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Oct 2, 2017

10/02/2017: One startup’s alternative to credit card debt

Almost 40 percent of American households have some kind of credit card debt. A startup called Affirm wants to provide an alternative. It partners with stores to offer loans for when you make a big purchase, like a mattress or a bike. Affirm was started by PayPal co-founder Max Levchin. Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood talks with him about the project and his own early borrowing mistakes. 

Co-founder and CEO of Affirm Max Levchin participates in a panel discussion at the New York Times 2015 DealBook Conference in New York City.
Co-founder and CEO of Affirm Max Levchin participates in a panel discussion at the New York Times 2015 DealBook Conference in New York City.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for New York Times

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Segments From This Episode

Almost 40 percent of American households have some kind of credit card debt. A startup called Affirm wants to provide an alternative. It partners with stores to offer loans for when you make a big purchase, like a mattress or a bike. Affirm was started by PayPal co-founder Max Levchin. Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood talks with him about the project and his own early borrowing mistakes.