If you like Klarna but want different fees, approvals or merchant coverage, there are several alternatives to Klarna that give you similar “buy now, pay later” flexibility. The most common picks are Afterpay/Clearpay, PayPal Pay Later, Affirm, Sezzle, Splitit, Zip and a few regionals (Zilch, Laybuy, Scalapay). These apps vary in how they split payments, credit checks, fees and where you can use them — so the “best” one depends on what you care about (no credit check, interest-free, retailer coverage).

Below you’ll find an informal, experience-focused guide (with concrete examples and suggestions) so you can pick the right one fast.

Why look for Klarna alternatives?

  • Maybe a merchant doesn’t accept Klarna.
  • Maybe Klarna’s late-fee policy or credit checks don’t suit you.
  • Maybe you want a provider with smaller instalments or one tied to your credit card rather than a new line of credit.

The BNPL space changes fast, and some providers specialize by market (UK vs US vs Australia) or product (Pay-in-3 vs monthly instalments). For example, Clearpay is Klarna’s big competitor in the UK market, while Affirm and PayPal are heavier in the US.

Top Klarna alternatives

Niftipay

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Afterpay / Clearpay

  • Best if you want simple, interest-free splits for fashion and lifestyle purchases.
  • Typical model: 4 interest-free payments.
  • Great merchant adoption among clothing retailers.

PayPal Pay Later (Pay in 3 / Pay Monthly)

  • Best if you already use PayPal and value buyer protection and wide merchant acceptance.
  • Works in millions of stores where PayPal is accepted.

Affirm

  • Best if you want transparent terms for larger purchases (electronics, furniture).
  • Offers monthly instalments, sometimes with interest — upfront clarity on total cost. Affirm has been rapidly growing market share in recent years.

Sezzle

  • Best if you want budget-friendly, youth-oriented BNPL with flexible rescheduling policies.
  • Popular in North America for smaller purchases and apparel.

Splitit

  • Best if you prefer using your existing credit card to split payments without new credit checks.
  • Uses the available limit on your card to create instalments — good for people who want to avoid a new BNPL account.

Zip (formerly Quadpay), Zilch, Laybuy, Scalapay

  • Regional options with different models (pay-in-4, monthly, or card-backed instalments). Useful when shopping from specific merchants or regions.

How these alternatives differ

When testing BNPL apps I use the following quick checklist. These are things you’ll notice after the first order:

  1. Approval friction: Some do a soft credit check (no impact), others do full checks. If you care about credit inquiries, check each provider’s policy.
  2. Payment rhythm: Are payments split into four, three, or monthly instalments? Choose what fits your cash flow.
  3. Late-fee policy: Some charge fees; others let a missed payment trigger interest or block future purchases.
  4. Merchant coverage: Even top providers aren’t accepted everywhere — many fashion brands use Afterpay/Clearpay, while electronics may prefer Affirm.
  5. Returns & refunds flow: Returns can be slower with BNPL — you might need to wait for refund logic from both merchant and BNPL provider. (Personal note: I once had a shoe return where the refund was applied to the BNPL balance but the provider still asked me to make scheduled payments until the refund cleared — annoying but fixable.)
  6. Extra perks: Some apps offer rewards, card-linked cashback, or easier dispute resolution.

Which alternative should you choose?

If you shop mostly clothing & want interest-free micro-payments

Afterpay / Clearpay is often the best match.

If you want broad merchant coverage and buyer protection

PayPal Pay Later — because PayPal is accepted almost everywhere and has a familiar dispute process.

If you’re buying big-ticket items and want clear total cost upfront

Affirm — transparent monthly plans, sometimes with promotional 0% APR for certain stores.

If you’d rather not open a new credit line

Splitit — uses your existing credit card, so no new line and no typical BNPL account.

If you’re testing BNPL for the first time and want budget flexibility

Sezzle — friendly to first-time users and often more lenient on small schedule tweaks.

Real-world example

Example: I ordered a €180 pair of trainers and chose a PayPal Pay in 3 option. Checkout was instant (no new sign-up), and the merchant processed shipping right away. When a sizing return was needed, PayPal automatically adjusted the balance after the merchant issued the refund — I avoided juggling two apps. That ease-of-use matters when you shop often.

(Insert expert quote here: “BNPL success for consumers hinges on clear refund flows and transparent late-fee policies.” — consider a quote from a consumer-finance analyst or FCA official.)

Safety tips & good habits using BNPL

  • Track payment dates in your calendar — BNPL can be easy to forget.
  • Read the T&Cs on late fees and how refunds are handled.
  • Use BNPL only for planned purchases — it’s easy to overextend.
  • Prefer providers with soft credit checks if you’re monitoring your score.
  • Check merchant acceptance before you build your cart — saves checkout friction.

Where to find reliable comparisons and further reading

Good, regularly updated comparison sites include industry aggregators and reviews (G2, GetApp, Finder). For market context and regulation news, follow financial outlets and regulators (market outlooks and FCA announcements).

FAQ

Q: Are BNPL apps bad for credit score?
A: Many use soft checks; some do hard checks for larger loans. Check provider policy.

Q: Is BNPL cheaper than credit cards?
A: Not always. Interest-free instalments can be cheaper — but missed payments can become costly.

Q: Can I cancel a BNPL payment after a return?
A: Returns process through the merchant; refund timing depends on merchant + BNPL provider workflow.

If Klarna works for you, stick with it. If you are looking for different terms, commercial reach, or credit behavior, try niftipay for fashion, PayPal for broad commercial coverage, for large purchases, or if you prefer installment payments by card. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages: choose based on payment schedule, fees, refund management, and merchant acceptance.