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In today’s fast-paced world, consumers increasingly opt for convenient and hassle-free shopping experiences. One recent trend is “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) options. These payment programs offer customers the flexibility to make purchases without paying the full amount upfront. Instead, customers can spread the payment cost over several months, making it easier to budget and manage their finances.
Klarna is a popular BNPL service provider, but it’s not the only one in the game. There are several other alternatives to Klarna that offer similar benefits and features. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top ten Klarna alternatives you can consider for your buy now, pay later needs.
Moreover, we’ll also discuss how you can save up for big-ticket purchases, such as flights, electronics, and furniture, without incurring any late payment fees or accumulating debt. By following some simple tips and strategies, you can make the most of BNPL options while staying financially responsible and stress-free.
What is Klarna?
Klarna is a Swedish financial services company that offers buy now, pay later (BNPL) options for online shoppers. It was founded in 2005 and has since gained popularity by providing flexible payment solutions to millions of customers worldwide. Klarna boasts over 150 million consumers in 45 countries and more than 500,000 merchant partners.
One of the key features of Klarna’s payment options is the ability to pay in four equal installments over six weeks. Under this option, you can pay only 25% of the purchase amount at the time of purchase and pay the remaining 75% in three equal installments every two weeks. This option is interest-free, but if you’re late in making a payment, there’s a late fee of $7.
Another payment option Klarna offers is paying in 30 days without any interest. This option allows you to try out the items before purchasing them. If the item is not a good fit for you, you can return it as long as it’s not damaged or worn.
Lastly, Klarna offers the option to pay over time, which allows you to spread the cost of your purchase over six, 12, or 24 months. However, this payment option comes with an interest rate of 17.9%, and if you’re late in making a payment, there’s a late fee of $7.
10 Apps like Klarna
Klarna is a popular choice for splitting purchases into manageable payments. But did you know other great “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) apps are out there? Each offers its own twist on flexible payments. Here are ten alternatives to Klarna worth checking out:
1. Sezzle
Sezzle is a mobile app-based Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) payment option that has recently become increasingly popular among shoppers. This service allows users to purchase items and pay for them in four equal interest-free installments over a six-week period. While Sezzle charges a 25% upfront fee for each purchase, the rest of the payment can be made every two weeks in equal installments.
Sezzle
The Responsible Way to Pay. Start splitting your purchases into 4 installments over 6 weeks with 0% interest.
Sezzle has emerged as a leading BNPL service, with around 7.8 million users and partnerships with over 30,000 online and in-store e-commerce stores. Before gaining access to Sezzle’s services, users must undergo a soft credit check to ensure they qualify. It’s worth noting that if users fail to make their payments on time, it could negatively impact their credit scores.
Sezzle also operates an online marketplace with a selection of merchants and products. Some merchants allow users to earn reward cashback, which can be used towards future purchases. Unlike some of its competitors, Sezzle offers users a one-time free chance to reschedule a payment if they cannot make one, which is a convenient feature.
However, it is important to remember that Sezzle charges a $10 late payment fee if a payment is missed. Therefore, users should make sure to keep track of their payment schedule and make payments on time to avoid any additional fees or negative impacts on their credit score.
2. Affirm
Affirm is a highly popular buy now, pay later app that has gained significant traction among online shoppers. It offers a simple and hassle-free way to purchase items and pay for them in installments without any hidden fees.
The platform allows users to split their payments into three, six, or twelve-month plans, depending on their preferences. One of the most significant advantages of using Affirm is that it charges zero interest rates on its loans, making it an attractive option for those who want to avoid paying additional fees.
However, it’s worth noting that the Annual Percentage Rates (APR) for Affirm loans vary between 0% to 30%, depending on the amount borrowed. This means that the higher the loan amount, the higher the APR rate. But even with this caveat, Affirm’s payment plans are still viable for many users who need to spread out their payments over a longer duration.
Another feature differentiating Affirm from other buy now pay later apps is its round-up payments. This feature allows customers to pay extra amounts in small increments on top of their installment plan. These additional payments help customers pay off their purchases faster, which greatly benefits those looking to improve their credit score.
Affirm also offers a “Shop With Points” feature, which allows customers with enough points to redeem them for items in their Affirm account. This feature is great for loyal customers who want to get the most out of their purchases.
Lastly, it’s important to note that Affirm does not charge late payment fees, unlike some of its competitors. This means that users can take their time making their payments without worrying about additional charges. Overall, Affirm is a reliable, easy-to-use buy now, pay later platform that offers several benefits to its users.
3. Laybuy
Laybuy is a buy now, pay later (BNPL) service that allows you to make a purchase and pay it back in six weekly installments. When you choose Laybuy as your payment option, you only need to pay one-sixth of the total amount during checkout, and the rest can be paid in five equal weekly payments.
One of the best things about Laybuy is that no interest is charged for using this service and no hidden fees or installment charges. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a flexible payment solution without worrying about extra costs.
