Afterpay
Buy-now-pay-later checkout for ecommerce stores.
Alternatives · 2026
Alternatives to Klarna
Buy-now-pay-later payments and shopping app.
1 hand-curated alternative from MintedSaaS's directory. See the Klarna listing →
Klarna is a Swedish fintech company that offers a buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) service, allowing customers to split online purchases into installments without paying interest upfront. It operates primarily as a shopping app and payment method integrated into checkout flows on retail websites. The platform is particularly popular in Europe and North America, where it targets price-conscious shoppers who want flexibility in payment timing without traditional credit or debit card friction.
Users typically access Klarna through the app or at partner retailer checkouts. The workflow is straightforward: add items to cart, select Klarna at checkout, complete a simple identity verification, and choose a repayment plan (often split into four equal payments). Klarna earns money from retailers through merchant fees rather than from consumer interest charges. It appeals to online shoppers who want payment flexibility, retailers seeking to increase conversion rates, and customers who may not have credit cards or prefer to spread costs across a billing cycle.
What we offer that competes
What to look for
- Whether the BNPL service is accepted at the specific retailers you shop from most frequently
- How late fees are structured and whether they cap after a certain threshold or payment delay duration
- Whether the service offers a mobile app with transaction history, upcoming payment reminders, and budgeting tools
- Whether you can see your full repayment schedule and upcoming installment amounts before confirming the purchase
- Whether the payment split options are configurable or limited to fixed schedules like four equal installments
- Whether missed payments automatically suspend your account or if you retain access to browse and set up new purchases
FAQ
What are the best alternatives to Klarna?
Afterpay is the most direct competitor, offering similar four-installment payment splitting at checkout with no interest fees. Both serve the same core use case, though they differ in geographic availability and partner retailer networks.
Are there free alternatives to Klarna?
All major BNPL services including Klarna and Afterpay are free for consumers. Neither charges interest on on-time payments, though late fees apply if you miss a scheduled payment.
How do I choose a buy-now-pay-later service?
Check which retailers you shop from most often and verify the BNPL service is integrated into their checkout. Then compare payment schedules, late fees, identity verification requirements, and whether the app's budgeting tools match your needs.
What platforms do BNPL services support?
Most BNPL providers including Klarna and Afterpay support both web and mobile app checkout, with integration at thousands of retailers. Some also offer their own shopping app where you can browse partner stores.
Can I use a BNPL service without a credit check?
BNPL services perform identity verification but typically don't run hard credit checks. However, Klarna and Afterpay both review transaction history and may decline customers, so approval isn't guaranteed.
What happens if I miss a BNPL payment?
Late fees typically range from $10 to $30 depending on the provider. Repeated missed payments can result in account suspension or reporting to collection agencies, which may affect your credit score.
Do BNPL services report to credit agencies?
Most BNPL providers do not report on-time payments to credit bureaus, so they won't help build your credit. However, defaults or collections activity may be reported negatively.
Which BNPL service has the most merchant partners?
Klarna has integrated with over 300,000 retailers globally as of 2024, making it one of the largest BNPL networks alongside Afterpay and Affirm in different regions.