Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Klarna is basically loan sharks but if you do it with an app is legal. Also Opera the browser moved to doing that.





In fairness to Klarna, the interest rates they charge are typically low or even zero. The problem is more that they're encouraging poor people to waste money on things they probably shouldn't buy in the first place, like expensive concert tickets or consumer electronics.

I used to work at a competitor to klarna so take this with a grain of salt, but the zero interest rates aren't really zero. They finance either by klarna eating into their runway, or by the business paying the interest up front. Which usually leads to higher prices for everyone, regardless of you using klarna or not

That's only the case if demand is static. The parent comment mentions that "poor people buy more stuff" which is increased demand



Consider applying for YC's Summer 2025 batch! Applications are open till May 13

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: