⚡ Klarna Quick Summary
What is Klarna?
Klarna is a Swedish fintech company and the world's leading buy now pay later (BNPL) service. Founded in 2005, Klarna now serves over 150 million users worldwide and partners with 800,000+ Klarna stores.
Klarna Key Facts
- Company: Klarna Bank AB
- Founded: 2005 in Stockholm, Sweden
- Users: 150+ million globally
- Klarna Stores: 800,000+ merchants
- Available in: 45+ countries
- Klarna App: Free on iOS & Android
Klarna Payment Options
Klarna offers 3 ways to pay:
- Klarna Pay in 4: Split into 4 interest-free payments
- Pay in 30: Try before you buy, pay in 30 days
- Klarna Monthly Financing: 6-36 month plans (interest may apply)
Klarna Pay in 4: How It Works
Klarna Pay in 4 is Klarna's most popular feature. It lets you split any purchase into 4 equal, interest-free payments over 6 weeks.
Klarna Pay in 4 Payment Schedule
| Payment | When Due | Example ($100 purchase) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment 1 | At checkout | $25 |
| Payment 2 | 2 weeks later | $25 |
| Payment 3 | 4 weeks later | $25 |
| Payment 4 | 6 weeks later | $25 |
💡 Klarna Pay in 4 Benefits
- ✅ 0% interest — always free
- ✅ Soft credit check — won't affect score
- ✅ Instant approval — takes seconds
- ✅ No fees if you pay on time
- ✅ Autopay available — never miss a payment
Klarna Pay in 4 Limits
- Minimum purchase: Usually $35
- Maximum: Varies ($500-$1,000 for new users)
- Increases: Limit grows with payment history
Klarna App: Your Complete Shopping Companion
The Klarna app is more than just a payment tool—it's a complete Klarna shopping experience. Available free on iOS and Android.
Klarna App Features
- 🛍️ Shop anywhere: Use Klarna at any online store
- 💳 One-time Klarna card: Create virtual cards for secure shopping
- 🔍 Find Klarna stores: Discover 800K+ Klarna retailers
- 📦 Track orders: All deliveries in one place
- 💰 Price drop alerts: Get notified when items go on sale
- 🎁 Exclusive deals: Klarna user discounts
- 📊 Manage payments: View all Klarna payments in one dashboard
📱 Klarna App Download
Download the Klarna app free from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Create an account in minutes and start Klarna shopping immediately.
Klarna Stores: Where Can You Shop with Klarna?
Over 800,000 Klarna stores accept Klarna as a payment method. Here are popular Klarna retailers:
Popular Klarna Stores by Category
Fashion & Apparel
- ASOS, H&M, Nike, Adidas, Sephora, SHEIN
- Macy's, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Foot Locker
Electronics & Tech
- Samsung, Lenovo, Microsoft, Wayfair
Home & Lifestyle
- IKEA, Wayfair, Bed Bath & Beyond, Etsy
General Retail
- Walmart, Target, Amazon (via Klarna app)
🔍 Find Klarna Stores Near You
Use the Klarna app store directory to find all Klarna stores and Klarna retailers. Filter by category, location, or current deals.
Shop Anywhere with Klarna
Even if a store doesn't directly accept Klarna, you can still use Klarna shopping features:
- Open the Klarna app
- Create a one-time Klarna card
- Use the virtual card at any store
- Pay with Klarna Pay in 4
Klarna Card: Shop Anywhere with Klarna
The Klarna card lets you use Klarna at ANY store that accepts Visa—online or in-store.
Types of Klarna Cards
| Card Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| One-Time Virtual Card | Single-use card in Klarna app | Online shopping security |
| Klarna Card (Physical) | Reusable Visa card | In-store & everyday use |
How to Get a Klarna Card
- Download the Klarna app
- Go to "Card" section
- Choose virtual or physical Klarna card
- Complete verification
- Start shopping with Klarna anywhere!
