Financing Options for Series Exam Prep Courses
Can't pay upfront? Here's every way to finance your Series 65, 66, or 63 exam prep, from employer reimbursement to payment plans.
Last updated: February 2, 2026 by Mike Thompson
TL;DR: Your Best Options
Important: Series exam prep costs $159 to $1,020. That's a one-time investment that can unlock a career earning $60,000+ per year. Don't let short-term budget constraints derail long-term career goals.
Option 1: Employer Reimbursement (Best Option)
If you work in financial services, this should be your first ask. Most firms cover exam prep costs for required credentials.
Why Employers Pay
- ✓ It's required: You can't do the job without passing the exam
- ✓ It's an investment: A licensed employee generates revenue
- ✓ It's standard practice: Most firms in the industry do this
- ✓ It's tax-advantaged: Business expense for the firm
How to Ask Your Employer
- 1. Check if there's an existing professional development policy
- 2. Frame it as a job requirement, not personal development
- 3. Present specific course options with pricing
- 4. Get approval in writing (email is fine)
- 5. Understand any repayment clauses if you leave
Corporate Pricing Discounts
Most providers offer 10% to 30% corporate discounts for firms purchasing multiple seats. If your employer is paying, ask them to contact the provider's corporate sales team for volume pricing.
Option 2: Payment Plans (Limited)
Most Series exam prep providers don't offer direct payment plans. However, third-party financing options may be available at checkout.
Third-Party Financing Options
- PayPal Pay in 4Split purchases under $1,500 into 4 interest-free payments over 6 weeks. Check if provider accepts PayPal at checkout.
- Affirm / KlarnaPay over 3 to 12 months. Some options are 0% APR, others charge interest. Only available if provider has integrated these at checkout.
- SplititUses your existing credit card to split payments with no interest or fees. Available at select retailers.
Reality Check
Third-party financing availability varies by provider and changes frequently. Before counting on these options:
- ⚠️ Check the provider's checkout page for available payment methods
- ⚠️ Read the fine print for any interest charges or fees
- ⚠️ Your credit score affects approval and terms
My recommendation: A 0% APR credit card (see next section) is usually more reliable and flexible than third-party financing.
Option 3: Credit Card Strategies
With the right credit card, you can spread your exam prep cost over 12 to 21 months with zero interest, or earn rewards on the purchase.
0% APR Intro Offers
Many credit cards offer 0% APR for 12 to 21 months on new purchases. This lets you pay off your exam prep over time with no interest.
- 12 months: $16.58/month
- 15 months: $13.27/month
- 18 months: $11.06/month
Tip: Set up autopay for the minimum monthly amount you calculated. Pay it off before the 0% period ends.
Rewards Maximization
If you can pay in full, use a rewards card to earn cash back or points on your purchase.
- 1.5% cash back on $199 $2.99 back
- 2% cash back on $199 $3.98 back
- 5% rotating category on $199 $9.95 back
It's not much, but free money is free money. Check if your card has bonus categories that apply.
Important Warnings
After the 0% period, rates jump to 20% to 30% APR. Set a calendar reminder to pay off the balance before this happens.
Some cards apply payments to lowest-APR balances first. If you have existing debt, the 0% offer may not help as much.
Opening a new card creates a hard inquiry and lowers average account age. Usually minor impact, but consider if you're applying for a mortgage soon.
Option 4: Tax Deductions
Exam prep may be tax-deductible in certain situations. Here's what you need to know (and when to talk to a tax professional).
Self-Employed / Business Owners
If you're self-employed (sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp), exam prep is generally deductible as a business expense on Schedule C.
- ✓ Deduct the full cost of courses and materials
- ✓ Deduct exam registration fees (~$175)
- ✓ Must be related to your existing business
Example: $199 course at 24% marginal tax rate = ~$48 in tax savings
Employees (W-2)
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended most unreimbursed employee expense deductions through 2025. This includes exam prep costs.
- ⚠️ Federal deduction suspended for most employees
- ⚠️ Some states still allow state-level deductions
- ⚠️ Must itemize deductions (not use standard)
Better strategy: Ask your employer to pay for it instead of trying to deduct it.
Important Caveats
This is general information, not tax advice
Tax situations vary significantly by individual circumstances, state of residence, and filing status. Always consult a qualified tax professional before claiming deductions.
Keep records
If you plan to deduct exam prep costs, keep receipts, payment confirmations, and documentation showing how the exam relates to your work. Store these for at least 7 years.
Option 5: Budget Strategies
If other financing options don't work for you, here are practical strategies to make exam prep affordable.
Save Up
Start saving before you need the course:
- $199 over 6 months $33/mo
- $199 over 12 months $17/mo
- $300 over 6 months $50/mo
- $300 over 12 months $25/mo
Time Your Purchase
Buy during promotional periods:
- Nov Black Friday / Cyber Monday (10% to 20% off)
- Jan New Year promotions
- Q-End End of quarter discounts
Sign up for provider email lists to get notified of sales.
Choose the Right Tier
Don't overbuy features you won't use:
- ✓ Skip live classes if you're a self-directed learner
- ✓ Pass guarantee is worth the extra $50
- ✓ Budget picks: Achievable $199, STC Standard $219
Pass Guarantee Math
A pass guarantee is worth the extra cost. Here's why:
- Another exam fee: ~$175
- Course extension/repurchase: $49 to $395+
- Lost study time: Priceless
- Total risk: $224 to $570+
- Refund or continued access
- Only pay another exam fee: ~$175
- Peace of mind while studying
- Total risk: ~$175
What About FSA/HSA?
