As economic uncertainty persists, the popularity of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services like Klarna and Affirm is surging, with consumers increasingly using these options for everyday purchases such as groceries and takeout. Partnerships with major brands are expanding the reach of these services, while critics warn of potential risks associated with consumer debt and delayed payments. Overall, this trend reflects a growing reliance on BNPL amid rising costs and inflation.

Klarna and Affirm, two leading players in the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) sector, are preparing for potential initial public offerings (IPOs) as they navigate a competitive landscape influenced by major financial institutions like Visa and Mastercard. The growth of BNPL services has raised regulatory scrutiny, prompting these companies to adapt their business models to ensure sustainability and compliance in the evolving market.