Skip to Content

Klarna vs. Afterpay

Klarna vs. Afterpay

Afterpay is one of the most used buy now, pay later programs, whereas Klarna’s nature makes it a great alternative. What makes them different? The article explores both and covers Klarna vs. Afterpay.

Takeaway

  • Klarna can be used pretty much everywhere where Visa is accepted (some store types are not included).
  • With Afterpay, you can score up to 8 weeks to pay.
  • Klarna is more flexible on late payments.

Sign up

Both ask for the same type of information when you sign up. You can expect the following:

  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Valid ID (in some locations)
  • Debit, credit, or your bank account details

To use either, you must verify the payment method.

Regarding the credit check, Klarna does a credit check, issuing reports visible to other lenders. Afterpay does not do a credit check or send your data to credit score services.

How do both work

Both work online and in-store, but usage is slightly different. Using Afterpay online is slightly easier as it is only offered in the participant stores.

Klarna can be used in more stores, making it a bit difficult. However, using it is universal, so you will learn to use it once.

Klarna

Online

Shopping Online in the Klarna App
Shopping Online in the Klarna App

Klarna app is a browser with buy-now, pay-later features. The app comes with an interface where you can browse stores.

The search bar shows stores as you type, but if you can’t find a store, an option to search for it on Google is available.

While shopping on a website, the process is the same. You add products to the cart.

However, when you reach the checkout page, tap “Klarna Pay,” and the app generates a one-time card.

The app automatically detects the cart’s amount, but if it can’t, there is an option to add the amount manually.

Before the payment process, you get to see the due dates. After you have purchased the item, the one-time card details expire.

In-store

You must have an NFC-enabled device. The steps are the same, but you go to the in-store option in the app.

It generates a card to add to Google Wallet or Apple Pay. There are some shops where you can’t use the card, but the in-store option should work in stores accepting tap and pay cards.

I have written a separate guide on using Klarna. Check it out if interested.

Afterpay

Online

Afterpay Option on the Checkout Page
Afterpay Option on the Checkout Page

Afterpay is integrated into merchant websites. You will see the “Afterpay” payment option on the checkout page. The option lets you log in to your account and pay the store.

In-store

Like Klarna, the Afterpay app can generate a card to save to Google Wallet or Apple Pay. The same card can be used for future purchases, but you must activate it in the Afterpay app whenever you use it.

While you are here: Afterpay or PayPal

Limits

Barcode and Limit Afterpay
Barcode and Limit Afterpay

Let’s talk about limits in the Klarna vs. Afterpay battle. Klarna, depending on your location, gives you a good amount to spend, while you can increase that by repaying on time.

Afterpay also offers a maximum limit, but no minimum limit exists. Initially, you get between $350 and $500, but the limit increases as you shop more.

Afterpay offers a maximum of $1,500, but some old accounts have $2,000.

Repayments

Repayments in Klanra

With Klarna, the first payment is on the day of the purchase. The following three payments are every fortnight. In total, it gives you 6 weeks.

Afterpay is different because it checks your points. You earn points by using Afterpay. It also has four tiers:

  • Gold
  • Platinum
  • Diamond
  • Mint

Accounts on the Mint level pay the first payment after two weeks, making Afterpay one of the buy now, pay later apps with no down payment.

Users on all other levels pay the first payment on the day of the purchase, giving them 6 weeks.

Klarna vs. Afterpay: Late fees

Late fee with Klarna varies by location. In Australia, the late fee is between $3 and $10, depending on your order.

In the US, the late fee is $7 if the payment lasts more than 10 days. The company has also capped only one late fee per installment.

Afterpay charges $10 if you can’t make the payment. This also gives you additional seven days to pay. If you don’t pay the installment, they charge an extra $7.

The $10 fee applies if the order is less than $40. If the order value exceeds $40, the late fee can be up to 25% of the installment.

Extending payment date

Extending Payment Date in Klarna and Afterpay
Extending Payment Date in Klarna and Afterpay

Both allow you to extend time without hurting your account’s credibility. With Klarna, you pay around $3 (in Australia) and get a couple of additional weeks.

Afterpay allows delaying the payment date depending on your rewards level. Users can defer up to three payments per year on any level.

Higher-level customers can delay up to 6 times. The app lets you delay payment for up to 7 days. Only the second and third payments can be delayed.

Returns

Returns with both are straightforward. You return the item and get your money back in Klarna or Afterpay.

Video

Let’s begin this chapter with a quick comparison video.

Comparison video

Which one is for you

Afterpay is easy to use, but Klarna supports more stores. Afterpay has rewards that are missing from Klarna.

I don’t see many differences. If you shop in various stores, go with Klarna. If you only shop at big brands, you should go with Afterpay.

Ct

Sunday 16th of April 2023

I prefer afterpay because while klarna routinely do soft pulls and will lower you spending limit if your credit score drops even if you don't miss a payment with them where afterpay is along as they get their payment they aren't lowering your limit.

PL

Tuesday 25th of May 2021

I prefer Klarna over AfterPay for the simple reason that AfterPay (Eisen & Molnar) has continually acted as if they came up with their concept. I had been using Klarna for 10 years before AfterPay became operational (anywhere). I'm sure the competition between the two will benefit the customers but when you start off by selling a story that just isn't true, the sincerity is all out the window. Eisen & Molnar have no issues with selling a false story, obviously. That trait of character is something I always struggle to understand. It's insulting and dishonest. And that is the foundation of their story.