installmens

[jctgf]

hi,

in my country it's very usual to buy things and pay it in many installments.

not only expensive things like cars or houses, but also flight tickets, appliances in general and even clothes.

is it a normal practice in north America?

if so, how do you say that?

"i would like to pay in 3 installments" ???

what if i can pay in many installments but i prefer to pay in "one go"?

what's the word to express the idea of paying in "one go"?

thanks a lot.

[Ouisch]

Usually the only way to pay for anything in installments (other than a vehicle or a house) in the US is to charge it to a credit card. Then you can pay the credit card company in installments (but you'll be charged interest, of course). Most businesses don't make individual payment arrangments with customers. When you purchase an item, whether it is clothes, groceries or a major appliance, the cashier will ask you "will this be cash or charge?"

If you're going to pay for a house or a car all in one go, you'd usually tell the salesperson that you're paying "in cash" or simply "cash" (even if you plan to write a check or transfer the money by wire). The phrase "cash" indicates that you intend to pay the full amount upon purchase.