Is Klarna Safe? Security Review
3/5
Overall Safety Score
★
★
★
★
★
Verdict: Klarna is a licensed bank with solid security infrastructure. However, like all BNPL services, it collects extensive shopping and financial data. Use it mindfully.
Klarna is a Swedish fintech company and licensed bank offering buy now, pay later services, direct payments, and post-purchase financing. It operates in over 45 countries with 150 million active users.
Security Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | 4/5 | |
| Privacy | 3/5 | |
| Track Record | 3/5 |
Security Features
- Licensed banking institution (Swedish FSA)
- PCI-DSS Level 1 compliance
- Two-factor authentication
- Biometric app login
- Buyer protection for purchases
- One-time virtual cards for online shopping
Privacy Concerns
- Extensive purchase tracking and shopping behavior data
- AI-driven personalization using transaction data
- Data shared with merchant partners for marketing
- In-app browser tracks shopping activity
Past Security Incidents
- In May 2021, a major app glitch allowed users to see other customers' personal information including names, addresses, and partial bank details
- The incident affected users in multiple countries before being resolved within hours
How to Stay Safe Using Klarna
- Use Klarna's one-time virtual cards instead of sharing real card data
- Enable biometric authentication
- Avoid using Klarna's in-app browser for general browsing
- Review and limit data sharing in privacy settings
Safer Alternatives
- Affirm (transparent interest rates)
- Afterpay (no interest BNPL)
- Credit card with 0% intro APR
Last updated: February 10, 2026