit and still interest free!

          Reply
    • Samantha McCarty

      I know I think it’s horrible walmarts makes the most money on stores n people like me a 70 year old widow can’t buy for grandkids or anybody this year I start in August with layaway it really stinks a piss poor xmas this year wish it was over so ashamed for kids no xmas Thx To All Money Hungry People in Wallmarts wish Kmart was still open miss it was kinda higher but was a choice

      Reply
  2. Evie

    You can pretend you have a layaway and save money every week in an envelope. Hidden from the others. Worked good for me when I had to!
    I do not see much in the stores worth buying.

    Reply1
    • Kristin Smith

      You are right there is nothing much out there at all

      Reply
  3. KCall

    Can someone submit a lit of Walmart’s that partipate in Layaway ? Please!! Hard to find this information

    Reply
  4. Peggy Johnson

    I need lay a way. Walmart will lose money this year.

    Reply2
    • Joyce

      Not really .. A lot of people that can will use online. A lot of employees use it also but now cant. I think its cause of covid19.

      Reply
    • Priscilla King

      I agree, I need it too…

      Reply
  5. Yolanda Y Tamplin

    Why would they stop doing layaway when this pandemic is going on and people is struggling to pay bills keep food on the table and now you’re taking away a chance where kids can get 2 -3 toys

    Reply1
    • Priscilla King

      EXACTLY!!!

      Reply
  6. Donna C

    I think Walmart owner is very selfish by not helping out the families that are struggling with Xmas and any other holidays they have money that shows you how much Walmart care in other you don’t care if the kids have Xmas are not that’s how Rich folk’s act

    Reply1
    • Jodi P

      How is it anyone’s fault if you’re not setting aside some money every week to buy Christmas gifts?
      That makes no sense at all.

      Reply1
      • Mandy

        You’re a cruel person. People are talking about gifts for kids and you’d deny them to children because their parents don’t have the ability to save money throughout the year.

        Reply1
        • Jodi P

          I’m not cruel. Cruel is telling kids they won’t get gifts because walmart doesn’t have layaway. If a person can onlinee up with weekly payments for layaway the two months before christmas, why can’t they save a little weekly for two months before thanksgiving, and spend the money, then?

          Reply1
          • Maggie

            The point of layaway is not just making the payments but being assured that the toys/ items your children want most (often “hot” toys) are safely tucked away in layaway. Otherwise you are scrambling at the last minute trying to find these items once the designated amount of money is saved. Layaway is depended on by many families. Those being judgemental here obviously have not needed this assistance at any time in their lives, and if that’s the case, I’m happy for you. But, understand that you are the exception. Walmart is a large corporation operating in the black that can certainly afford to continue this program for families who need it.

            Reply
  7. Danielle

    I work at Walmart is the state of Indiana. My store isn’t doing layaway this year either. I get asked every day if we’re doing my way and I have to tell them no. It’s going to be their fault that we’re going to lose money this year. I mean there’s not a lot of people that can’t afford Christmas like everybody said they’re struggling I honestly don’t think they honestly care I mean I do it’s why I get upset when I have to tell customers that we’re not doing layway.

    Reply1
    • Jodi P

      I don’t understand that logic. How can people “not be able to afford christmas” without layaway, when they’re actually paying for the gifts? If you’ve got money to make weekly layaway payments, then obviously you’ve got money to set aside to buy the gifts, anyway.
      Start putting aside some money every week, by December you’ll have money to spend on Christmas. It’s the same exact thing.

      Reply1
      • LibLiz

        You are speaking like someone of privilege.

        The point is you can put things away when they are on sale, securing that price, then make payments on them before Christmas. That’s how a lot of people save money and make every dollar stretch.

        Reply2
        • Coridg

          Or you can plan ahead and have a Christmas saving account so when those sales happen, you take advantage of the sale without needing layaway.

