How to Finance a New TV Without Breaking the Bank

That brand-new big-screen TV is calling your name - but the price tag? Not so much. Whether it's a sleek 75-inch OLED or a feature-packed QLED, today's televisions can run anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The good news: you don't have to drain your savings to bring one home. In 2026, there are more flexible, affordable TV financing options than ever before - and knowing which one to choose could save you hundreds of dollars.

Why Paying Full Price Upfront Is No Longer the Only Option

Retailers, manufacturers, and fintech companies have all stepped up their financing games. From zero-interest store cards to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps, the competition for your purchase means better deals for you. But not all financing is created equal - and the wrong choice can end up costing you far more than the sticker price.

Here's a breakdown of the best TV financing options available right now, and how to use each one smartly.

Option 1: Retailer Store Cards - The Best 0% APR Deals

If you have decent credit, a retailer store card is often the most cost-effective way to finance a TV. The key benefit: genuine 0% interest for an extended period.

Best Buy Store Card: Offers 0% APR for up to 18-24 months on qualifying purchases (typically $599+). This is one of the longest interest-free terms available from any retailer. Just be sure to pay off the full balance before the promotional period ends - missing that deadline can trigger retroactive interest at around 31% APR.
Amazon Prime Store Card: As of early 2026, Amazon shifted from "Special Financing" (which carried deferred interest risk) to "Equal Monthly Payments" - a much safer option. Your purchase is split into 6, 12, or 24 equal monthly payments at 0% APR. No surprise charges, no retroactive interest.
Walmart: Following its split from Capital One, Walmart now processes financing through its fintech partner "One" and Affirm. True 0% deals are less common here, so read the fine print carefully before committing.

Option 2: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) - Flexible and Fast

BNPL services have exploded in popularity - and for good reason. They're quick to apply for, don't always require a hard credit check, and are accepted at most major retailers.

Affirm: Widely available at Walmart, Samsung, Sony, Amazon, and Target. Interest rates range from 0% to 36% APR depending on your credit and the retailer. Look for manufacturer-sponsored 0% deals - Samsung and Sony frequently offer them on premium models.
Klarna: A solid choice for mid-range TVs. The "Pay in 4" option splits your cost into four interest-free bi-weekly payments. Longer-term plans may carry interest up to 35.99% APR.
PayPal Pay in 4: Best for TVs under $1,500. Splits the cost into four equal, 0% interest payments. Accepted at Best Buy, Samsung.com, and other major electronics retailers.

Pro Tip: Always filter for "0% APR" offers specifically. If a BNPL plan is charging 15% or more, run the numbers - a standard low-interest credit card might be cheaper in the long run.

Option 3: Buy Directly from the Manufacturer

Going straight to the source can unlock financing deals that retailers simply don't offer.

Samsung.com: Regularly features 0% APR financing via Affirm for up to 24-36 months on premium OLED and Neo QLED models. This is one of the best deals available on high-end TVs.
Sony.com: Partners with Affirm for consumer financing, with 0% APR promotions available on select models.
LG: Currently offers standard BNPL financing through Klarna and Affirm in the US, with potential subscription-style plans on the horizon.

Option 4: Lease-to-Own - A Last Resort for Poor Credit

If your credit score makes qualifying for cards or BNPL difficult, lease-to-own programs can still get a TV into your home. But proceed with extreme caution.

Progressive Leasing (available at Best Buy): Lets you take a TV home with as little as $49 upfront. However, if you take the full 12 months to pay, you could end up paying double the retail price in fees.
The 90-Day Rule: Most lease-to-own programs offer a "90-day early buyout" - pay it off within that window and you'll pay close to the cash price. This is the only way to make lease-to-own work in your favor.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not every "financing deal" is actually a deal. Keep an eye out for these common traps:

Deferred interest: This is NOT the same as 0% interest. With deferred interest, all the interest accrued during the promotional period gets added back if you don't pay the full balance on time.
High retroactive rates: Some store cards jump to 29-31% APR after a missed payment or expired promotion.
Long lease terms with no buyout: If a lease-to-own plan doesn't have a 90-day buyout option, walk away.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The best TV financing option depends entirely on your credit profile and how quickly you can pay off the balance:

Good credit + disciplined payments: Best Buy Store Card or Amazon Equal Monthly Payments for true 0% interest.
Shopping for a premium brand: Check Samsung.com or Sony.com directly for manufacturer-backed 0% Affirm deals.
Fair or no credit: Affirm (with some interest) is far cheaper than lease-to-own fees - and if you must lease, commit to the 90-day payoff.

The Best Deals Are Worth Searching For

TV financing options vary significantly by retailer, brand, and your personal credit situation. What's perfect for one buyer may be costly for another. The smartest move is to compare current offers across the specific stores, brands, and financing platforms relevant to your budget and credit profile. A little research now can mean paying zero extra interest on a TV that could last you a decade.

Use the search options below to explore the most current TV financing deals, compare retailers, and find the plan that works best for your situation.