Klarna's Merchant Base Jumps 47% to Pass 1 Million

Core Insights - Klarna's global merchant base has surpassed 1 million, reflecting significant growth in its payment services [1][2][3] Merchant Growth - The number of merchants utilizing Klarna's payment methods increased by 47% over the past year, with 285,000 new merchants added in 2025, including over 115,000 in the last quarter [2] - Klarna's fastest-growing merchant category is leisure, sports, and hobby, which saw a 91% year-over-year increase, indicating rising consumer demand for flexible payment options in wellness and fitness [3] User Engagement - Daily app users of Klarna have risen by 53% in the past year, reaching 9 million, attributed to increased usage of its banking, spending, and shopping services [3] Market Positioning - Klarna aims to become the global digital bank for the next generation, as stated by its CEO, highlighting the company's vision and commitment to everyday money management [7] Consumer Behavior - Research indicates that 31% of consumers used credit card installment plans in January, compared to 12% using buy now pay later (BNPL) options, suggesting a preference for installment products across various demographics [8] - 43% of consumers choose BNPL primarily for speed and approval, viewing it as a quick-access tool rather than a long-term credit solution [8] - Credit management is the main reason for 34.2% of consumers using credit card installment plans, positioning these products as structured borrowing tools for budgeting [9]