With over 60% of the average household budget now going to essentials like rent, groceries, and gas, there isn’t always much left over. That’s why I started looking into buy now, pay later apps like Sezzle and Klarna, to make purchases possible without draining my savings or racking up credit card debt.
I’ve used both, and the difference in how they work and how they feel to use is bigger than I expected. Klarna offers tons of options and longer payment plans. Sezzle keeps things simple and focused on credit-building. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but one might be better for you.
This Sezzle vs. Klarna breakdown lays it all out so you can choose the BNPL app that actually fits your life and your money habits.
Fast Match Guide: Klarna or Sezzle?
- Best for Big Purchases: Klarna offers longer-term plans (up to 36 months), making it ideal for spreading out larger expenses.
- Best for Budgeting: Sezzle keeps things short and simple with interest-free payments over six weeks—perfect for everyday spending.
- Credit Building: Sezzle has a built-in credit reporting feature (with Sezzle Up), while Klarna isn’t focused on credit history building.
- Subscription Perks: Klarna includes all core features without needing a subscription. Sezzle offers optional upgrades (like Sezzle Premium or Sezzle Up) that unlock extra perks, such as credit reporting and expanded access to retailers.
- Approval Process: Sezzle uses a soft credit check and keeps limits modest. Klarna can approve higher amounts, but may pull more info.
Klarna vs Sezzle: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Klarna | Sezzle |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Check | Soft credit check for Pay in 4 / Pay Later; hard check for long-term loans | Soft credit check only (no hard inquiry) |
| Installments | 4 equal payments over 6 weeks (Pay-in-4) or Pay in 30 days | 4 equal installments over 6 weeks (Pay-in-2 also available) |
| Interest | 0% for Pay in 4 and Pay in 30; interest of 0.00%-35.99% APR applies for monthly financing | 0% interest for standard Pay-in-4 and Pay-in-2 options |
| Fees | Late fees may apply depending on region and plan; interest for financing | No interest, capped late fees, no hidden fees |
| Credit Reporting | Will begin reporting to credit bureaus due to regulation changes | Reports to all three major bureaus if enrolled in Sezzle Up |
| Approval | Instant approval for short-term options; credit profile required for loans | Instant decision, no credit score impact |
| Use | Online and in-store (via Klarna app and one-time virtual card) | Online and in-store (via Sezzle virtual card) |
| Get Started | SIGN UP FOR KLARNA | SIGN UP FOR SEZZLE |
Klarna vs Sezzle Overview
Klarna is a Swedish buy now, pay later app that’s known for its easy checkout process and user-friendly mobile experience. It’s widely accepted at major retailers, making it a go-to option for everything from everyday shopping to big purchases like furniture or electronics like iPads or PS5s. I found the app super smooth, and it pops up at checkout with big-name brands all the time. For interest-free spending, you can either:
- Split your total into four payments over six weeks
- Push it out 30 days with nothing due upfront
Both options are easy to activate, and approvals are almost instant.
The catch? Klarna doesn’t just help you pay, it also encourages you to shop. The app is packed with brand deals, flash sales, and product suggestions. It kind of feels like a digital mall, and if you’re not careful, it’s easy to spend more than you planned.
For bigger purchases, Klarna offers financing through a partner bank. That comes with longer terms, interest, and sometimes a hard credit check. I used this recently when I bought last-minute tickets to a show for a friend’s birthday.
I didn’t have the full amount on hand, so Klarna let me spread it over six months, but it came with a cost. The total was around $224, but I’ll end up paying over $16 in interest by the time it’s done. At the moment, it made the experience possible. But it’s a good reminder that “later” still comes, and it costs more.
Like Sezzle, they also offer a one-time virtual card that can be used at stores that don’t officially accept Klarna, but in my experience, the process can be a bit clunky, depending on the site.
Sezzle: Simple and Supportive
Sezzle is a U.S.-based buy now, pay later app that offers a more stripped-down, values-based experience compared to flashier platforms. It’s especially good for short-term, interest-free plans like Pay in 4 (four equal payments over six weeks) and Pay in 2 at some retailers. There are no interest charges, and applying only triggers a soft credit check, so it won’t affect your score.
What sets Sezzle apart is how simple it is to use, especially when you’re just trying to get what you need without being bombarded with extra sales or promotions. The app focuses more on the payment experience than the shopping experience, and it partners with over 47,000 retailers, including a lot of small businesses and ethical brands. If you’re trying to be more intentional about where you shop, that’s a plus. And if you need to use it somewhere else, the virtual card feature makes it usable almost anywhere Visa is accepted.
I recently used Sezzle for back-to-school shopping for my daughter, and it made a real difference. I used the “Pay Anywhere” feature to create a virtual Visa card and checked out through the app. As I entered my payment details, a 30% off coupon automatically appeared. I wasn’t even looking for a promo, but I ended up saving money without any extra effort.
