Amazon introduces a deferred payment option

By Tim Conneally | Published July 8, 2008, 1:38 PM

Amazon.com has rolled out deferred billing as an option to customers, realizing an agreement made with Bill Me Later in the beginning of 2008.

As the largest online retailer, Amazon's stock is not limited to items that are normally purchased in one lump sum. From a 6.21 carat diamond for $384,000 to full playground apparatus for $35,000, there is demand for financing on Amazon, and an affiliated partnership currently expedites the process.

Bill Me Later provides an open-ended credit plan through CIT Bank designed specifically for online purchases. The company is already used by more than 700 online retailers. and this year's Equity investment from Amazon has secured it an extremely visible position on par with the likes of PayPal.

A user who wishes to make a purchase with Bill Me Later may select that option at checkout, answer several questions (which include entering date of birth, Social Security number, and "E-sign" consent), and have her request approved or denied depending on credit conditions. The option can be assigned to any of the user's shipping addresses, but requires confirmation of identity at the time of purchase to prevent unauthorized use.

Purchases through Bill Me Later are subject to a standard 20% annual percentage rate. The "fine print" also explains that Bill Me Later may share the user's personal information marketing companies, as well as other financial companies (i.e., insurance, banks, and securities brokers).

Comments

Haven't used it either, don't plan on it. if you want credit, get an Amazon.com Visa card... it will also earn you points! (last part was semi sarcastic)

Score: 0

|

I doubt Bill Me Later allowing financing for an item totaling $384,000 unless you already have the cash to pay for it up front.

I hate Bill Me Later, I don't even consider it an option when purchasing from an online store.

Score: 0

|

mjm01010101, I've never encountered anyone who has had a positive Bill Me Later experience. I've met many people who I know from them being my clients had perfect credit who could not get a $200 airline ticket approved through Bill Me Later while people with very bad credit got accepted. Like GE Credit, the criteria used by Bill Me Later is kept private and proprietary, and you cannot get an explanation from the company for denial without a court order.

Score: 0

|

Aspiring to become another Bear Stearns?

Score: 0

|

I'd like defer paying state taxes on Amazon purchases indefinitely.

Score: 0

|

"Purchases through Bill Me Later are subject to a standard 20% annual percentage rate. The "fine print" also explains that Bill Me Later may share the user's personal information marketing companies, as well as other financial companies (i.e., insurance, banks, and securities brokers)."

Gee, the concept of "credit" is so exotic!And what a deal!!!

Where do I sign up!? NOT!

Score: 0

|

Yeah I recall trying to use bill me later once with newegg. Wouldn't let me, even though my credit score is over 700...

Score: 0

|

Before it can tackle Windows, Chrome must leave Safari in the dust

It's a little browser with dreams of becoming a bigger operating system some day. But while it's chasing Microsoft's dreams, Chrome's tail is being chased by Apple.

Silverlight 3 goes live on Microsoft's servers

Microsoft's answer to Adobe's Flash is (unofficially) here, with prospects of higher-speed, higher-resolution video and for the first time, 3D.

Best Buy-brand TVs to get TiVo

A new alliance will place the retailer's own brand alongide the manufacturers, and could also lead to future partnerships on services.

Three Android phones on the way from T-Mobile in 2009

T-Mobile's myTouch 3G, launched Wednesday, will be followed by two more Android phones later this year, but neither of them will be HTC's Hero.

LTE still lacks a voice

The 4G Wireless standard that Verizon hopes to show off before this year is out is still at a loss for (spoken) words.

T-Mobile's strategy to combat Apple's iPhone with Android

With a trio of Android phones now in the pipeline for 2009, T-Mobile hopes to break the iPhone's emerging stranglehold.

EC's Reding: Government should act as broker for media downloads

If Internet media services don't step up and build an attractive way for users to start paying for downloads, a commissioner says, government may do the job instead.

Sony TVs get Netflix, still no PS3

Though it's coming in behind LG, Samsung, and Microsoft, Sony will begin to offer Netflix streaming, too.

Google Chrome OS: Too little, too early

Carmi Levy: Wide Angle Zoom Don't start the revolution just yet, says Carmi, who isn't so certain Chrome OS will be the "Windows Killer."

GAO pen test brings the hammer down on federal rent-a-cops

But are the computers to blame for the contract-guard fiasco at FPS?

What's Next: Chrome OS will have at least some friends in high places

Also: South Korea takes another round of DDoS abuse, and Neelie Kroes and Steve Ballmer may shake hands before she exits stage left.

Data sharing among online advertisers: Is sanity in sight?

Lockdown with Angela Gunn In the middle of a 15-page plea not to get regulated, a spark of smart thinking.

PST Recovery Software 12.0

July 9 - 11:34 PM ET

Unistal Data Recovery 12.08.06

July 9 - 11:09 PM ET

BKF Repair 3.0

July 9 - 10:54 PM ET

Vuze for Windows 4.2.0.4

July 9 - 6:26 PM ET

UltraVNC 1.0.6.4

July 9 - 6:05 PM ET

WildBit Viewer 5.5 Beta 3.0

July 9 - 5:44 PM ET