New Snap Finance merchant? Here’s what to expect before your first transaction
This guide gives new Snap Finance merchants a clear, practical roadmap for getting ready to offer access to Snap from day one. It explains what happens after submitting a partner application, what customers need before they can apply, and how applications flow through the Merchant Portal, SMS, QR code, or snapfinance.com. It also outlines how and when merchants get paid, what marketing tools Snap provides at no cost, and how the Client Success Manager (CSM) and Merchant Support teams help keep operations running smoothly. The goal is to help merchants feel confident, prepared, and supported as they complete their first financed transaction, no matter which Snap‑branded product their customers use.
Key Takeaways
Applications are fast and simple: Customers apply through the Merchant Portal, SMS, QR code, or snapfinance.com, and they can receive a decision in seconds. Your team can help launch the flow, but customers complete the application themselves.
Approvals last up to 60 days: Once approved, customers have time to shop, compare options, or return later to complete their purchase, depending on the product’s specific approval terms.
Funding arrives quickly: Merchants typically receive funding within 48 hours of merchandise delivery or invoice completion, keeping cash flow predictable and freeing your team from managing payment plans.
Marketing materials are free and ready to order: Snap provides point‑of‑purchase (POP) signage and other marketing assets at no charge. Ordering them early ensures customers know financing is available from day one.
Support is always available: Your CSM is your primary partner for account questions and materials, while Merchant Support offers live chat, phone, and email assistance seven days a week.
Before a customer walks out with a financed purchase, there are a handful of things every new merchant needs to have in place. Most of them are simpler than you'd expect.
If you’re a new Snap Finance merchant or are considering becoming one, you may be wondering how you can best set yourself up for success. With a clear understanding of how customers apply, what your team needs to know, and what support you’ll receive from Snap from day one, you’ll be ready for your first financed transaction faster than you think.
Because Snap supports multiple product types, including Snap‑branded loan and lease‑to‑own financing options, it’s important to understand the basics that apply across the board. The quickest way to get to your first financed sale is to make sure your team knows:
What customers need to apply
How to launch the application
Who to contact when they need help
With those pieces in place, plus marketing materials and support from Snap, you’ll be ready to offer financing confidently from day one. Whether you offer Snap‑branded loan or lease‑to‑own financing options, the experience should feel simple, fast, and supportive.
Applying to become a Snap Partner
Where to start
Your partnership begins at snapfinance.com/partner, where you’ll submit your merchant application. As part of the verification process, Snap requires basic business information and the date of birth of the authorized signer for identity verification. Once submitted, your application enters Snap’s review queue.
What happens after you apply
Review timelines vary depending on business type and documentation needs. Once approved, you’ll receive your Merchant ID, access to the Merchant Portal, and onboarding instructions. Your Client Success Manager (CSM) will become your primary point of contact for questions about your account, marketing materials, and anything related to your store setup. After activation, you’re ready to prepare your team for customer applications.
What customers need to apply
Income requirement
Customers need a steady source of income to qualify. Snap-branded loan options require at least $1,000 per month, and lease-to-own financing requires at least $750 per month. This is a common reason an application doesn’t proceed, so it’s helpful for staff to know this upfront. When your team understands the income requirement, they can set expectations early and help customers avoid frustration.
Required documentation
To help Snap verify identify, customers must have one of the following:
Social Security number
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Customers will also need a driver's license. A passport or state-issued ID may also be used. They’ll also need an active checking account, valid smartphone number, and valid email address. Age requirements vary by state, so your CSM can clarify what applies to your location.
How long the customer application takes
The application itself takes only a few minutes. Customers receive a decision in seconds, and approvals are typically valid for up to 60 days.1
How customers apply (three paths)
Applying for Snap Finance is simple. Customers need to find a store, fill out the application, and, if approved, shop.1 Below, you’ll find the three paths for customers to reach the application.
Through the Merchant Portal
The Merchant Portal can work as an in-store tool. Customers can complete the application themselves from the portal interface after your team launches the application flow. Each staff member will have their own login, and the Merchant Portal will walk them through the steps to start an application, manage submitted applications, and track the funded status of customer leases.
