Swipe Now, Snack Later: Klarna and DoorDash Serve Up BNPL for Takeout

2 Min Read | 460 Words

The rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services has reshaped consumer spending habits, particularly among younger, digitally savvy shoppers. Klarna, a global BNPL giant, has now teamed up with DoorDash, the on-demand food delivery service, to offer flexible payment options for takeout orders. This partnership could have significant implications for both consumer behavior and the broader fintech landscape.

Fun Fact

Shell started as a seashell import business! In the 1830s, Marcus Samuel, a London shopkeeper, began importing decorative seashells from the Far East to sell as collectibles. His sons later expanded the business into oil transport, and by 1907, Shell merged with Royal Dutch to become the global energy giant we know today. The company’s name and iconic logo still pay tribute to its humble, ocean-inspired origins! 🌊🐚

Klarna x DoorDash: The Buy Now, Pay Later Boom Meets Food Delivery

What’s the Deal?

Klarna’s integration with DoorDash allows users to split their food delivery bills into four interest-free payments. This move is part of a broader strategy to extend BNPL(Buy Now, Pay Later) services beyond traditional e-commerce into everyday expenses.

For DoorDash, adding Klarna as a payment option , at face value, enhances customer affordability and loyalty. The logic is simple: if consumers can spread the cost of meals over multiple payments, they may be more inclined to place larger or more frequent orders.

BNPL Meets Instant Gratification

At first glance, the Klarna-DoorDash partnership seems like a natural extension of BNPL’s appeal. Consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, are already accustomed to using BNPL for fashion, electronics, and travel. By extending the model to food delivery, Klarna is tapping into a high-frequency spending category, reinforcing its role in everyday financial transactions.

However, this expansion raises questions. BNPL is often marketed as a budgeting tool, allowing consumers to manage larger purchases more effectively. Applying it to fast food and daily expenses could blur the line between responsible financial planning and impulsive spending.

The Business Strategy Behind It

For Klarna, diversification is key. The BNPL market is becoming increasingly competitive, with major players like Affirm, Afterpay, and Apple Pay Later vying for market share. By integrating with DoorDash, Klarna differentiates itself and deepens its presence in consumers’ financial habits.

For DoorDash, the benefits are clear: reduced friction in transactions can lead to higher order volumes and customer retention. In an industry where margins are tight, any edge in increasing basket sizes without direct discounts is a win.

The Risks: A Recipe for Debt?

While BNPL services don’t charge interest on short-term payments, they do impose late fees and as us aspiring chartered accountants know, there’s always a cost when financing. Critics argue that encouraging consumers to finance everyday purchases—especially discretionary spending like takeout—could lead to unhealthy financial habits. If BNPL becomes a go-to for small, frequent purchases, some consumers may find themselves juggling multiple repayments across different platforms, increasing the risk of financial strain.

Regulators are already scrutinizing BNPL providers for their impact on consumer debt levels. If Klarna’s expansion into food delivery leads to a surge in missed payments, it could attract further regulatory attention.

Final Thoughts: Innovation or Overreach?

The Klarna-DoorDash partnership signals an evolution in BNPL’s role in everyday spending. While the convenience is undeniable, it also prompts important discussions about financial responsibility. For consumers, the key will be balancing the flexibility BNPL offers with disciplined money management.

For aspiring Chartered Accountants and finance professionals, this development provides a case study in the intersection of fintech innovation, consumer behavior, and regulatory challenges. As BNPL services continue to expand, understanding their long-term impact will be crucial in shaping responsible financial practices.

What are your thoughts? Would you use BNPL for food delivery, or is this a step too far? Let’s discuss!

Our Recommended Investment Platforms

VALR - Crypto

As crypto continues to gain mainstream industry adoption, it has never been a better time to start investing in the revolutionary technology behind crypto. So, If you're into crypto or interested in getting started, you need a platform that offers simplicity, low fees, top security, and awesome rewards—and that’s exactly what VALR delivers.

Sign up today through our referral link to kickstart your journey.

Why trade on VALR?
✅ Super-low trading fees
✅ Instant deposits & withdrawals
✅ A massive selection of crypto assets
✅ Staking & passive income opportunities

EasyEquities - Stocks, ETFs and More

We believe that starting early and consistency is key to building wealth. If you’re looking to take control of your finances, now is the perfect time to invest any disposable income you have. By making small, consistent investments, you can unlock long-term financial growth.

With EasyEquities, investing in stocks, ETFs, and more has never been simpler or more accessible. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, you can start building your portfolio with as little as R50.

Sign up through the link below and receive R50 free to kickstart your investment journey. It’s an easy, affordable way to make your money work for you.

Start today—your future self will thank you! 🚀

Sign Up for Trainee Contract Opportunities

For those of you working toward your CA(SA) qualification, we’ve got great news! As a subscriber to The Journal Entry, we’re doing our best to find article program opportunities for you.

Don’t miss the chance to grow your professional network and take that crucial step toward your CA(SA) designation.

Be sure to fill out the sign-up form linked below to stay informed about upcoming trainee positions!

Make Your Mark On “The Journal Entry”

Fill out the form below with any content topics you’d like to see us cover.

Share The Journal Entry

If you enjoy our content we’d love it if you showed your friends and peers!

Please copy and paste this link to others: