Credit Building > Does Extending Klarna Due Dates Impact Your Credit Score?

Does Extending Klarna Due Dates Impact Your Credit Score?

Wollit Team4 minute read · Updated 26th February 2025

If you're a regular Klarna user, you may have wondered "does extending the due date on Klarna affect credit score?" This is a common concern, especially as more people turn to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services to manage their purchases. Understanding how Klarna's payment extensions work and their potential impact on your credit score is essential for maintaining healthy finances.

Understanding Klarna's payment extensions

Klarna offers a useful feature that allows users to extend due dates for certain purchases. This flexibility can be particularly valuable when you're experiencing temporary financial constraints or when unexpected expenses arise.

Payment extensions essentially give you extra time to make your payment without immediately facing late fees or penalties. This breathing room can help you manage cash flow more effectively during challenging periods.

However, it's important to note that not all Klarna payment plans qualify for extensions. Financing plans, which typically involve larger purchases spread over longer periods, generally do not allow due date changes. The extension feature is primarily available for standard Pay in 30 days or Pay in 3 instalments plans.

Does extending the due date on Klarna affect my credit score?

The good news is that extending a due date itself does not directly impact your credit score. When you request an extension through the Klarna app, this action is not reported as a missed or late payment to credit reference agencies.

Essentially, you're proactively communicating with Klarna to adjust your payment timeline, which is different from failing to meet a payment deadline. This distinction is important – Klarna treats approved extensions as a modification to your agreement rather than a payment issue.

However, there's a critical caveat to understand: if you fail to meet the new extended deadline, this could result in late fees and potentially affect your credit score. Klarna may report consistently missed payments to credit reference agencies like Experian and TransUnion, which could influence your creditworthiness over time.

Does Klarna report payment extensions to credit bureaus?

When it comes to credit reporting, Klarna does not report the act of extending a due date to credit bureaus. This means that simply requesting and receiving an extension won't appear on your credit report as a negative mark.

This policy aligns with Klarna's overall approach to credit reporting, which tends to focus more on significant payment issues rather than minor adjustments to payment timelines. For most users, this is reassuring news – you can use the extension feature when necessary without immediate concerns about your credit profile.

However, if payments are missed after the extension period, this information may be shared with credit reference agencies. To protect your credit score, it's crucial to ensure you meet the new payment deadline after extending your due date. Consider setting reminders or automatic payments to avoid overlooking the adjusted timeline.

Are there fees for extending the due date on Klarna payments?

Another important consideration when extending Klarna due dates is whether there are associated costs. Klarna typically does not charge a fee for extending due dates, making this feature a cost-effective way to manage temporary financial constraints.

This fee-free approach sets Klarna apart from many traditional credit providers, who often impose charges for payment adjustments or extensions. However, it's worth noting that terms may vary depending on your specific payment plan, location, and account history.

To ensure you have the most accurate information about potential fees, it's advisable to check Klarna's terms and conditions or contact their customer service directly. If you're unsure about how to request an extension, you can learn more about it through Klarna's official resources.

How many times can I extend my Klarna payment due date?

If you're considering using Klarna's extension feature, it's important to understand its limitations. Klarna generally allows one extension per order, though this may vary depending on your payment plan and account history.

This single-extension policy encourages responsible usage and prevents users from continually postponing payments indefinitely. It's designed as a short-term solution for temporary financial challenges rather than a long-term payment avoidance strategy.

Repeated extensions are not typically permitted, so it's crucial to plan your finances carefully to meet the new deadline. Consider the extension as a one-time accommodation rather than a regular feature of your payment plan.

If you find yourself consistently struggling to meet payment deadlines, even with extensions, it may be worth reconsidering your overall spending patterns or reaching out to Klarna for additional support. They may be able to offer alternative arrangements depending on your circumstances.

What happens if I miss a Klarna payment after extending the due date?

Missing a payment after receiving an extension can have more significant consequences than the initial extension request. If you fail to pay by the new deadline, you may face several potential issues:

Late fees may be applied to your account, increasing the total amount you owe.
Klarna may report the missed payment to credit reference agencies, which could negatively impact your credit score.
Your ability to use Klarna services in the future might be restricted or subject to stricter terms.

These consequences highlight the importance of only requesting extensions when you're confident you can meet the new payment deadline. Having a clear plan to make the payment by the extended due date is essential for maintaining both your financial health and your relationship with Klarna.

If you anticipate difficulties meeting even the extended deadline, it's advisable to contact Klarna proactively to discuss your options rather than allowing the payment to become delinquent.

How Klarna payment extensions fit into your credit-building journey

When used responsibly, Klarna and its features like payment extensions can be integrated into a healthy financial management approach. Meeting payment deadlines, including extended ones, demonstrates financial responsibility and can help maintain a positive credit profile.

If you're concerned about broader questions like does Klarna affect my credit score?, it's important to understand that Klarna's impact varies based on how you use the service. Responsible usage, including timely payments (even after extensions), minimizes negative effects on your credit score.

While Klarna itself doesn't directly improve your credit score in the same way as some traditional credit products, consistent on-time payments can contribute to a healthier credit history by avoiding negative marks. To learn more about this topic, you might want to explore does Klarna improve your credit score? for a comprehensive understanding.

Balancing flexibility with financial responsibility

Klarna's payment extension feature offers valuable flexibility for managing short-term financial challenges without immediately impacting your credit score. However, this flexibility comes with responsibility.

To make the most of Klarna while protecting your credit profile:

Only request extensions when genuinely necessary
Ensure you can meet the new payment deadline
Avoid relying on extensions as a regular payment strategy
Monitor your credit report regularly to understand how your payment behaviours are being recorded
Consider whether your overall spending patterns are sustainable

By approaching Klarna extensions with awareness and planning, you can benefit from the flexibility they offer while maintaining a healthy credit profile. Remember that while extending a due date itself doesn't affect your credit score, your overall payment behaviour with Klarna and other financial services contributes to your creditworthiness over time.

If you're looking to actively build your credit score rather than simply maintain it, consider exploring dedicated credit-building tools and services that specifically report positive payment behaviours to credit reference agencies consistently.