Does Extending Due Date on Klarna Affect Credit Score

Learn if extending your Klarna payment due date affects your credit score in the UK, and how to avoid negative marks on your credit file

Does Extending the Due Date on Klarna Affect Credit Score

Klarna has become a popular Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) option for UK shoppers, allowing you to split payments into manageable instalments or delay payment altogether. One feature Klarna offers is the ability to extend your payment due date. This gives you more time to pay off a purchase, but many people are unsure whether doing so can affect their credit score.

The short answer is no, extending your due date on Klarna does not automatically affect your credit score — as long as the payment is made before the new due date. However, if you miss the new deadline or fail to meet Klarna’s terms, it can impact your credit file and future borrowing ability.

In this article, we’ll explain how Klarna’s due date extensions work, how they’re reported, and what you need to be aware of if you're using Klarna and trying to protect your credit score.

How Klarna’s Due Date Extension Works

Klarna allows eligible users to extend their payment due date by up to 10 days on Pay in 30 Days purchases. This gives you extra time to pay without incurring late fees or interest. You can request this extension in the Klarna app or through your online account, provided your account is in good standing.

It’s important to note:

  • Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at Klarna’s discretion

  • You can only extend once per order

  • If the payment is not made by the new due date, it may be considered missed

Will Extending the Due Date Affect My Credit Score

If you extend the due date and make payment on or before the new due date, your credit score will not be affected.

However, if you miss the new due date, Klarna may report the late payment to credit reference agencies. Klarna began reporting customer behaviour to Experian and TransUnion in 2022. This means:

  • On-time payments may help improve your credit history

  • Missed or late payments can be recorded and negatively impact your credit score

  • Repeated missed payments could affect your ability to use Klarna or other credit products in the future

At the time of writing, Klarna does not report payment activity to Equifax, but this may change.

What Klarna Products Are Reported

Klarna offers different payment options, and not all are treated the same:

  • Pay in 3: Split over three instalments. This is reported to Experian and TransUnion

  • Pay in 30 Days: Pay within 30 days (with the option to extend). Also reported

  • Financing: Longer-term credit agreements, which are fully regulated and reported like any standard loan

If you’re using any of these products, your payment behaviour could appear on your credit report and influence your credit score.

What Happens If You Miss the New Due Date

If you miss the new extended due date:

  • Klarna may freeze your account and prevent further purchases

  • You may receive reminders and be charged a late fee, depending on the terms

  • The missed payment could be reported to credit reference agencies, reducing your score

  • If the account remains unpaid, the debt may be referred to a collection agency

Even one late payment can stay on your credit file for up to six years, making it harder to access credit elsewhere.

Real-World Example

Sophie used Klarna’s Pay in 30 Days for a clothing order and opted to extend her payment by 10 days. She paid the full amount on day 10, and no impact was made on her credit score. The transaction was visible on her Klarna account but not yet on her credit file.

Meanwhile, Marcus extended his due date on a Pay in 3 plan but still failed to pay after the extension. Klarna reported the late payment to Experian, and his score dropped by 40 points. He also found himself unable to use Klarna for future purchases.

Tips for Managing Klarna Payments Responsibly

  • Set reminders for your original and extended due dates

  • Only use Klarna for purchases you can afford to repay

  • Monitor your Klarna app or account dashboard for due dates and payment status

  • Avoid relying on extensions regularly, as it may indicate poor money management to lenders

  • Check your credit report regularly to track any changes

You can view your credit report for free using services such as ClearScore (Equifax), Credit Karma (TransUnion), and Experian’s free account.

Final Thought

Extending your Klarna due date does not hurt your credit score as long as you pay by the new deadline. However, failing to pay by that extended date can be reported to credit reference agencies, potentially damaging your score and limiting access to future credit.

If you’re using Klarna, treat it like any other form of borrowing. Stay within your limits, track your payments, and avoid falling into the habit of relying on extensions. Responsible use can help you manage cash flow without harming your credit profile.