Klarna is a buy now, pay later (BNPL) app that offers a variety of repayment terms to choose from. You can “pay in 4” or pay within 30 days interest-free, or opt for a monthly plan, from six to 24 months. There’s also a Klarna credit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
But it charges late fees, whereas some apps, like Affirm, PayPal and others, do not. It also doesn’t give you a preapproved spending limit, meaning each purchase is subject to approval. Plus, rates can reach as high as 35.99% for long-term financing.
Our 14 top picks for apps like Klarna
If you want to explore other ways to shop, check out this list of popular BNPL providers. If you prefer cash over credit, we also included some of the top cash advance apps that can float you up to $500 or more and give you more flexibility than a BNPL.
| Varo (cash advance) | Up to $500 | $1.40 to $40 transfer fees | 15 to 30 days | Instant | No |
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| EarnIn (cash advance) | Up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays | Free | Until next paycheck | 1 to 2 business days or instant for a fee | No |
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| Chime MyPay (cash advance) | Up to $500 | Free | Until next deposit | Within 2 days or instant for a fee | No |
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| Brigit (cash advance) | $50 to $250 | $8.99 to $14.99/month | Next payday, but can extend | 1 to 3 business days or instantly with a Premium subscription or for a fee | No |
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| Cleo (cash advance) | Up to $250 | $5.99/month | Within 14 days but can extend | 3 to 4 days or same day for a fee | No |
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| Dave (cash advance) | Up to $500 | Up to $5/month | Next payday or nearest Friday | Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee | No |
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| Cash App Borrow (cash advance) | $20 to $200 | 5% of advance amount | Typically within 4 weeks | Same day | Yes |
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| Affirm (BNPL) | $50 to $20,000 | 0% to 36% | Pay in 4, or up to 60 months | At purchase | No | |
| Perpay (BNPL) | Up to $1,000 initial spending limit | 0% | Up to 6 months | At purchase | Yes | |
| PayPal in 4 (BNPL) | $30 to $10,000 | 0% to 35.99% | Pay in 4, or 3 to 24 months | At purchase | No | |
| Afterpay (BNPL) | Starts at up to $600 | 0% to 35.99% | Pay in 4, or 6 to 12 months | At purchase | Yes | |
| Sezzle (BNPL) | Up to $15,000 | Service fee up to $7.49, 0% to 34.99% | Pay in 2 or 4, or up to 48 months | At purchase | Yes | |
| Zip (BNPL) | Varies | $0 to $78 | Pay in 4 or 8 installments | At purchase | Yes | |
| Splitit (BNPL) | Depends on your credit card’s available balance | 0% (but your credit card rates and fees still apply) | Varies by merchant | At purchase | No |
How does Klarna compare?
Like similar BNPL apps, Klarna offers a number of payment options — some with zero interest financing. And you can use Klarna practically everywhere, especially if you’re eligible for the Klarna Visa. But each purchase requires approval, you could get hit with late fees and rates on long-term plans could reach as high as 35.99%, which is more than most credit cards.
Pros
- Flexible repayment plans
- Some options are interest-free
- Widely accepted
Cons
- Requires approval for each purchase
- Rates up to 35.99% for longer terms
- Charges late fees
Why choose a BNPL app?
When you’re short on cash, a BNPL app can be a great way to make larger purchases and spread the payments out over time. There are many providers to choose from, and they are accepted by thousands of brands and merchants. But they may charge fees, there’s no access to cash and rates for some plans are high.
Pros
- Ability to pay over time
- Short terms, typically interest-free
- Widely available
Cons
- May charge fees
- No access to cash
- Rates for longer terms can be steep
Why cash advance apps might be a good alternative
If you’re looking for a little more flexibility than a BNPL app, you may want to consider a cash advance app instead. The biggest advantage is the ability to access cash, especially if you need gas money right now or have other expenses that can’t be financed. Plus, they’re easy to qualify for and don’t charge interest or late fees. Some may require a monthly fee, but other apps are virtually free.
Pros
- Access to cash
- Easy to qualify for
- No interest or late fees
Cons
- Advances small for new users
- May require a monthly subscription
- Fees for instant transfers
- Borrow up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays
- No credit check
- No monthly fees or interest
- Connect bank account to access cash advance
- Borrow up to $500
- Cash advance for up to 30 days
- Instant transfer with fee
- No subscription or membership fees
Other alternatives
If neither a BNPL nor cash advance app fits your needs, consider these alternatives.
- Personal loan. For larger loan amounts, longer terms and potentially lower rates, a personal loan could be a better fit. Keep in mind you’ll need a good credit score to qualify for the best rates.
- Bad credit loan. If your credit score isn’t the best, you may want to check out lenders that accept borrowers with lower scores.
- Consolidation loan. Relying on apps because your credit cards are maxed out? Get a debt consolidation loan to score a better rate and consolidate your high-interest debt into a single monthly payment.
- Introductory rate credit card. Some credit issuers offer cards with 0% financing for up to a year or more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make multiple purchases with Klarna?
Yes. There is no limit to how many purchases you can make using the Klarna app, but each transaction needs to be approved individually.
Is there another app similar to Klarna?
There are several apps like Klarna, including Affirm, PayPal, Afterpay, Sezzle and others. Each has its own unique features, so be sure to do your research to find the best one for your needs.
Is Klarna better than Perpay?
It depends on your situation. For full-time W-2 employees, Perpay could be a good choice because it never charges interest or late fees and has loan terms up to six months. But gig workers or freelancers might have better luck with Klarna or another app.
