- Provider
- Klarna, a buy now pay later and credit provider
- Regulation
- BNPL agreements from 15 July 2026 are FCA-regulated
- Earlier agreements
- Older ones stay unregulated
- First step
- Contact Klarna before the due date
On this page
Klarna and your payments
Klarna offers several ways to pay, including paying later after a set period, paying in instalments and longer financing that can carry interest. Each order is its own agreement with its own due date, so several purchases can mean several payments falling due at once.
Since 15 July 2026, new agreements of this type come under FCA regulation, including affordability checks. Agreements made before that date remain unregulated.
What happens if you miss a Klarna payment?
Klarna will send reminders and may restrict your account and stop you from using it for new purchases. Late fees and further charges can apply depending on the product, and missed payments can be passed to a collection agency. They may also affect your credit file. Check your agreement and the Klarna app for the exact terms that apply to each order.
Talk to a free adviser first
An adviser can look at your whole budget, deal with creditors for you and explain which option suits you. Get free debt advice.
What you can do
- Contact Klarna through its app or customer service before the due date. Ask about extending a due date or setting up a plan you can afford.
- List every Klarna order and what is outstanding, so you know the total.
- Do not use another buy now pay later service or credit card to pay Klarna.
- Pay rent or mortgage, council tax, energy and food first.
- If Klarna sits alongside other debts, ask an adviser about a debt management plan, an IVA or a debt relief order.
If a debt collector contacts you about Klarna, read our guide to dealing with debt collectors.
Complaining about Klarna
Complain to Klarna first. If you are not happy with its final response, or it has not resolved the complaint within eight weeks, you may be able to take the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Whether you can use it for an older agreement depends on when the agreement was made, so check before you start.
More on buy now pay later
Our wider buy now pay later guide explains what changed with regulation and how BNPL debt works across providers.
Frequently asked questions
Will Klarna take me to court?
Klarna or a collector can start a court claim for an unpaid balance, but it is usually possible to agree a plan first. Never ignore court papers.
Does Klarna affect my credit score?
Missed payments can be recorded on your credit file, and your use of Klarna may be visible to lenders. Check your credit report to see what is shown.
Can I include Klarna in an IVA or DMP?
Yes. Klarna balances are unsecured debts and can usually be included, as long as the whole debt is declared.
Can I ask Klarna to freeze charges?
You can ask. Providers should treat customers in financial difficulty fairly, but how much they will do depends on the agreement and your circumstances.
What if I did not authorise the purchase?
Tell Klarna immediately and also contact the retailer. If you think you are a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud as well.
This guide gives general information and is not personal advice. Rules and limits change, so check with a free adviser before acting. Last reviewed 11 November 2026.