My final total was $216, with a small $6.99 service fee, and Sezzle split that into four biweekly payments. I paid $60.99 upfront and will pay $54 every two weeks after that. The app laid it all out clearly, and I can track everything from upcoming payments to the option to reschedule (which you can do once per order for free).
Installment Options & Flexibility
Both Klarna and Sezzle let you break up payments into smaller chunks, but how they handle flexibility is where things start to feel different.
Klarna offers a few different structures depending on the purchase amount and the merchant. For everyday purchases, you’ll typically see “Pay in 4” or “Pay in 30 days” right at checkout—both are interest-free if paid on time. But when the total gets higher, Klarna will often suggest financing over several months. That’s what happened when I bought the concert tickets through Ticketmaster. Instead of Pay in 4, I was offered a 6-month plan. It worked out because I didn’t have the full amount on hand, but it also meant I’d pay extra in interest. In that case, the convenience came with a cost.
Sezzle doesn’t push long-term plans in the same way. Most of the time, it sticks with Pay in 4. It’s predictable, interest-free, and easy to manage. This is perfect for smaller purchases that don’t need to be drawn out. That said, you do have options to reschedule payments directly in the app, which I’ve found useful when my paycheck timing is off.
And when I used it for back-to-school shopping, not only did I get to pay over time, but the pop-up coupon made sure I actually spent less than expected while spreading out the cost.
My pick: Sezzle — Klarna’s got more bells and whistles, but I stuck with Sezzle because its simple Pay in 4 setup and no-fuss rescheduling keep me from overextending myself. It just feels easier to manage.”
Understanding Fees & Financing
Neither app hides its fees, but how and when you get charged can look pretty different.
Klarna is transparent, but it depends on the plan. Short-term options are fee-free unless you miss a payment, which can trigger a $7 late fee. For longer-term financing, Klarna will clearly show you the interest rate and monthly breakdown before you commit.
With my 6-month Ticketmaster purchase, the added interest was about $16, which was fair for the convenience, but definitely something I wouldn’t want to make a habit of. Klarna also sometimes runs service fees for virtual card use, though I didn’t encounter that on this purchase.
Sezzle, on the other hand, keeps things tight. There’s no interest on Pay in 4, and the first reschedule is always free. After that, rescheduling costs up to $7.50, and failed payments may come with a fee as well.
When I used their virtual card, I did see a $6.99 service fee, which was clearly included in my first payment and didn’t come as a surprise. Honestly, the in-app coupon I scored saved me way more than that.
My pick: Tie — What I like most is that both platforms show you the full payment breakdown before you confirm. Klarna’s interest-based plans feel more like mini loans, while Sezzle leans more toward being a flexible payment tool without extra weight, unless you fall behind or need more time.
App Functionality Face-Off
Both Klarna and Sezzle have solid, easy-to-navigate apps that get high marks for layout, speed, and design. You can browse your payment schedule, get approval almost instantly, and even shop directly through the apps if that’s your thing
Some of the things I like about the Klarna app are that gift cards are easy to find and purchase, it stores your loyalty cards for you in one place (now I don’t lose my stars when my Starbucks app glitches), and you can easily find Klarna deals like the one below on your dashboard.
Things I really love about the Sezzle app include:
- It alerts you in the app when there is an update to your order (i.e., it has been shipped)
- Your Sezzle “Spending Power” is displayed at the top, so there is no confusion about what you can borrow.
- You can add your zip code, and Sezzle will list deals that are in your area. (i.e., I get 20% spend back on orders at my local Taco Bell.)
But of course, there were issues with the apps as well.
Was it perfect? Not quite. The first time I used the Sezzle virtual card, I had to manually enter the number at checkout. I mistyped it because the info was tucked at the bottom of the screen. Mildly annoying. But once I figured out I could just tap to copy the card details. Problem solved.
Klarna’s app has a more built-in shopping feel. You can scroll through deals from your favorite stores, activate promo codes, and create one-time virtual cards right in the app. It’s polished and full of features, but sometimes that comes at a cost.
When I used Klarna to buy concert tickets, the app froze during checkout, which caused a minor panic while I was trying to secure seats. I had to force close the app and reload to finish the transaction. Everything went through, but it added stress to what should’ve been a quick purchase. Klarna also offers things like price drop notifications, shopping wishlists, and in-app browsing, but with all that going on, it can feel more cluttered than Sezzle’s minimalist interface.
The Winner: Sezzle — Klarna’s app has a lot of bells and whistles, and if you love in-app shopping and hunting down deals, it might be your vibe. But for actually managing payments without distractions, Sezzle pulls ahead. It’s simpler, more focused, and just easier to use day to day. No frills, fewer bugs, and fewer chances to get sidetracked.
BNPL Memberships & Credit Programs
When it comes to extra perks, Klarna and Sezzle both offer more than just diverse payment options, but their programs go in completely different directions. Klarna leans into rewards and waived fees, while Sezzle provides real tools to improve your credit history and support responsible spending.
