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Experts warn against ‘eat now pay later’ as Deliveroo and Klarna team up
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Emma LunnTakeaway delivery service Deliveroo has added the buy now pay later (BNPL) to its payment options – meaning Brits could rack up debts just buying a takeaway.
Deliveroo payment options via Klarna now include ‘Pay Now, to pay the full amount immediately’, ‘Pay in 30, to pay the full amount within 30 days’ and ‘Pay in 3, to pay in three equal instalments over 60 days, with a minimum spend of £30’.
Klarna doesn’t charge interest, or late fees for delayed payments. However, the BNPL scheme has been regularly criticised by financial experts for luring people into debt.
Since June, missed Klarna payments have shown on credit reports. This means paying for Deliveroo with Klarna potentially means people could damage their credit rating by buying a takeaway.
Consumer champions warn against BNPL
Citizens Advice warned about the dangers of BNPL schemes in the run up to last Christmas, while Which? has called for stronger protections for BNPL borrowers.
Klarna said the new payment options would give Deliveroo customers “maximum choice, control and flexibility in how they pay”.
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David Sykes, Klarna chief commercial officer, said: “Deliveroo provides a great service to households, and that’s why we’re excited to offer our alternative payment options to Deliveroo customers. We believe you should only pay for what you buy with no interest or fees, and it’s never been more important for consumers to have access to payment options which help them stay in control of their finances.”
However, experts warned consumers about getting into debt just to buy a takeaway.
Tara Flynn from Choosewisely.co.uk, said: “If you’re considering buying your takeaway now and paying for it later…don’t. Getting yourself into debt over a meal that’s gone in 15 minutes isn’t worth it.
“Having fast food delivered should be considered a treat for now and again, and if you can’t afford to do it, you shouldn’t. I think it’s irresponsible for Deliveroo to offer this as an option, and need to seriously reconsider this move ASAP.”