You will have seen its baby pink logo, placed seductively at the bottom of the checkout window. Today it's ubiquitous, lurking on practically every online shop, from Amazon and Asos to Deliveroo and John Lewis. I avoided clicking it for a while, then eventually gave in: this is Klarna, one of the many buy now, pay later (BNPL) services that allow you to split payments for everyday items into three, zero-interest instalments, or pay within 30 days. Sounds like a perfect way to create some financial flexibility, right? That’s until you get completely hooked.
It began when I needed a dress for a special occasion, but couldn’t afford one until payday. So I opted to actually pay for it 30 days after purchase. I was amazed by how easy it was. I didn’t have to jump through any major hoops to obtain the credit from Klarna, or fill out any lengthy forms. But then I got trigger-happy.
Gym trainers, a pair of headphones, a cute winter cardi – you name it, I’ve probably Klarna’d it. Just last week I decided to buy a ticket for a European music festival in nine separate instalments. I’ve somehow become allergic to paying for anything outright. But, when it’s time to pay up, I continually find myself struggling to balance my multiple payment deadlines. I’ve been living beyond my means and I know I’m in a dangerous cycle. But why has this kind of payment culture become so normalised?
Denne historien er fra November 11, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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Denne historien er fra November 11, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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Why home advantage has lost its sting in Test series.
“The tour is only a matter of hours old, but the wry thought occurs to me that reputations will almost certainly be destroyed in the next few months.”
North can't compete with south's individual X factor
Ex-Lions captain Sam Warburton has a theory why southern hemisphere teams have dominated the autumn internationals
Aimless Villa stagger to bore draw against Juventus
Aston Villa and Unai Emery have run out of ideas, far too early in the Spaniard’s previously exhilarating revolution.
Reds humble Real and Slot does what Klopp could not
A few weeks ago, it was possible to look at Arne Slot’s seemingly impressive start at Liverpool, adopt a sceptical tone and ask who they had really beaten.
Vauxhall's closure shows No 10 must recharge EV rules
Electric vehicles aren't selling in the volume anticipated and James Moore says government is right to order a swift review
Nationwide banks £2bn in takeover of Virgin Money
Nationwide has gained £2.3bn following its acquisition of Virgin Money, according to the firm’s half-year results.
Red Sea boat survivors were trapped in cabins, says diver
Two Britons who were on the yacht remain unaccounted for
Record snowfall leaves Seoul scrambling to cope
Transport chaos and power cuts hit city as two die on roads
Myanmar junta chief faces crimes against humanity charge for Rohingya deaths
Arrest warrant requested by International Criminal Court
Lebanon ceasefire is part of plan to keep Trump on side
Benjamin Netanyahu knows the incoming president won't be happy if the Gaza war drags on, writes Chris Stevenson, so he is turning his attention to Iran to buy himself some time
