Deferred Payment on Shopify: Klarna, Sezzle, Affirm and the Best Solutions for Your Customers

Offering flexible payments has become essential for any Shopify store that wants to increase conversions, reduce cart abandonment, and meet the expectations of modern consumers. With solutions like Klarna, Sezzle, or Affirm, your shoppers can shop online and pay in installments, interest-free.

In this article, we explore the main deferred payment solutions compatible with Shopify, their features, advantages, disadvantages and how to effectively integrate them into your online store in Canada.

Klarna

Klarna is a flexible payment platform that allows your customers to pay for their purchases immediately, in 30 days, or in four installments. The user chooses their preferred payment method at checkout, making the process simple and reassuring. Klarna works with all major credit cards and provides customer support if any issues arise. The experience is seamless from start to finish, whether it's confirming a purchase or receiving their order quickly, without putting pressure on their budget.

 

Benefits of Klarna

• Deferred payment or in 4 interest-free installments

• Smooth and intuitive interface

• Strong awareness among young adults

• Support for customer service and refund management

Disadvantages of Klarna

• Only available in certain countries, including Canada

• May incur higher fees than Shopify Payments

• Does not work with all debit or credit cards
  

Sezzle

Sezzle offers an installment payment solution that's ideal for smaller purchases. When purchasing, customers choose to split the amount owed into four installments spread over several weeks, while receiving their package promptly. Approval is fast and the app is user-friendly, encouraging visitors to complete their order. Sezzle works with most credit cards, and the company handles the entire after-sales relationship, freeing you from transaction tracking.

Benefits of Sezzle

• Immediate payment for the merchant

• Good solution for medium value orders

• Ideal for fashion, accessories and lifestyle stores

• Compatible with Shopify via a dedicated app

Disadvantages of Sezzle

• Less well known internationally than Klarna or Afterpay

• Registration process sometimes longer for merchants

• Does not cover all types of businesses

Affirm (formerly PayBright)

Affirm , which has integrated PayBright, is designed to support higher-value purchases by offering customizable monthly payments. Customers can select a payment plan that fits their budget, with or without additional fees. The tool always clearly displays the total cost of the upcoming payment. Affirm is a good solution for businesses offering more expensive products like electronics, furniture, or long-term subscriptions, while ensuring fast order fulfillment.

Benefits of Affirm

• Perfect for large amounts like electronics or furniture

• Possibility of reduced fees depending on the period chosen

• Easy integration via the official Shopify app

• Strong credibility with an adult clientele

Disadvantages of Affirm

• Plans with fees may be less attractive

• Requires credit approval for some customers

• Less relevant for small items

Shop Pay Installations

Shop Pay Installments , natively integrated into Shopify , allows customers to pay for their purchases in installments, without leaving the checkout process. Upon validation of the cart, the user can choose between immediate payment or an installment plan, whichever suits them best. Everything is done directly in the Shop Pay environment, with complete transparency on the amount to be paid at each step. Compatible with credit and debit cards, this solution facilitates the transition to purchase while ensuring fast shipping. It is particularly suitable for merchants who want to offer a financing alternative without complicating their technical configuration.

Benefits of Shop Pay Installments

• Direct integration with Shopify Payments

• No external redirects, ultra-smooth process

• Security and data protection provided by Shopify

• Ideal for improving the user experience on mobile

Disadvantages of Shop Pay Installments

• Not currently available in Canada

• Limited to merchants using Shopify Payments only

• Not very customizable in terms of payment conditions

Afterpay (Clearpay)

Afterpay (known as Clearpay in Europe) allows consumers to spread the cost of an order over four automatic, fee-free payments, while enjoying instant delivery. This method is often chosen in sectors where impulse purchases are common, such as fashion or accessories. The experience is mobile-first thanks to its popular app, and customers can easily see what they'll have to pay at each stage. You receive the full amount upon ordering, without having to manage payment deadlines.

Benefits of Afterpay

• User-friendly and fast interface

• Possible joint marketing campaigns (Afterpay Day)

• Good coverage in North America and Australia

• Supports most payment methods

Disadvantages of Afterpay

• Less suitable for recurring orders or subscriptions

• Less customizable than Klarna

• May incur high fees depending on your volume

In summary: comparison table

FAQ – Deferred Payment on Shopify

Which solution should you choose for purchases between $100 and $300?

Sezzle or Klarna are excellent choices thanks to their 4-installment payment options with no fees and fast approval times.

Can I use multiple solutions at the same time?

Yes, many merchants combine Shopify Payments with Klarna or Sezzle to offer more options to their customers.

Do these services accept debit payment methods?

It depends on the solution: Affirm accepts debit and credit, Klarna mainly accepts credit cards

How do I integrate these apps into my store?

You can install them directly from your Shopify store or in the App Store by searching for the name of the solution (e.g. “Sezzle”, “Klarna”, etc.)

Are there any fees for the merchant?

Yes, each provider has its own per-transaction fee policies. Typically, they are higher than a typical Shopify Payments payment.

Optimize your conversion rate with the right payment partner

Installing one or more deferred payment options on your Shopify store can truly transform your customer experience. These solutions aren't just for eCommerce giants. They're accessible, easy to integrate, and boost sales from the very first few weeks.

Need help choosing or integrating the right solution into your Shopify store?

Contact us and we will guide you from strategic choice to technical implementation.