Short Answer: No
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are exclusively for qualified medical expenses. Professional exam prep courses are not medical expenses.
- ✗ Series exam prep is not a qualified medical expense
- ✗ Using FSA/HSA for non-medical expenses incurs taxes plus a 20% penalty
- ✗ Don't try to claim exam prep as a medical expense
Bottom line: FSA/HSA funds cannot be used for Series exam prep. Look at other financing options instead.
Free and Low-Cost Alternatives
If you truly can't afford a paid course, free resources exist. But I have to be honest about their limitations.
Free Resources Available
- • Investopedia Study Guides
Good conceptual explanations, but not exam-focused
- • YouTube Videos
Quality varies widely. Some helpful, some outdated
- • Library Resources
Some libraries have exam prep books. Usually outdated editions
- • Free Practice Questions
Limited quantity, often not representative of real exam
Why Free Usually Isn't Enough
- ⚠️ No structured curriculum: You're piecing together content yourself
- ⚠️ No progress tracking: No way to know if you're ready
- ⚠️ No pass guarantee: If you fail, you're out $175
- ⚠️ No realistic practice exams: Won't know what the real test feels like
- ⚠️ Lower success rate: Most people who pass use paid prep courses
When Free Might Work
If you have a CFA, CFP, or extensive investment experience, you may already know most of the material.
Free videos can complement your paid course for topics you find difficult.
If you've already taken a course and just need to review weak areas before retaking.
My honest recommendation: If you're serious about passing, budget for at least a $199 course (Achievable). The cost of failing without proper preparation is higher than the cost of a course.
My Recommendations by Situation
Employed in Financial Services
Ask your employer first. Most firms pay for required credentials. It's in their interest for you to pass. Get it in writing, understand any repayment clauses, and let them handle the purchase.
Tight Budget but Employed
0% APR credit card + Achievable at $199. Spread the cost over 12 to 18 months interest-free. That's less than $17/month. You get a pass guarantee, 12-month access, and AI-powered learning.
Read Achievable Review →Self-Employed or Career Changer
Tax deduction may help. If you're self-employed, exam prep is deductible as a business expense. Budget for Achievable at $199 (best value) or STC Premier at $247 (if you want video + flashcards).
Truly Can't Afford Anything Right Now
Delay until you can afford a budget option. I know that's hard to hear, but free resources alone have low success rates. Start saving $17/month now, and in 12 months you'll have enough for Achievable plus the exam fee. Don't waste $175 on an exam you're not prepared for.
Firm Won't Pay, But You Need Premium
0% APR card + Knopman Marks or STC Premier Plus. If you need live classes and premium support but your firm won't cover it, use a 0% APR card to spread Knopman Platinum ($620) over 18 months (~$35/month) or STC Premier Plus ($384) over 12 months (~$32/month).
Read Knopman Marks Review →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deduct exam prep on my taxes?
It depends on your employment situation. If you're self-employed, you can generally deduct exam prep as a business expense on Schedule C. For employees, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended most unreimbursed employee expense deductions through 2025, but some states still allow them. If the exam is required to maintain your current job (not qualify for a new one), there may be deduction opportunities. Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Do any providers offer payment plans?
Most Series exam prep providers don't offer direct payment plans through their websites. However, you can often use third-party financing like PayPal Pay in 4 (splits purchases under $1,500 into 4 payments), Affirm, or Klarna if the provider accepts them at checkout. Your best bet is to use a 0% APR credit card and pay it off over 12 to 18 months interest-free.
Will my employer pay for my Series 65 prep?
If you work in financial services, there's a good chance. Many firms pay for required credentials because it's in their interest for you to pass. Ask your manager or HR department. Frame it as a requirement for your role, not a personal development request. Get any agreement in writing, and understand if there are repayment clauses if you leave the firm within a certain period.
Can I use FSA/HSA for exam prep?
No. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are exclusively for qualified medical expenses. Professional exam prep courses are not considered medical expenses under IRS rules. Using these accounts for exam prep could result in taxes and penalties.
What's the cheapest way to get prepared?
The cheapest paid option is Kaplan Basic Self-Study at $159, but it has no pass guarantee or video content. For better value, Achievable at $199 includes a pass guarantee, 12-month access, and AI-powered learning. If you truly can't afford any paid course, free resources exist (Investopedia, YouTube) but have significantly lower success rates. We don't recommend relying solely on free resources.
Should I wait for a sale?
If you have time, yes. Most providers run promotions during Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November), New Year (January), and end-of-quarter periods. Typical discounts are 10% to 20% off. Sign up for provider email lists to get notified. However, don't delay your exam timeline significantly just to save $20 to $40, as the opportunity cost of waiting may outweigh the savings.
What if I fail? Am I out all that money?
It depends on whether you chose a course with a pass-guarantee. Achievable ($199), STC Premier+ ($247+), and Pass Perfect Pass Promise ($359) all offer pass-guarantees, meaning refund or continued access if you fail. Without a guarantee, you'd need to pay for extensions ($49 to $99) or repurchase the course, plus another ~$175 exam fee. This is why we recommend courses with guarantees for most people.
Ready to Choose Your Course?
Now that you know your financing options, compare Series 65 prep providers to find the right fit for your budget and learning style.