I had no trouble activating Sezzle Up. Everything was easy to find and clearly explained in the app. Klarna, on the other hand, made things surprisingly difficult. On the other hand, I had to contact customer support just to figure out where the Klarna Plus signup was hidden. For such a sleek app, that part was a little surprising.
Here’s how all four programs stack up:
Klarna vs. Sezzle: Full Membership Comparison
| Feature / Benefit | Klarna Standard (Free) | Klarna Plus (7.99/mo) | Sezzle Up (Free) | Sezzle Premium (12.99/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Reporting |  | |  Reports to all 3 bureaus | (if enrolled in Sezzle Up too) |
| Pay-in-4 Fee Waivers | | All purchases | | |
| Cashback on Purchases | | 1% (up to $5,000/mo) | | |
| Monthly Subscription Perks | | $8 off every 3 months + up to $80 in brand savings | | $10 monthly Sezzle Spend Credit + reward games |
| Late Fees or Interest | 0.01% interest | 3.22% interest | No interest | No interest |
| Virtual Card Access | | Virtual + Physical | | |
| Skip Service Fee (Pay-in-4) | | | | |
| Reschedule Perks | | | | 1 free reschedule per order |
| Support Tools | Basic checkout flexibility | Rewards-focused | Long-term financial growth | Rewards + customer support perks |
| Sign-up Experience | Easy | Hidden, had to contact support | Quick and clear | Easy toggle in-app |
| Sign Up | KLARNA | KLARNA PLUS | SEZZLE UP | PREMIUM |
A Note About Credit Reporting
As buy now, pay later services become uber popular, reporting practices are changing too. Some BNPL providers have started sharing user payment activity with the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. While most Pay-in-4 plans still don’t show up on credit reports, options like Sezzle Up let users opt in to report their history. Klarna and Affirm have also begun limited reporting for longer-term plans, and broader changes are expected industry-wide in the coming months.
The Winner: Sezzle — Sezzle comes out ahead for both accessibility and long-term value. Whether you want to build credit history through Sezzle Up or earn instant perks with Premium, you get tools that actually support your financial goals. Klarna Plus has its perks, especially if you shop often with big brands and want to avoid Pay-in-4 fees, but the membership felt harder to access and more focused on encouraging more spending rather than smarter spending.
Quick Wins & Trade-Offs
Both Klarna and Sezzle have strengths and quirks. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide what matters most to you.
✅ Klarna – Pros
- Offers both short-term (Pay in 4, Pay in 30) and long-term financing options
- Widely accepted at major retailers and e-commerce sites
- Virtual and physical Klarna card options are available
- Optional Klarna Plus membership offers perks like 1% cashback, fee waivers, and store discounts
- App includes discovery features, promos, and shopping tools
❌ Klarna – Cons
- Long-term financing may include interest and a hard credit check
- Many of their most recent TrustPilot reviews are one-star
- Pay-in-4 plans may charge service fees without membership
- Some users report tech glitches (like app freezing or checkout delays)
- Info about memberships and settings is buried — I had to contact support to find the sign-up links
✅ Sezzle – Pros
- No interest on standard Pay-in-4 and Pay-in-2 plans
- Works well for smaller or mid-size purchases
- Easy to use in-store and with online retailers
- Option to build credit history via Sezzle Up
- Offers optional Sezzle Premium subscription with perks like gift cards, sweepstakes, and extra support
❌ Sezzle – Cons
- Fewer options for modifying or extending payments once started
- Premium perks require a $12.99/month fee
- Virtual card can be clunky to enter manually
Final Verdict: Klarna or Sezzle?
After using both over the past month, I’ve found Klarna useful when I need payment flexibility for bigger purchases, especially from major retailers. It works well for one-off expenses or shopping events where options matter. But when I’m focused on budgeting, managing household costs, or building long-term credit history, Sezzle is the app I trust. It’s clear, simple, and doesn’t encourage overspending. Instead, it helps me make smarter choices and stick to them.
Curious to know more about Sezzle? Don’t just guess, read my in-depth Sezzle review where I break down how it works, who it’s best for, and the real pros and cons from a user’s perspective.
FAQs
Yes. Your payments are reported to credit bureaus, helping improve your history when payments are made on time.
Klarna does perform a soft credit check for Pay in 4 and a hard credit check for financing options.
Klarna lets you snooze a payment once for extra time and typically charges a small late fee if you miss it. Sezzle charges a late fee as well and may temporarily pause your account until the payment is resolved, but you can reschedule payments ahead of time to avoid this.
Yes. Both Klarna and Sezzle offer virtual cards that can be used for in-store transactions.
Both offer four interest-free payments for eligible purchases, but Klarna also offers Pay in 30 Days, which lets you receive items immediately and pay later.
