Buy now, pay later isn’t just for consumer checkout anymore. More merchants are starting to use installment options to move bigger invoices, offer flexible net terms, and secure high-volume repeat customers. But which BNPL platform actually fits? If you're comparing Affirm vs Afterpay vs Klarna for B2B-style transactions, the answer isn’t obvious. Each one was built for something slightly different.
What Are Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna?
All three are well-known names in the consumer BNPL space. They let customers split payments into multiple installments at checkout, often with no interest. But that’s where the similarities stop, especially when applied to B2B or merchant use cases.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Affirm: Popular for large-ticket consumer purchases like travel, furniture, or fitness equipment.
- Afterpay: Built around smaller purchases and high-volume fashion, beauty, or retail sales.
- Klarna: More flexible, global footprint, with extended invoicing and longer-term financing.
When it comes to merchant use, things get more complicated. You're not just offering a payment option to a shopper, but you’re also building a pipeline that may involve net 30/60/90 terms, risk underwriting, and back-end systems that tie into invoicing or ERP.
1. Affirm: Built for Bigger, One-Off Transactions
Affirm is most attractive for merchants who sell higher-ticket items. Their model allows for financing over longer terms, such as 3, 6, 12, and even 36 months.
Pros for merchant-style use:
- Handles large transaction values well (think $500 to $15,000).
- Flexible term lengths.
- Transparent interest structures.
- Has a “split pay” option that mimics short-term BNPL.
Cons:
- Not optimized for recurring or ongoing invoicing.
- Limited flexibility in B2B-style net terms.
- Integration mostly targets DTC eCommerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, etc.
Best use case: Equipment sales, wholesale orders, or large upfront onboarding fees.
2. Afterpay: Simple, Fast, but Not Built for Invoicing
Afterpay is more rigid in structure. Customers must pay in four installments, usually every two weeks. It’s designed for lower-value, fast-moving consumer goods.
Pros:
- Extremely simple for customers.
- Instant approvals, high conversion at checkout.
- Clean user experience.
Cons for merchant transactions:
- Not suited for large or custom invoice amounts.
- No built-in way to manage net terms.
- Short repayment windows don’t align with business buyer behavior.
- Hard to tie into invoicing or billing systems.
Best use case: Smaller merchants with fixed-price goods under $1,500, like drop shipping or flash-sale inventory clearing.
3. Klarna: Most Flexible for B2B-like Structures
Klarna offers the broadest range of options. It supports "Pay in 4" like Afterpay, but also includes invoicing, subscriptions, and financing options that stretch 6 to 36 months.
Pros:
- Can issue invoices with 14, 30, or 60-day due dates.
- Built-in customer credit checks and risk assessment.
- Offers subscription billing support.
- Strong international presence (especially in Europe).
Cons:
- More complex to integrate.
- Needs some custom setup to mimic B2B workflows.
- Less transparent for merchants on back-end fees and payout schedules.
Best use case: Merchants selling to repeat business buyers across borders, or those needing longer net terms.
Key Comparison Table
Final Verdict: Which One Works for Merchant BNPL?
Whichever platform you choose, chargebacks are still a risk, especially when business buyers use personal cards or misunderstand terms. A failed payment plan can become a chargeback, and if you don’t respond fast enough, you lose the money and the product. However, here’s a quick rundown of which platform would work best for which scenario.
- Choose Affirm if you deal with large, one-time orders and need longer financing options.
- Choose Afterpay if you're selling lower-cost inventory and want quick checkouts.
- Choose Klarna if you need invoice-style net terms, cross-border support, and more advanced workflows.
If your merchant operation leans into repeat customers, variable invoice values, or international buyers, Klarna will give you the most breathing room. Affirm works if your biggest problem is financing big onboarding packages or one-off high-ticket transactions. Afterpay fits best when you’re closer to retail or micro-ticket reselling.
FAQ: Affirm vs Afterpay vs Klarna for Merchants
How do fees compare between Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna?
Affirm and Klarna tend to charge a percentage of each transaction plus a fixed fee, often between 3–6%. Afterpay charges around 4–6%, depending on your volume. Klarna’s fee structure varies more depending on your region and agreement.
Can merchants use these services for actual B2B invoicing?
Not directly. None of these were built specifically for traditional B2B invoicing, but Klarna comes closest by offering invoicing features and longer payment terms that mimic business workflows.
Are there credit checks for buyers?
Yes. Affirm and Klarna both run soft or hard credit checks, depending on the product selected. Afterpay generally avoids hard credit checks but may use behavioral data and soft pulls.
Which service integrates best with backend ERP or accounting tools?
Klarna offers more flexible integration capabilities and invoicing tools, though it may require developer setup. Affirm and Afterpay are better suited for standard eCommerce platform integration.
Can I use these BNPL tools internationally?
Klarna is your best option if you operate outside of the U.S. It supports dozens of countries and local payment methods. Affirm is mostly limited to North America. Afterpay is popular in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.
Don't Let BNPL Turn Into a Chargeback Headache
If you're adding Affirm, Afterpay, or Klarna to your checkout flow, you’re not just offering convenience; you’re also opening the door to disputes. That’s why merchants using BNPL need chargeback defense that works on autopilot.
Chargeblast gives you real-time alerts, intelligent response templates, and automation that plugs right into your BNPL stack. Whether it’s a buyer ghosting on their fourth installment or a dispute triggered by delayed delivery, we help you stay in control. Let us help you prevent the payment plan from becoming a loss.
Need help with BNPL chargebacks? Let’s talk.
