Apple Pay Adds Affirm and Klarna for In-Store Purchases

Affirm and Klarna Expand Apple Pay Later for In-Store Purchases Nationwide.Affirm and Klarna have integrated their pay-later services directly into in-store Apple Pay. This move allows millions of shoppers to finance purchases immediately at checkout. The feature became available on Monday, September 15th, across the United States and the United Kingdom.Approved users can now split their in-person purchases into manageable installments. This expansion follows the existing availability of these options for online Apple Pay transactions. According to Reuters, this partnership signals a major push into physical retail for the buy-now-pay-later sector.

How the New In-Store Payment Option Works for Shoppers

Using the service requires an iPhone with iOS 26. Shoppers open their Wallet app and select their preferred pay-later provider. They then choose Affirm or Klarna as their payment card before tapping to pay.Affirm offers biweekly or monthly plans with APRs ranging from 0% to 36%. Klarna provides its popular “Pay in 4” interest-free installments in the U.S. Shoppers in the UK can use Klarna’s “Pay in 3” plan. This flexibility aims to cater to a wide range of purchasing needs and budgets.

Strategic Shift in the Consumer Finance Landscape

This rollout represents a significant strategic shift. It effectively replaces Apple’s own short-lived Apple Pay Later service. The company has now pivoted to partnering with established third-party providers.The impact on retail spending could be substantial. Making financing easier at physical checkouts may encourage higher consumer spending. It also brings the digital convenience of flexible payments into the everyday brick-and-mortar shopping experience.

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The integration of Affirm and Klarna into in-store Apple Pay marks a new chapter for retail finance. This move makes flexible payment options more accessible than ever before. Consumers now have more power to manage their spending directly from their iPhone.

Info at your fingertips

What do I need to use Affirm or Klarna in stores?

You need an iPhone updated to iOS 26. You must also have an approved account with either Affirm or Klarna set up within your Apple Wallet.

Are there any interest fees with these plans?

Klarna’s “Pay in 4” option is interest-free. Affirm offers some 0% APR plans, but others may carry interest up to 36% APR, depending on your credit.

Where can I use this payment method?

You can use it at any retail location that already accepts contactless Apple Pay payments. This includes most major stores and chains.

Why did Apple discontinue its own Pay Later service?

Apple shifted its strategy to focus on partnerships with existing financial firms. This allows them to offer a wider variety of payment options through established platforms.