Klarna Fees & Interest Rates
Here's everything you need to know about Klarna costs:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Klarna Pay in 4 Interest | $0 | Always interest-free |
| Pay in 30 Interest | $0 | Always interest-free |
| Monthly Financing APR | 0-24.99% | Depends on credit |
| Late Fee | $7 | Lowest in BNPL industry |
| Annual Fee | $0 | No yearly charges |
| Sign-up Fee | $0 | Free to join |
Does Klarna Affect Your Credit Score?
Here's how Klarna impacts your credit:
Klarna Credit Check Policy
| Klarna Product | Credit Check Type | Affects Score? |
|---|---|---|
| Klarna Pay in 4 | Soft check | ❌ No |
| Pay in 30 | Soft check | ❌ No |
| Monthly Financing | May be hard check | ⚠️ Possibly |
| Klarna Card | Soft check | ❌ No |
Does Klarna Build Credit?
No. Klarna does not report to credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). This means:
- ✅ On-time payments won't appear on credit report
- ✅ Using Klarna won't lower your score
- ❌ Klarna won't help build credit
Want to build credit? Consider Affirm (reports to Experian) or Sezzle Up (reports to all 3 bureaus).
Klarna vs Affirm vs Afterpay: Comparison
How does Klarna compare to other BNPL apps?
| Feature | Klarna | Affirm | Afterpay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 ⭐ | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Pay in 4 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Payment Options | 3 (Most) | 2 | 1 |
| Late Fee | $7 | $0 | $10 |
| Merchants | 800K+ | 300K+ | 348K+ |
| Credit Check | Soft | Soft/Hard | Soft |
| Builds Credit | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Max Amount | ~$10K | $25K | ~$2K |
Our Verdict
- Choose Klarna if: You want versatility, most merchants, lowest late fee
- Choose Affirm if: You want to build credit, need higher limits
- Choose Afterpay if: You use Cash App
Klarna Pros and Cons
✅ Klarna Pros
- 3 payment options (most versatile)
- 800,000+ Klarna stores
- $7 late fee (lowest)
- Klarna app with great features
- One-time Klarna card for any store
- Soft credit check only
- Price drop alerts
- 0% interest on Pay in 4
❌ Klarna Cons
- Doesn't build credit
- Lower limits for new users
- Monthly financing has interest
- Can encourage overspending
- Customer service complaints
How to Use Klarna: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Download the Klarna App
- Get the Klarna app from App Store or Google Play
- Create account with email and phone
- Verify your identity
Step 2: Shop at Klarna Stores
- Browse Klarna stores in the app
- Or shop directly at any Klarna retailer website
- Look for "Klarna" at checkout
Step 3: Choose Klarna Pay in 4
- Select Klarna Pay in 4 at checkout
- Get instant approval (soft check)
- Pay 25% now, rest over 6 weeks
Step 4: Manage Klarna Payments
- Track all Klarna payments in app
- Set up autopay to avoid late fees
- Pay early anytime with no penalty
Klarna FAQ
Klarna Pay in 4 splits any purchase into 4 interest-free payments over 6 weeks. You pay 25% at checkout, then 25% every 2 weeks. No interest charges. Available at 800,000+ Klarna stores.
The Klarna app lets you shop at any online store, manage Klarna payments, track orders, find Klarna stores, and create a one-time Klarna card for purchases. Download free on iOS and Android.
Over 800,000 Klarna stores accept Klarna including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Nike, Sephora, ASOS, H&M, Adidas, and more. Use the Klarna app to find all Klarna retailers.
Klarna Pay in 4 uses a soft credit check that doesn't affect your score. Klarna doesn't report to credit bureaus, so it won't build credit. See our BNPL credit guide.
The Klarna card is a virtual or physical Visa card. Create one-time virtual cards in the Klarna app for secure Klarna shopping anywhere Visa is accepted.
Yes, Klarna is safe. It's a licensed bank (Klarna Bank AB), uses bank-level encryption, and offers buyer protection. The Klarna app also provides one-time virtual cards for extra security.
📚 Sources & Methodology
- Klarna official website and press releases
- First-hand testing by our CFP® certified team
- User reviews from App Store, Google Play, Trustpilot
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reports
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you apply through our links. This doesn't affect our ratings or reviews. See our editorial guidelines and full disclosure.
Ready to Start Shopping with Klarna?
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