By SMS or QR code
SMS and QR codes that lead customers to the application are useful when your team is busy or when a dedicated device isn’t available at the point of sale. For SMS, customers can use a text‑to‑apply link by texting your Merchant ID number to 48078.
Customers can also apply by scanning a QR code from Snap signage. Your personalized QR code can be found in the Merchant Portal under the Resources section of the Marketing page. QR code signage can be placed anywhere customers naturally pause or browse, such as at the counter, on product displays, or near the entrance.
Online at snapfinance.com
Customers who prefer to apply online or want to prequalify before visiting your store can apply directly at snapfinance.com. This is particularly helpful for retailers with an e‑commerce presence or for customers who want to shop with confidence before they arrive at the store. Online applications follow the same fast, simple flow as in‑store applications, and customers still receive a decision in seconds.
Getting paid
Funding timeline
Once a customer completes their purchase and the merchandise is delivered or the invoice is finalized, Snap typically sends funding to your account within 48 hours. Snap pays you directly, and the customer’s payment relationship is with Snap rather than your store. This means you can focus on sales and service without managing payment plans or collections.
Merchant fees
Snap Partners do not pay fees. Instead, there are merchant discounts that are mutually agreed upon as part of your partner arrangement. Your CSM can walk you through the specifics of your discount structure and how it applies to your account. Understanding your discount helps you forecast revenue and set expectations for your team.
Processing fee for customers
Customers may pay a processing fee depending on the Snap‑branded product they use and the state your business operates in. Payment is typically made by credit/debit card or cash, though this varies by product type. Your CSM can clarify what applies to your arrangement so your team can communicate with your customers accurately and confidently.
What Snap provides to help you launch
Marketing materials at no charge
Snap provides point‑of‑purchase (POP) signage and marketing materials, including posters, tent cards, brochures, digital banners, social media graphics, and more, at no cost. These materials help customers understand that financing is available through Snap Finance and how to apply. Order through your CSM and have signage in place on day one to maximize visibility.
Your Client Success Manager
Your CSM is your ongoing partner. They can help with:
Ordering marketing materials
Understanding merchant discounts
Updating account information
Clarifying product questions
Supporting your team’s training needs
Your CSM is also your best resource for understanding how Snap Finance fits into your sales strategy. They can help you identify opportunities to increase conversions, improve customer experience, and streamline your team’s workflow, so be sure to get their direct contact information during onboarding.
Merchant support after you’re live
How to reach Snap
Whether you have a question about an application, need help navigating the Merchant Portal, or want clarity on a customer’s approval, Snap’s merchant support team is available through multiple channels for current Snap Partners:
Live chat: Available at snapfinance.com/merchants-help
Phone: 877‑789‑4384
Email: merchant@snapfinance.com
Support hours are:
Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. MST
Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. MST
Customer complaints about Snap
If a customer raises a concern about Snap’s product or service, capture the details and submit the issue through the form on snapfinance.com/merchants-help. Don’t attempt to resolve Snap‑side issues directly, as the support team will handle them and follow up with the customer. This ensures customers receive accurate, compliant information and that any issues are documented and resolved quickly.
Get started today
If you’re ready to experience the difference Snap Finance can make for your business, apply to become a Snap merchant partner today.
Already live? Contact your CSM or Snap’s Merchant Support at 877‑789‑4384 or merchant@snapfinance.com. They will always available to help you navigate your first transactions, answer questions, and make sure your launch is smooth from day one.
Interested in learning more? Check out these resources from Snap Finance:
Why financing should be part of your retail merchandising strategy
How to use financing to build loyalty among first-time shoppers
The retailer’s guide to financing compliance: What your team needs to know
Snap-branded product offering includes retail installment contracts, bank installment loans, and lease-to-own financing. For more detailed information, please visit snapfinance.com/legal/products.
1Not all applicants are approved. Approvals subject to underwriting qualification criteria.