Is this a recession indicator?
DoorDash is teaming up with Klarna to introduce a “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) option, allowing customers to split their food delivery purchases into four interest-free payments. The partnership, announced Thursday, aims to provide consumers with more flexible payment options for everyday purchases— including takeout, groceries, and even DoorDash’s DashPass Annual Plan.
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Klarna’s installment payment service will be seamlessly integrated into DoorDash’s checkout process, which will be accessible to users across the United States in the coming weeks. Available payment options will include:
- Pay in Full
- Pay in 4
- Pay Later
David Sykes, Chief Commercial Officer of Klarna, stated in the news release: “Our partnership with DoorDash marks an important milestone in Klarna’s expansion into everyday spending categories. By offering smarter, more flexible payment solutions for groceries, takeout, and retail essentials, we’re making convenience even more accessible for millions of Americans.”
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However, the move has sparked debate among consumers online. Some have taken to social media to criticize the BNPL option for food delivery, arguing that it could encourage financial irresponsibility and lead to unnecessary debt. Others see it as a practical solution for managing expenses.
The announcement comes as Klarna prepares for an anticipated initial public offering (IPO) later this year.