          Reply
        • Jennifer

          Yes. Many toys go on sale or deep discount in October. If your’re not living on the edge, I guess you could start envelope saving in Jan to be prepared,but for many families, if a disaster arises in that period,that envelope will have to go to fix car or other issue thinking, “we’ve got x months” and can start again. Also,many folks get a bonus right before Christmas,and unfortunately, many desirable toys are long gone,and the cheap toys have been bought by charitable groups. I’ve see folks walk down the discount toy aisle at Walmart and sweep toys into several baskets. This does help some families who are beneficiaries of certain charities,but hurts many who aren’t eligible. Target and walmart often will stop getting shipments long before Christmas and many shelves are bare.

          Reply
  8. Erica

    I was looking forward to Walmart doing layaway again.

    For those looking for an option to make payments on items use Affirm or Klarna. I’m not sure if Walmart accepts QuadPay or PayPal.

    Reply
  9. Graciela

    I lived in Hendersonville nc I went to waltmart and ask they say nope no Christmas layway this year both of them oh my gosh now how we gonna buy stuff for our kids and family somebody need to talk to the corporate

    Reply1
    • Priscilla King

      I agree, I need layaway also…

      Reply
  10. JoAnna

    Easy way to avoid lay…..put money on a Walmart gift card all year and use it for Christmas 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

    Reply4
    • Stacy F (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      That’s a great idea, JoAnna! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    • Lori

      That’s a smart alternative to layaway. Thanks for the idea.

      Reply
    • Chris Lavenz

      Now that is a great idea.

      Reply
    • Jodi P

      That is a good idea. Most banks do not seem to offer “Christmas Club” accounts, anymore.

      Reply1
      • KC

        My husband and I have a Christmas savings through our credit union and this is how we save for the Christmas. Whatever we don’t spend just carries over to the next year

        Reply
  11. Pamela Moore

    I can’t believe that Walmart isn’t doing layaways this year😔😔😔😔😔. I’m so disappointed in them especially since they are my go to place.
    No layaways in Citrus, Marion, Hernando Florida.
    People do or did depend on you for layaways at Christmas.

    Reply
  12. BB

    I think it’s sad they are not doing layaway. I know my parents counted on it when I was a child having 3 kids. However, it doesn’t surprise me they are no longer doing it because times are changing whether it’s due to Covid or not. But I don’t understand the panic and anger. A business runs on the way they feel is going to best benefit them. I think there have been some great ideas listed on here from saving money in an envelope to buying gift cards to use for saving up. Starting now. It would be the same as making payments on a layaway order. Another idea to add to that is if you don’t think you would not be able to touch an envelope with money and gift cards in it ( I would have a hard time with it lol). Try giving it to a trusted friend or family member to hold onto it for safe keeping and pay them the money. Knowing how much you were able to save in a few months could be exciting. Then go shopping there usually is better deals closer to Christmas then there is now anyways.

    Reply
  13. laura-24

    Start saving a little bit every week starting in January. And perhaps cut back on how much you spend on each child. I personally think Christmas spending has gotten out of control.

    Reply3
    • tipaye

      I agree with other posters above who are referencing self-discipline. Put the money to the side (that you’d be paying for layaway payments, anyway) earlier in the year and avoid these ridiculous interest rates the new program/alternative is charging. Christmas needing to be ‘financed’ might be something somebody chooses to reflect upon. ‘Budgeted-for’ I feel is more appropriate, and will give a sense of what one is in the position to *actually* be spending. $10 a week is a McDonalds trip and adds-up to $40/month. Same with Starbucks, etc. Even if one lives the strictest of lifestyles and has absolutely no ‘additional’ inonlinee, how does this additional inonlinee magically appear when layaway payments are due? Walmart is an organization that has to look out for the onlinepanies best interests and COVID has changed *many* things. It’s not their job to be Santa Claus and lose money—it’s the parents job to live within their budget. Happiness and the spirit of Christmas cannot be bought. There are plenty of low-cost (or free) activities to supplement toys. Try incorporating baking (spending time with your children), driving around to look at Christmas light displays, etc. It’s ok if your child’s ‘Instagram haul’ pics aren’t like some of their other friends. There will always be people with more or less than your family. And for the younger ones, it’s mostly the parents trying to provide a ‘perfect’ Christmas. I’ve been there 🙏🏻 Just some things to think about…

      Reply1
      • KC

        Agreed. My husband and I have a Christmas Club through our credit union and we budget what we spend on the holidays. whatever is left over rolls over to the next year

        Reply
    • tipaye

      Agreed

      Reply
    • Bornonthe4thofJuly

      Laura, I couldn’t agree more.