You can use Laybuy in-store and online, as long as the retailer accepts this payment method. To get started, you need to link your credit or debit card to the app, and you’re good to go.
However, it’s worth noting that Laybuy only accepts cards issued by New Zealand banks. Therefore, this BNPL option may not be available for people outside New Zealand.
Overall, Laybuy is a great option for those looking for a convenient and affordable way to pay for their purchases over time. Unlike other BNPL services, Laybuy is completely transparent with its fees and charges, making it a safe and reliable option for consumers.
4. Afterpay
Afterpay is a popular buy now, pay later (BNPL) app that has gained immense popularity worldwide, boasting over 16 million users. It offers a unique payment solution that allows shoppers to make interest-free payments for their purchases. The app enables customers to buy and pay for items they want in four equal payments over a six-week period with no additional fees. It’s easy to use, and the first payment is due at checkout, with the remaining three payments being charged every two weeks.
One of Afterpay’s benefits is that no credit check is required, making it accessible to anyone with a debit or credit card. However, they do charge late fees, which are at least $10 or up to 25% of the order value if payments are not made on time. To prevent this from happening, Afterpay offers a range of reminders to help you stay on track with your payments.
Apart from short-term loans, Afterpay also provides long-term loans that accumulate interest. There is no minimum purchase amount, and the app is accepted by over 63,000 merchants, making it a widely accepted payment solution. If you’re looking for an alternative to Klarna, Afterpay is a great option for those who prefer short-payment loans.
5. Splitit
Splitit is a payment solution that offers a flexible and convenient way to pay for purchases in multiple installments without fees or interest. One of the best things about Splitit is that you do not have to apply for a loan or worry about your credit score to use it. You can use any credit or debit card you already have, making it easy to use.
Splitit’s payment plans are very flexible. They allow you to pay for your purchases over a period of up to 12 months. You can choose the number of installments that suit your budget and pay off your purchase in increments that work for you.
Another great feature of Splitit is that it allows you to make extra payments anytime, enabling you to pay off your purchase faster. This feature allows you to manage your finances and stay on top of your payments.
One of the best things about Splitit is that it is available in over 200 countries worldwide via Mastercard or Visa. This means that you can use it almost anywhere to make purchases and pay for them over time.
It’s also important to note that Splitit does not charge late payment fees. However, your credit card provider may charge you fees for late payments or other credit card-related charges. Overall, Splitit is a convenient, flexible, and safe way to pay for purchases over time, without the added burden of interest or fees.
6. PayPal
PayPal is an online payment processing system that has gained tremendous popularity over the years. It allows customers to make purchases quickly and securely using their PayPal or linked bank accounts. The platform offers two flexible payment options to its customers in the US, depending on their purchase amount.
The first option is the four-installment payment plan, applicable for purchases ranging from $30 to $1500. Under this plan, customers pay 25% of their purchase amount at checkout, and the remaining balance is divided into three equal installments, which are charged every two weeks. This option allows customers to spread out their payments over time while still receiving their purchased items upfront.
The second payment option is the monthly installment plan, available for larger purchases ranging from $199 to $10,000. Customers can pay monthly installments for six, twelve, or twenty-four months, depending on their preference. This plan enables customers to make significant purchases without paying the entire amount upfront.
In both cases, payments are automatically deducted from the customer’s PayPal or linked bank account, making the payment process hassle-free. Furthermore, customers who choose to use the buy now, pay later feature are protected by PayPal’s Buyer Protection policy, which covers up to $20,000 of their order value. This policy ensures that customers can shop confidently, knowing that their purchases are protected by PayPal’s robust security measures.
PayPal’s flexible payment options and Buyer Protection policy make it a reliable and convenient platform for customers to make purchases without worrying about payment constraints or security concerns. The platform is available in seven countries and is a popular choice for online transactions.
7. Bread
Bread is a unique service that offers a SplitPay option. This option allows you to make purchases ranging from $50 to $1,000 and pay them back in four installments. This means you can split the cost of your purchase into four equal payments, with one payment due every two weeks. The first payment is due at checkout, which means you can take home your purchase and pay for it over time.
One of the best things about Bread’s SplitPay service is that you won’t have to pay any interest on your purchase. However, it’s important to note that late payments may be reported to credit bureaus. This means that if you don’t make your payments on time, it could negatively impact your credit score.
In addition to SplitPay, Bread also offers financing for larger purchases. With this option, you can spread the cost of your purchase over a longer period of time, with monthly installments and longer terms. This gives you more flexibility to pay for larger purchases, without worrying about paying the entire amount upfront.
8. Zip
Zip, previously known as Quadpay, is a highly convenient and accessible payment option for almost any retailer that accepts Visa. The Zip app allows you to effortlessly enter the amount you wish to pay at the store and generate a virtual Visa credit card that can be used at the register.
