Oct. 31 at 7:29 PM
$KLAR How Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services Like Klarna Help Furloughed Workers
In response to this crisis, many furloughed workers are turning to BNPL platforms—such as Klarna (
$KLAR), Afterpay, and Affirm—to bridge cash flow gaps. These services let users split purchases into interest-free installments (typically over 4–6 weeks), making them a lifeline for non-essential and essential spending without upfront costs or credit checks in many cases.  Here’s how they benefit affected workers:
• Immediate Access to Essentials: Workers can buy groceries, household items, or even pay bills through partnered retailers (e.g., using Klarna at Aldi for food or Amazon for supplies) without dipping into savings or maxing out credit cards. During past shutdowns (and echoed in 2025 reports), BNPL usage for daily needs spiked, helping families avoid food insecurity.  
• No or Low Interest: Unlike credit cards (with average APRs of 20%+), BNPL is often 0% interest if payments are made on time 
