Burger now, pay later: have we reached peak BNPL as Klarna inks big deal with DoorDash?

It appears that we’ve reached peak buy now, pay later as Klarna and DoorDash partner to offer the former’s range of payment options to the latter’s customers.

It’s another big tie up for Klarna, which also this week announced that it will become the exclusive provider of buy now, pay later loans for Walmart, nabbing the partnership from rival FinTech firm Affirm. Fantastic momentum for the Swedish firm as it publicly files a registration statement (Form F-1) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a proposed initial public offering (IPO) of its ordinary shares,

But dare we suggest that, if you need to take out a loan to get fast food delivered to your door, you should probably go and pick up the order yourself or, better still, rustle something up in the kitchen.

Anyhoo, in the coming months, DoorDash customers in the US will be able to tap Klarna’s service when purchasing groceries, retail, and DashPass Annual Plan - on DoorDash.com or through the venture’s app.

When they reach check-out, they’ll see Klarna as an additional payment option, including the ability to pay in four equal interest free installments.

David Sykes, Chief Commercial Officer at Klarna, says: “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.”

“As we expand our offerings - from groceries and beauty to electronics and gifts - flexible payment options are essential to meeting our customers’ needs,” says Anand Subbarayan, Head of Money Products at DoorDash. “We’re excited to partner with Klarna to enhance the convenience we offer, including flexible payment options for our DashPass Annual Plan, the most affordable way to order on DoorDash with added streaming and ride benefits at no extra cost.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Payments will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.