Millions of people in the UK rely on the likes of UberEats, Just Eat and Deliveroo for a quick takeaway. When you can't be bothered to cook or you've got nothing in, takeaway apps are the perfect solution - everyone knows that.
But when you're low on cash, chances are you won't be thinking about a pricey takeaway. Food costs aside, Deliveroo may charge you a delivery fee and a service fee - and it can quickly add up. But Deliveroo users have been left dumbfounded by a new option at the checkout for those who can't afford a takeaway.
More and more people have been noticing an option to use Klarna when they reach the Deliveroo checkout. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a way of buying goods but paying for them at a later date.
Klarna does not charge interest, and there are no late fees to pay for delayed payments. But critics say BNPL can encourage shoppers to build up unaffordable debt, and that Klarna can pass arrears on to debt collectors.
@voteforhani said: "I’ve just seen that you can klarna deliveroo now… how absolutely horrific." @MelMx__ tweeted: "they. have. added. klarna. to. deliveroo. this is a terrible idea."
@tiaksidhu tweeted: "So odd. If you have to klarna a deliveroo that should be your sign to eat at home." @fayrazak joked: "Yo deliveroo really be doing up klarna payments like man out here financing 4 wings and chips."
@marcusa slammed: "Hideously wrong in so many ways. "Buy-now-pay later tool Klarna is now available on food delivery app Deliveroo, allowing customers to pay for their takeaways at a later date.""
@Furqan7861786 said: "Klarna on deliveroo?? Yh my broke a*s gonna eat good now." @LOUIGUY agreed: "Klarna on deliveroo is the answer to my cost of living prayers."
The move has also been criticised by money expert Martin Lewis who tweeted about the decision.
Deliveroo customers will now see Klarna as an additional payment option when they go to pay for their food. They will be presented with three options:
- Pay Now, to pay the full amount immediately;
- Pay in 30, to pay the full amount within 30 days
- Pay in 3, to pay in three equal installments over 60 days, with a minimum spend of £30
Consumer rights expert and Mirror columnist Martyn James said: "It's extraordinarily irresponsible to be encouraging people to take out credit for takeaways.
"Failure to repay a credit deal can have a huge impact on your finances if the debt collectors are summoned - and people should not be encouraged to borrow for essentials like food that can be obtained much cheaper by visiting a shop."
Klarna said fewer than 1% of its users' payments are missed.
A Klarna spokesperson said: "People have been paying for food deliveries with credit cards and overdrafts for decades but they've been stung by rip-off fees and extortionate interest so it’s time consumers had the choice of a healthier alternative where they only ever pay the original cost of the purchase.”
A Deliveroo spokesperson said: “Deliveroo offers choice to our customers, from neighbourhood eateries and your weekday lunch to a Saturday night celebration. Millions of people are already choosing Klarna and we’re giving customers more choice and more flexibility with a safe, secure way to pay online.”