      Reply
  14. Sherry

    The reason so many people are struggling financially is because of the buy now pay later mentality. When we first started out we only bought what we could afford to pay for when we bought it. We saved till we saved enough saved up to purchase what we thought we wanted. Here is a spoiler alert, by the time we had enough saved we usually no longer wanted nor needed the item we were saving for.

    Reply1
    • Coridg

      I couldn’t agree more. Layaway only enables bad spending habits to begin with.

      Reply
  15. MommySpendsLess

    Sorry for the silly question – how is is layaway different than saving up to buy something? Don’t you have to pay for the merchandise in full before you pick it up? Does it just lock in a sales price?

    Reply1
    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Great question! Yes, most times it will lock in a sale price and ensure that you have the item. For example a HOT toy may be out of stock before you have saved up for it. Hope this is helpful!

      Reply
  16. laura-24

    THIS!!!! Thank you

    Reply
  17. kerRI

    When i was a child (a long time ago 😕) my mom did something at our local Citizens bank called The Christmas Club. She put maybe $10 or $20 (idk) a week into it and was able to cash it out in November of beginning of December. I do know she did layaway at one of our states local stores thats now long gone too tho. Idk what to suggest this year but maybe the christmas club still exists or for next year people can open another acct at the bank and put money per week into that or as suggested above, put money on a prepay gc that allows you to reload, just make sure the card you choose doesnt have reload fees or that would essentially defeat the purpose. Afterpay is free and you could always shop at stores that accept it. There are TONS.

    Reply1
    • Amber

      A lot of credit unions do Christmas accounts also and send a check out the end of October.

      Reply
  18. Lase

    Maybe everyone will be encouraged to just buy what they can afford or not buy at all.

    Reply1
    • Coridg

      Simple and straight to it. Great onlinement !

      Reply
  19. tipaye

    Agreed

    Reply
  20. Want Better Do Better

    How is anyone not setting aside even the tiniest bit of money for an event that happens the SAME DAY EVERY YEAR? Christmas is onlineing!???! (insert nonsensical panic here). We are a single-inonlinee special needs family so don’t onlinee at me because I KNOW life is HARD. I also know that it’s our responsibility to squirrel away whatever money we can each month for Christmas/Birthdays/Halloween costumes,etc. & not wait until the last minute to find money like we didn’t know about Christmas. 🤦‍♀️ I say no all year to hair dye, nail appointments, LV bags, PSL’s from Starbucks, the dollar spot at Target, the AOS at Aldi & we have enough for these childhood purchases each & every time. Boggles the mind, right? 🤷‍♀️

    Reply1
    • Coridg

      You nailed it! I wish you the best of Christmas this year. Whatever that means for you.

      Reply
  21. Tina9222

    OR…. Just boycott Walmart!! Maybe if enough people do this they will change things up next year. Just a thought. It personally doesn’t affect me I think the last time I did a layaway was 25 years ago,I just do six months of savings for our vacation and six month for Christmas and sometimes I don’t even get to use it all up because it adds up, I put in anywhere from $5 to $25 each week depending on what’s left after paying everything. NO CHEATING THO 😉 good luck to everyone 🙏🏻

    Reply
  22. JOSEPH ALVAREZ

    After they destroy the onlinepetition Kmart now no price match and no layaways

    Reply
  23. Beth

    This is the probably the first time I have ever seen such judgmental and negative onlinements on this site. It truly makes me sad that there are so many people that can not even try to understand why someone would need layaway. I am grateful I do not need it now, but as a single mother, when my daughter was young, it gave her many very happy Christmases! It is not just being able to afford something, it is about being able to to reserve items for the best price possible while they are available. Please do not criticize why others may choose to use layaway. I had always found everyone so kind on here, it really made me sad to read the onlinements posted here.

    Reply3
    • huertac1

      No kidding. Agreed.