This payment method enables you to split your payments into four installments over six weeks. Additionally, you’ll be charged a nominal $1 convenience fee per installment. Overall, Zip is an ideal option for anyone seeking a hassle-free payment experience that offers flexibility and convenience.
9. Uplift
Uplift is a unique vacation financing service that enables individuals to pay for their trips in monthly installments. What sets Uplift apart is its partnerships with various airlines, hotel chains, resorts, cruise lines, and travel agencies. Customers can shop directly on the partner websites and select Uplift at checkout to finance their vacation.
Uplift’s financing plans come with a range of interest rates, depending on the plan selected, which is disclosed upfront. Nevertheless, Uplift aims to make travel more accessible and affordable for everyone. With Uplift, customers can avoid paying for their entire vacation upfront and can instead spread the cost over time. Moreover, Uplift’s financing plans are transparent and straightforward, making it easy for customers to budget and plan for their travel expenses.
10. ViaBill
ViaBill is a buy now, pay later (BNPL) solution primarily for online shoppers. Its key feature is the ability to break down purchases into monthly installments with transparent terms, which allows users to budget their expenses more effectively.
One of the main advantages of ViaBill is its easy integration for merchants. This makes it simple for e-commerce businesses to offer BNPL options to their customers without going through a lengthy and complicated setup process.
Additionally, ViaBill’s straightforward payment process is another pro for users. The platform does not charge interest or hidden fees, and the installment amounts are clearly stated upfront. This helps users plan their finances and avoid any surprises down the line.
However, ViaBill’s main limitation is that it is only available online. This means users cannot use the service for in-store or offline purchases. Furthermore, the platform’s merchant network is currently smaller compared to other BNPL providers.
The pros and cons of buy now, pay later apps
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps have exploded in popularity, offering a convenient way to split purchases into installments. But like any financial tool, BNPL comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a closer look to help you decide if a BNPL app is right for you.
Pros
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) apps have become increasingly popular among consumers in recent years. These apps offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive alternative to traditional credit cards. Let’s dive into some of these benefits in more detail.
Firstly, BNPL apps provide convenience that credit cards simply can’t match. With BNPL, you can make purchases without immediate full payment. This means you can buy items in installments, spreading the cost of your purchase over time without worrying about accruing credit card debt. This can be especially helpful for larger purchases that you may not be able to afford to pay for all at once.
Secondly, most BNPL platforms offer a variety of payment plans, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your budget. This flexibility means you can tailor your payments to your financial situation. Additionally, some services even allow you to reschedule payments if your financial situation changes unexpectedly, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind.
Lastly, some BNPL apps offer loyalty programs or exclusive offers, such as discounts or cashback rewards. This makes them an excellent option for frequent shoppers who want to get the most out of their purchases. By using BNPL, you can enjoy the benefits of these loyalty programs while also avoiding the potential pitfalls of credit card debt.
In summary, BNPL apps are a convenient, flexible, and rewarding way to make purchases. They offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive alternative to traditional credit cards. Whether you’re making a large purchase, managing your budget, or looking to earn rewards, BNPL apps are definitely worth considering.
Cons
“Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) apps have become increasingly popular among consumers as a way to make purchases without paying upfront. These apps can be a great tool for budgeting, but they also come with certain risks that users should be aware of.
One of the main risks associated with BNPL apps is overspending. With the convenience of buying items without immediate payment, some users may be more tempted to make purchases beyond their actual means. This can lead to a situation where purchases pile up quickly, resulting in a lot of stress when it’s time to pay the bills.
Another risk to be aware of is the potential for interest and fees. Depending on the BNPL service, users may be charged interest or late payment fees. These fees can add up quickly, making purchases much more expensive than initially anticipated. It’s essential to read the fine print and understand the fees associated with each BNPL service before making purchases.
Late payments are another common risk associated with BNPL apps. Most services charge late payment fees, which can be significant. Additionally, late payments may be reported to credit bureaus, which can negatively affect users’ credit scores. Making payments on time or setting reminders is essential to avoid late fees and potential damage to credit scores.
In summary, BNPL apps can be useful tools for budgeting and making purchases without immediate payment. However, users should be aware of the risks associated with these apps, including overspending, interest and fees, and late payments. It’s crucial to read the fine print and make payments on time to avoid potential financial stress and damage to credit scores.
The bottom line
After exploring the features of 10 different apps that offer the option of buying now and paying later, such as Klarna, it is important to note that each app has its own unique advantages. For instance, Affirm is known for its transparent pricing policies without any hidden charges, whereas PayPal is widely used by a vast number of stores. Therefore, it is crucial to select the app that aligns with your spending and saving habits.
Moreover, it is highly recommended to educate yourself on how to manage your finances effectively. This can be achieved through various resources, such as financial literacy courses, workshops, and online tutorials. By learning about personal finance, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about your funds and optimize your financial well-being.