Klarna takes payment automatically on the dates you agreed to when you set up the purchase
When you buy something with Klarna, you choose a payment plan at checkout — usually split into two, three, or four payments spread over weeks or months. Klarna then automatically pulls money from your bank account on each due date you selected. You do not have to do anything on payment day; the money moves on its own.
The key word is automatic. Once you confirm your purchase and payment schedule, Klarna has permission to take those payments without asking you again. This is called a recurring payment authorization — you give permission once, and the company uses it repeatedly until the plan is finished.
This is different from a credit card, where you might choose to pay whenever you want. With Klarna, the dates are set, and the payments happen whether you log in or not.
Key Takeaways
- Klarna automatically withdraws money from your bank account on the payment dates you chose at checkout, without sending a reminder or asking permission each time.
- You can see all your upcoming payment dates in the Klarna app or website before the first payment leaves your account.
- If you do not have enough money in your account on a payment date, the payment may fail, and Klarna will typically try again or charge a fee.
- You can change your payment method or reschedule payments through the Klarna app, but you cannot skip a payment without contacting Klarna directly.
Where the money comes from and how to check it
Klarna pulls money directly from the bank account you linked when you made the purchase. This is usually a checking account, though some people link savings accounts. The withdrawal happens automatically on the date shown in your Klarna app — you do not need to be online or do anything to trigger it.
Before your first payment leaves, open the Klarna app or go to klarna.com and log in. Look for your active purchases or orders. You will see each payment date listed, the amount due on each date, and which account the money will come from. Write down or screenshot these dates so you know when money will leave your account.
If you are unsure whether you have enough money in your account on a payment date, check your bank balance a day or two before. Klarna typically processes payments early in the morning, so money may leave your account before you see a notification.
What happens if you do not have enough money when a payment is due
If your bank account does not have enough money on the payment date, the withdrawal will fail. Klarna will usually try to take the payment again over the next few days. If it fails multiple times, Klarna may charge a late fee or mark your account as past due.
A failed payment can also affect your credit score if Klarna reports it to the credit bureaus. This is more likely to happen if the payment stays unpaid for 30 days or longer. Even one missed payment can make it harder to borrow money in the future.
If you know you will not have money on the due date, contact Klarna through the app or website before the payment date. You may be able to reschedule the payment to a later date, though Klarna does not always allow this and may charge a fee.
How to change or reschedule a payment
You can change your payment method through the Klarna app. Open your active purchase, look for payment settings or payment method, and add a different bank account or card. Klarna will use the new method for the next payment.
Rescheduling a payment — moving the date to later — is harder. Klarna does not always allow you to reschedule, and when it does, you may have to contact customer service rather than do it yourself in the app. If you need to reschedule, open the Klarna app, find the purchase, and look for a "reschedule" or "change date" option. If you do not see one, use the in-app chat or call Klarna directly.
You cannot skip a payment or stop the automatic withdrawals on your own. If you want to stop payments, you will need to contact Klarna and ask them to pause or cancel the plan. Be aware that canceling early may trigger fees or affect your account standing with Klarna.
The difference between Klarna's payment plans
Klarna offers different types of payment plans, and they work slightly differently. The most common is Pay in 4, where you split a purchase into four equal payments over six weeks. The first payment is due at checkout, and the other three are automatic.
Klarna also offers longer payment plans through Klarna Credit, which works more like a traditional loan. Payments are still automatic, but they may be monthly instead of every two weeks, and the plan can last several months. The terms depend on the store and the amount you are borrowing.
Some stores also offer Pay Later plans where you do not pay anything upfront and the full amount is due in 30 days. This is still an automatic payment — Klarna will withdraw the full amount on day 30 unless you have already paid it yourself.
How to turn off notifications and stay on top of payments
Klarna sends notifications through the app and by email or text before each payment is due. These reminders usually arrive a few days before the payment date. If you do not want these notifications, you can turn them off in the app settings, but this is not recommended — the reminders help you make sure you have money in your account.
Instead of turning off notifications, add your Klarna payment dates to your phone calendar or a notebook. Write down the exact date and amount for each payment. This way, you can plan your spending and make sure you have money available when Klarna needs it.
Check your bank account regularly to confirm that each payment went through. If a payment fails or does not appear when expected, contact Klarna right away. The sooner you address a problem, the less likely it is to affect your credit or result in fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a Klarna payment plan after I start it?
You can contact Klarna and ask to cancel, but you will usually have to pay off the remaining balance right away. Canceling early may also result in fees or affect your standing with Klarna. It is usually better to keep making the automatic payments as scheduled.
What if Klarna takes money from my account twice by mistake?
Contact Klarna when ready through the app or by phone. Explain that you were charged twice and ask for a refund. Klarna should reverse the duplicate charge within a few business days. If they do not, contact your bank and dispute the charge.
Does Klarna send a reminder before each automatic payment?
Yes, Klarna typically sends a notification through the app, email, or text a few days before each payment is due. You can turn these off in your app settings, but keeping them on helps you avoid overdrafts and missed payments.
Can I use a credit card instead of a bank account for Klarna payments?
Some Klarna payment plans allow you to link a credit card, but most require a direct bank account withdrawal. Check your payment method options in the app. If you linked a bank account, you will need to contact Klarna to change it to a card.
What happens to my Klarna account if I miss a payment?
A missed payment can result in late fees, a negative mark on your credit report, and a lower Klarna credit limit in the future. If you miss a payment, contact Klarna as soon as possible to work out a plan to catch up.