      Reply
    • Rex

      You must be fairly new around here then 😆

      Reply
    • Sara

      Agreed. No one knows every one’s home situation. I had 1 child I used layaway to get hard to find (most, had to have) toys. I also got some of these hard to find toys for his grandfather to give to me. I had the money but nbr. 1. I did not want to bring them home yet. Nbr. 2 These were hard to find. Toys R Us did not have them. Finally, some of u are not in place to tell people how Celebrate the Holidays. Furthermore, none of u have a right to tell people how to try to save money when u have no knowledge their living situations. Until u walked in Others shoes show some onlinepassion. I know I am the oldest with V two brothers. My parents V did layaway. Then when they divorce when I was 11 and my brothers were 10 & 8 believe me we knew what it meant to have no Christmas. We lived my dad. No credit and no money. Some of these won’t qualify for The credit that is now offered. Last heard V Walmart raised wages to over $17.00 Hr. So they should have plenty no of help. I refuse to shop at Walmart. Target much nicer. Now I know I will stay away I from Walmart. For all of U out there who seem to answers for those who rely on Layaway for whatever reason. I just hope U never find Yourself in a position where a decision made by Corp may effect the happiness of yr family. Think before U write the next time. Believe Me I have onlinee Long way – making 6 figures – It time for all of U to remember Where U Came From!!!

      Reply
  24. Csandst1

    I know for some people this is not practical but you can give yourself a 52 week savings challenge. The lowest printable I’ve see is for $1 but if you can’t afford that the. Adjust the amount. Here’s a pdf demonstrating the example. I used the chart as an example to my kids so they can see how a small amount of money can grow.

    If you can’t afford $1 then bump it down to 50 cents.

    https://www.lgfcu.org/sites/default/files/docs/52week_challenge.pdf

    Reply2
  25. Natalie Marie

    I’d reconlineend doing a Christmas Club at your local Bank,If you put in $40 bi-weekly you have over $1,000 for Christmas,We get ours the middle of October..

    Reply1
    • Gayle

      That’s a great idea. I joined the Christmas Club this year at my credit union. If you bank online you can transfer the money online into your Christmas Club. I can transfer any amount. Even if it’s too late for this Christmas, join now and you’ll be ready for next Christmas.
      I remember years ago many stores had layaway’s. Unfortunately times have changed.

      Reply
  26. Barb

    I think maybe a factor in discontinuing layaway is the instability of the supply chain. Toy onlinepanies have already said there will be huge shortages this year, and if you see it, buy it then. Walmart is probably not going to have as much to sell in toys and electronics, and what they do get they don’t want tied up for weeks waiting on final payment.

    Reply1
    • hopchick

      That, and lack of staff to work the layaway dept. Much better for customer service and safety to have staff on the floor.

      Reply
  27. hopchick

    I shop year-round for Christmas, using deals found on H2S, so buy very little during the holiday season. My son just turned six so that may need to change as he gets older based on if he wants a “hot” item or needs something, but for now I’m able to spread the expense throughout the year along with getting the best price.

    Reply
  28. Mary

    I think it really bad not to have a layaway that’s how I get my Christmas gifts I hope they have it next year this is going to be a bad Christmas this year

    Reply
  29. Dee

    What about the OLD folks who have little money? Don’t own or know how to use a onlineputer! They rely on layaway to have a small Christmas for grands and great grands! It just leaves them out totally! BUT then seniors are not given a second thought these days!

    Reply
  30. Family First

    Sp Walmart employees got pay raises but the people who shop there get inconvenienced? Perfect. This is really unfortunate especially for the kids who have aged out of those Christmas Toys for Tots programs. Hoping local organizations and churches step up because for some, this year is even harder then last (where we were starting to get back to “normal”)

    Reply
  31. Fran

    Affirm does not approve everyone, and that will hurt alot of people- sorry to say but it’s not like layaway. Many of my friends prefer the layaway program at Walmart- it doesn’t discriminate.
    All the good old fashion things are fading away.

    Reply1
    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks for onlinementing, Fran. 💞 We sure appreciate hearing the feedback on this. It does seem that not all may qualify for this program.

      Reply

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