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?
This story is from the November 11, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 11, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Retirement was a genuine consideration for me
Four-time world champ Mark Selby almost quit snooker but as his form returns he’s up for the Masters, says Luke Baker
Man United to take on Van Nistelrooy's Leicester City as Plymouth draw Liverpool
Holders Manchester United have been drawn to play Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester at Old Trafford in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Spurs survive torpedoes’ as Tamworth give stars a scare
Tamworth is not short of lore, having been a royal centre for the Kingdom of Mercia until the Vikings invaded.
Amorim's stature grows as misfiring Arsenal exit cup
While Ruben Amorim said that he instantly felt “today was our day”, Mikel Arteta now has to figure out what next for Arsenal’s season.
The something about Diaz? She's a shinier version of us
Cameron Diaz walked away from Hollywood 10 years ago but has un-retired for aptly named Netflix film Back in Action’. Might she now be afforded some respect, asks Adam White
'We had been hated by the highest levels of command'
It’s 25 years since the ban on gay men and women serving in the UK armed forces was lifted. Those in the firing line recall the trauma that thousands suffered. Damian Kerlin reports
India's Uttar Pradesh hosts largest gathering on Earth
India is finalising preparations for the largest gathering of people anywhere on Earth, the six-week Maha Kumbh Mela festival, which begins in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh today.
A Tokyo robot cafe aiming to empower human workers
Kentaro Yoshifuji’s robots allow people to work at the Dawn cafe from anywhere around the world, says Adam Withnall
Newsom says LA blaze is worst natural disaster in US history’ amid criticism
California governor Gavin Newsom admits he wants to know \"what the hell happened\" to critical water systems as the Los Angeles wildfires devastated the city amid anger from residents over the state’s response.
Police officer killed by lorry while helping crash victims
A North Yorkshire police officer has died after she was struck by a lorry whilst helping at the scene of another crash on the side of a highway.
