Credit Building > What to Do If You Miss a Klarna Payment by One Day

What to Do If You Miss a Klarna Payment by One Day

Wollit Team5 minute read · Updated 26th February 2025

Missing a Klarna payment by one day can happen to anyone. Perhaps you forgot the due date, had insufficient funds in your account, or experienced a technical issue with the payment process. While a one-day delay might seem minor, it's important to understand the potential consequences and take appropriate action quickly.

Understanding Klarna's late payment policies

When you miss a Klarna payment, even by just one day, the company typically attempts to collect the payment again automatically. This second attempt helps many customers resolve the situation without further action.

Depending on the terms of your specific agreement, missed payments may result in late fees being applied to your account. These fees add to your overall debt and can accumulate if the payment remains outstanding.

It's worth noting that if a payment remains unpaid for an extended period, the situation can escalate. Repeated missed payments or long-term non-payment could eventually lead to your debt being sent to collections. This is a scenario most shoppers want to avoid, as it can have more serious financial implications.

Will missing a Klarna payment by one day affect your credit score?

If you've missed a Klarna payment by just one day, there's generally no immediate impact on your credit score. Klarna does not typically report missed payments to credit reference agencies right away, which gives you a short window to resolve the issue.

However, if you leave the payment unresolved for an extended period, Klarna may eventually report this information to credit reference agencies such as Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Once reported, a missed payment can remain on your credit file for up to six years, potentially affecting your ability to obtain credit in the future. Learn more about how Klarna reports to credit agencies.

To avoid any long-term consequences for your credit score, it's best to resolve the missed payment as promptly as possible. Taking quick action demonstrates financial responsibility and helps maintain your creditworthiness.

Does Klarna have a grace period for late payments?

While Klarna doesn't advertise an official grace period for missed payments, they do offer some flexibility through their payment extension feature. Klarna allows you to extend your payment due date once per order through their app, which can be a helpful tool if you realize you're going to miss a payment.

It's important to note that this extension option isn't available for all payment plans. In particular, financing agreements for larger purchases typically have stricter terms that don't allow for extensions.

If you're struggling to make your payment and aren't eligible for an extension, it's advisable to contact Klarna's customer service team directly. They may be able to offer alternative solutions based on your specific circumstances and payment history.

What are the late fees for missing a Klarna payment?

When you miss a Klarna payment, late fees may apply depending on your specific agreement. These fees can vary based on several factors, including the type of payment plan you selected and the amount of your purchase.

For standard Pay in 30 days or Pay in 3 installments plans, Klarna's late fees are typically a percentage of the outstanding amount or a fixed fee, whichever is greater. The exact amount should be outlined in the terms and conditions you agreed to when making your purchase.

You can avoid these late fees by resolving your payment quickly after missing it or by using Klarna's payment extension options before the due date if you anticipate issues with payment. Being proactive about managing your payments can save you money and prevent unnecessary financial stress.

How to resolve a missed Klarna payment quickly

If you've missed a Klarna payment by one day, here's what you should do:

1. Check your payment status: Log into your Klarna account via the app or website and review the status of your payment. Confirm that the payment attempt has indeed failed.
2. Ensure sufficient funds: If the payment failed due to insufficient funds, make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the payment.
3. Retry the payment: Klarna usually allows you to manually retry a failed payment. Navigate to the specific order in your Klarna account and look for options to make the payment.
4. Use the extension feature: If eligible, you can use Klarna's 'Extend Due Date' feature to give yourself more time to arrange payment. This is particularly useful if you're waiting for funds to become available.
5. Contact Klarna: If you're unable to resolve the issue through the app, don't hesitate to contact Klarna's support team. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and may offer solutions not available through self-service options.

Taking action within 24-48 hours of missing a payment demonstrates your commitment to fulfilling your financial obligations and can help prevent more serious consequences. For more tips on managing Buy Now, Pay Later services responsibly, check out our guide on using Klarna safely.

Will you still be able to use Klarna after a late payment?

After missing a payment, even by just one day, Klarna may temporarily restrict your ability to make new purchases until the missed payment is resolved. This restriction is a standard risk management practice for most credit providers.

If you develop a pattern of late payments, this could affect your eligibility for future Klarna services more significantly. Klarna uses internal risk assessment systems to evaluate customer reliability, and repeated payment issues will influence how these systems view your account.

The good news is that paying off the missed amount promptly can help restore your account's functionality. Once the payment is resolved, restrictions are often lifted, allowing you to continue using Klarna services. However, if you're experiencing recurring issues with Klarna approvals, you might want to understand why you can't get approved for Klarna.

Tips to avoid future missed payments

To prevent missing Klarna payments in the future, consider implementing these practical strategies:

1. Set up payment reminders: Use calendar alerts, smartphone notifications, or specialized budget apps to remind you of upcoming payment dates.
2. Consider automatic payments: If available, set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date. Just make sure you always have sufficient funds in your account.
3. Regularly review your payment schedule: Make it a habit to check your Klarna app weekly to stay aware of upcoming payments and their amounts.
4. Create a dedicated payment calendar: Keep track of all your payment obligations, including Klarna installments, in one place to avoid overlooking any due dates.
5. Plan purchases around payday: Try to align your Klarna payment dates with your income schedule to ensure you always have funds available.
6. Build an emergency buffer: If possible, maintain a small financial buffer in your account to cover payments even if unexpected expenses arise.
7. Be proactive about payment difficulties: If you anticipate problems making a payment, contact Klarna before the due date to explore your options. This demonstrates responsibility and willingness to fulfill your obligations.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a positive relationship with Klarna and protect your overall financial health. Responsible management of Buy Now, Pay Later services contributes to a broader picture of healthy credit behavior, which is essential for building a strong credit score and achieving long-term financial goals.

Managing your finances beyond Klarna

While addressing a missed Klarna payment is important, it's also worth considering your broader financial habits. If you find yourself regularly struggling to make payments on time, this might indicate a need to reassess your spending patterns or create a more structured budget.

Remember that Buy Now, Pay Later services like Klarna are convenient tools, but they still represent financial commitments that need to be managed responsibly. By staying organized, planning ahead, and acting quickly when issues arise, you can enjoy the benefits of flexible payment options while avoiding negative consequences.

Missing a payment by one day is a minor setback that can be quickly resolved. By taking prompt action and implementing strategies to prevent future missed payments, you can maintain good standing with Klarna and protect your overall financial wellbeing.

• Financial Health